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Mandela Backtracks on bin Laden
Friday, January 11, 2002
By Michael Belling
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

“It is an act of terror when planes are crashed into buildings, killing people who are quarreling with no one," Nelson Mandela said. “As a response to that act, when the U.S., Britain and allies launch an attack on Afghanistan and innocent people are killed, that is not terrorism. “As an individual, I cannot understand that thinking," he said.

CAPE TOWN -- JTA
South African Jewish leaders are criticizing Nelson Mandela, saying he bowed to Muslim pressure in retracting a statement he made last month supporting the American-led war in Afghanistan.

In an address in Durban's West Street Mosque, the former South African president expressed his support for the Afghan war and the hunt for Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, indicating that he agreed bin Laden was a terrorist.

Last week Mandela backtracked, even apologizing for his stance. He said it was incorrect to label bin Laden a terrorist because a court had yet to find him guilty.

Russell Gaddin, national chairman of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, said his reaction was one of “sheer disappointment. Political expediency has overtaken" Mandela's values.
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2002 © Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

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