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THE GULF WITHIN: CANADIAN ARABS, RACISM AND THE GULF WAR

Zuhair Kashmeri
Toronto, James Lorimer, 1991. 132pp, paper, $16.95
ISBN 1-55028-345-6. CIP


Grades 12 and up/Ages 17 and up

Reviewed by Lillian M. Turner

Volume 20 Number 3
1992 May


The subtitle of sets the theme of this account of hostility, discrimina­tion, and even violence toward Canadian Arabs, Muslims and Christians alike. Kashmeri says, "it was rare to see any investigative reporting [in the media] on the experiences of Canadians who were being directly affected." His research formed the basis of a CBC Radio 'Ideas" documentary aired on October 15,1991.

The victims whose experiences are related range from the corporate, professional and religious elite to housewives and children from coast to coast. The school boards in Metropolitan Toronto banned staff from organizing war-related projects, and supportive actions (yellow ribbon, etc) were not encouraged. However, instances of extreme racism towards school children are cited in ugly detail. It is hard to read of the harassment in some places by teachers, principals and classmates without their being challenged. Some interrogations of innocent people by CSIS and the RCMP are given in detail. The excuse was possible terrorism, but no evidence of such was uncovered. Kashmeri concludes that it will take a long time to heal the scars of these experiences.

The Gulf Within reveals the little-known story of Canadian Iraquis, Arabs and Muslims on the Canadian home front, and should become an essential part of any study of the Gulf War. Also recommended for any racism unit.


Lillian M. Turner, Toronto, Ont.

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