Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher, who is currently on a tour around the US, has used a Canadian passport to enter the US in the fear of facing racial hostility and criticism at the John F. Kennedy airport, the London based daily Al Qusa Al Arabi reported. Kathem had received his visa to enter the US from the American embassy in Morocco and had decided to use his Canadian passport to move more freely around the US.
Kathem had feared to reveal his Arab identity by using his Iraqi passport at a time when the US is heading for war against Iraq. He was sure he would face many problems and possibly attacked by those who hold prejudice against all Arabs and especially Iraqis. Sources close to Kathem revealed that if it weren’t for the Canadian passport, the singer would have never been able to land on American soil. While in the US, Kathem was able to meet UN General Secretary Kofi Anan and had personally requested that the UN take into consideration the suffering of the Iraqi children if war breaks out.
El Saher was attacked with negative criticism from fans and colleagues in the Arab world and the music industry for going on a tour to the US. The criticism came due to the fact that the singer should not have traveled to sing in the country that is gearing for a war against his country and people, especially after neglecting to hold any performances in Iraq in such a long time.
Musician Khaled Fuad expressed his disappointment with Kathem saying that the timing of his tour is very inappropriate and added that the singer should have taken into consideration peoples feelings and views towards the US and not neglect all the suffering that will arise because of the US.
Writer Salah El Din also expressed his regret regarding Kathem’s tour saying that instead of standing by his own people’s side, he is putting all his efforts and energy in making performances on the enemy’s soil and people. Salah added that Kathem’s excuse that he went in order to sing for the Arabs in the US and to show solidarity with them is unacceptable and is bound to back fire on the singer in the long-run.
Artist Majdi Wanas forcefully attack the singer and called all his fans to stop listening to him saying he committed a crime against his land and people for a very cheap price. Majdi added that Kathem cannot fool anyone with any comeback saying that even if the proceeds of his concerts went to the children of Iraq what use is it. He added that the mask Kathem had on finally revealed his true and selfish nature.
The singer will remain in the US to complete his tour despite all the criticism he is receiving. It was revealed that a number of close contacts to Kathem had tried endlessly to convince him not to go on the US tour saying it will be rise to a number of controversial issues among people, but the singer refused to go back on his decision. A number of other singers and composers expressed their anger and disappointment towards the singer saying that any singer who sets foot in the US is considered a traitor to the Arab world and is not worthy of being part of it. –Albawaba.com
