By
August 26, 2021
-Western Standard
Muslims in the country are amongst the group of Canadians shaking their heads after Women’s Minister Maryam Monsef referred to the barbarous Taliban as “our brothers.”
Monsef made the comment Monday as four cabinet ministers were updating the situation on the ground in Afghanistan where the Taliban have retaken to the country, days after the Americans announced they were pulling out.
Monsef appeared to be speaking from prepared notes.
“I want to take this opportunity to speak to our brothers, the Taliban. We call on you to ensure the safe and secure passage of any individual in Afghanistan out of the country,” she said.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims questioned the reference.
“There is a huge diversity of perspective within the Muslim community as to who are our brothers and sisters,” said CEO Mustafa Farooq to Blacklock’s Reporter.
Farooq said while some Muslims referred to co-religionists as “brothers and sisters in humanity,” the Taliban reference was unwelcome.
“There are a lot of Muslims who are aghast with the Minister’s remarks,” he said.
“I think it is fair for people to critique how the Minister talked about the Taliban,” said Farooq.
“Canadians can draw their own conclusion as to whether this was a good idea.”
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he didn’t want to play politics with the controversial comment, but added the Trudeau government had been warned this could happen.
Tory leader Erin O’Toole called the comment “unacceptable” while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to condemn them.
