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In contrast to its criticism of jihad as propounded by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, the United States does not see any problems in this concept in the manner projected by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.
State department spokesman Richard Boucher referred to the US approach towards jihad at a news conference, when asked why it criticised Arafat's type of jihad, while it embraced jihad when Musharraf expounded it.
Boucher said, "Arafat is ambiguous about what he means by jihad, but noted Musharraf's speech on January 12 in which jihad for him meant pursuit of social development and achievement for his society."
"And that," Boucher said, "is something we agree with. We support. We are trying to support President Musharraf doing it."
He said, "Arafat's remarks over the weekend leave ambiguity there as to what he was talking about, and we think actually it is time for clear words and resolute action."
Boucher ducked a question about Musharraf being held by the state department as an example of what a Muslim leader should be doing or saying even though he was still a military ruler.
"We have been quite clear what we though of the speech and the direction that President Musharraf has taken, and I am not going to apologise for that," he added.
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