American muslim group criticizes US bombing of Iraq

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic advocacy group, today has criticized the bombing of Iraq by U.S. and British forces.

"This kind of action does not serve the cause of peace and stability in the region," said CAIR, adding "a new administration should have a new vision for foreign policy to replace one that is outdated and ineffective."

"Sledge-hammer reactions, coming as they do at a time when Iraqi children are dying of malnutrition and disease caused by economic sanctions, will further damage America's reputation and credibility in the Muslim and Arab worlds," it said.

"American Muslims stand ready to play a constructive role in formulating a new Middle Eastern policy that is based on one standard of justice," the group underlined

There are an estimated six million Muslims in this country and some 1.2 billion worldwide.

China also condemned the U.S. and British warplanes' strikes against Iraq and expressed deep regret over casualties of Iraqi civilians.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao made the remark in response to a request for comments on the U.S. and British warplanes' air raids on the evening of February 16 on targets south of Baghdad, causing casualties of civilians.

Zhu said, "We condemn the air attacks launched by the United States and Britain against Iraq, and express deep regret over the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians resulting from the action."

He said China has always maintained that Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence should be respected.

The U.S. and British warplanes' bombing in Iraq will harm the international community's efforts to solve the issue of Iraq, he said.

The spokesman called on the United States and Britain to stop their military actions in Iraq immediately so as to create a favorable atmosphere for the upcoming dialog between Iraq and the U.N. Secretary-General.