General Chat

Here's an excerpt from a story in this mornings Mail on Sunday. What do you think?

The international symbol of the Red Cross, which has been emblazoned on ambulances and stretchers across the world for more than 140 years, could soon vanish - because it has lost its historic power to protect workers in trouble spots. The Red Cross logo has inflamed Muslim sensibilities by invoking memories of the Christian Crusades, even though partner Red Crescent organisations were established in Muslim countries as fat back as the 1870’s. Now officials at the International Committee for the Red Cross have been holding secret talks at their HQ in Geneva to discuss an alternative to the traditional emblem. One suggestion is to depict a red diamond on a white background, a symbol with no religious connotations and still easily recognisable in battle. A source in Geneva said “The issue has been rumbling on behind the scenes for a while but the situation in Iraq and the scale of the operation in Muslim countries after the tsunami has given it added impetus. In many countries the symbol has become more of a hindrance than a help.” The symbol was devised by Henry Dunant when he founded the ICRC in Switzerland in 1863. It was a reversal of the colours of his national flag and was not intended to carry any religious significance.

Hi, I think it's sad but they have to try to ensure the safety of their workers. Gwynne

It would seem that no matter where you are in this world ,if you ar'nt muslim you inflame their sensibilities,if the rest of the free world were to complain about the red crescent[recently missing i note] they would no doubt be upset about that. Allah preaches that every man is a brother ,and that ,as with christianity ,includes everyone.Fred.ptfg&g&w

I just find it terrible that anyone can attack an organisation that is there to help and care for people regardless of their race or religion. I don't think changing the symbol on a flag is going to make a difference. Morning Vasumati Are you new? Not seen you before. Welcome Jeanette x

Vasumati I don't always make it to the brekky club depending on what I'm doing. Been watching England v South Africa (cricket) this morning and forgot about my stomach! lol Jeanette x

PC gone mad. Very sad that an internationally recognised and respected operation has to bow to this pressure. However, as Gwynne says, if it protects their workers then perhaps it's the only option. Daisy

This goes in the same catagory as the Nativity. It seems anything to do with Christianity is 'wrong'. The red cross is the same symbol is'nt it? As somebody said on here yesterday the Muslims are taking over. Jo.

Hi Jo I don't necessarily think it's a case of the Muslims taking over. I think if you actually asked most Muslims about these things they would say the same as us. It's just the world is now full of interfering 'woolly jumpers' and do gooders who think they are doing right and making it fair for other religions, when in fact all they are doing is causing racial tension Jeanette x

F. Hopefully the idea of the red diamond is to cover both Red Cross and Red Crescent, otherwise the whole suggestion is not only absurd but insulting and discriminatory. Let's hope common sense and respect prevails. Daisy

Morning Jeanette, Personally l don't think it matters which emblem is carried, the fanatics won't give a damn they'll just carry on with their hatred of all non muslims, l know the majority of muslims are peaceloving people so l'm not offending them but the fanatics are a different kettle of fish. As per usual l'm not very good at explaining myself but if l don't try l'll never succeed. Anne

As the emblem is just a symbol. Why not adopt the red crescent? Bob

Interesting idea Bob. Sadly, I think that would just inflame the situation. I would love to think that the most important thing is that they continue to do the work they do regardless of the banner they do it under, but I'm too cynical these days. Daisy

Memories of the Christian Crusades What? I seriously doubt any of the people making these claims are old enough to remember the crusades. I don't think this rediculous idea of changing the symbol will get off the ground as people will see it as for what it is, the petty minority affecting the majority.

When we were on holiday in Spain last year we went through a small town which had flags displaying the cross and the crescent side by side to support and encourage mutual respect and understanding. Daisy (ever the optimist!)

I am sure it would be imposible for the west to adopt the cresent. I only put foward the idea to ilustrate that the symbol itself is basicaly irelevent to the west. It is the muslim activitist that have a problem, not the muslim world in general. I know that the minority should not dictate to the majority but if in this case a safer environment for the workers on both sides can be acheived then the symbol on the flag is irelevent. It is the ascions that count. Unfortunatly I can not see the Red Cross and the Red Crescent being able to work under that same banner. Nor can I see the western charity organisations being welcomed in certain parts of the world, especially if the USA is seen to be involved. Bob

Has anyone else about the muslim activists wanting the swastica back, or is it just a rumour? Anne