I would like to comment regarding Arbibi Ashoy's letter entitled "Of the 'Great Satan' and good-for-nothing Muslim leaders" (Nov 7).

I am disappointed by the answers that were suggested in response to TFP's poser. I would expect a more balanced and analytical answer to TFP's questions rather than propaganda.

It is true that America is not the most perfect of nations. Insisting on pursuing its own interests overseas without proper consideration of another sovereign nation's values/cultures is, unfortunately, apparent in most foreign policies implemented by the US. However, it is very wrong to condemn - or to agree with the notion - that America is the 'Great Satan'. Must the writer be reminded that America, too, is made up of almost 300 million people from different cultures and religions that uphold universal moral values as taught by the world's major religions?

So, what is wrong with the picture? Policies implemented by US leaders that pursue their own political and economic self interests are the culprits. These policies bear no regard to any religion. They do not reflect any religious values but materialistic ones.

To right the wrongs that any nation or group has done cannot be made in the name of any religion. Osama bin Laden's call to Muslims worldwide to end America's presence in the Middle East by means of terror in the name of Islam should be ignored. It is blasphemy in the highest order to unjustly slay another man in God's holy name.

To Muslims caught in this dilemma, pray for peace instead. Don't be caught up with Osama's fundamentalist rhetoric for he isn't a prophet of God. Islam teaches its followers love, forgiveness and peace, not war and slaughter of innocent lives.

If anyone wishes to retaliate against America's foreign policies, do it for other reasons instead of hijacking God's name. I, for one, will not risk hell fire for this blasphemy against God.