President Obama will make a speech at the University of Cairo on June 4. The topic? An attempt to convince the Muslims of the world that the West, primarily the United States, is not at war with Islam.
Former President George W. Bush tried to make that case, but failed to do so. Why did he fail? First, after the September 11 attacks, President Bush said, "...this crusade, this war on terrorism, is going to take awhile." Second, the fact that his Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, headlined his written war briefings to the President with Biblical quotations, such as, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Referring to a "crusade" and then having Bible quotes embellishing official documents kind of wrecks one's credibility concerning the non-religious aspect of the war. I suspect that history will not be kind to President George W. Bush.
The May 9 Boston Herald carried this story about President Obama's upcoming speech in Egypt:
"President Barack Obama will visit Egypt on June 4 to deliver a long-planned speech aimed at convincing Muslims worldwide that the United States isn’t at war with their faith.
Egypt is a strategic but politically risky choice for such a venue. With more than 83 million people, it’s the most populous nation in the Middle East.
However, the Egyptian government, led by 81-year-old President Hosni Mubarak, is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, corruption and human rights abuses, issues that are likely to provoke criticism of Obama’s choice to speak there, and that will require him to walk a careful line between promoting democratic values and criticizing his host.
President Bush repeatedly said after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that the United States was not at war with Islam, only terrorists, a message since repeated by Obama.
Obama’s speech is expected to be delivered in Cairo, historically an Arabic center of intellectual thought in the Muslim world, but the location hasn’t been finalized, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Gibbs called Egypt “a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world” and said the speech won’t be aimed at Muslim leaders so much as it will be at the populace.
It represents “a continuing effort by this president and this White House to demonstrate how we can work together to ensure the safety and security and the future well-being through hope and opportunity of the children of this country and of the Muslim world,” he said.
The State Department’s most recent human rights report said that Mubarak’s regime routinely abuses human and political rights, employing torture, detaining hundreds of people without charges or trial, including political opponents, restricting freedom of speech and the press, and rigging elections.
Gibbs acknowledged that “the issues of democracy and human rights . . . are on the president’s mind,” and said “we’ll have a chance to discuss those in more depth on the trip.”
After Egypt, Obama will travel to Germany for a June 5 visit to Dresden and the Buchenwald concentration camp, which a great uncle of his helped to liberate, then on to France on June 6 for the 65th anniversary of D-Day."
I am simultaneously concerned for President Obama's safety, and optimistic that his trip will, at a minimum, plant the seeds of understanding in the minds of Middle Eastern citizens who happen to be of the Islamic faith.
As always, I look for areas of common interest. If his speech goes as planned at the University of Cairo, I can see President Obama reaching out to the students there with some shared concerns that he had, both as a student in the United States, and as a teacher at the University of Chicago. Perhaps a brief comment that students around the world represent this world's future; or a comment in favor of students studying overseas in order to help gain a global perspective on issues. He would then direct his comments to the wider audience.
The shape of the world will be molded, in large part, by how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are resolved. Peaceful and just conclusions will introduce stability and hope for generations to come.
I wish the President a safe and successful trip, and thank him in advance.
Friday, May 29, 2009
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3 comments:
The United States may not be at war with Islam, but at times it would appear that some folks use Islam as a cause and a weapon against the United States.
Look at how quickly the Taliban using Islam have retaken some of the areas in Afghanistan. Women continue to be forced to wear burkas, women are not allowed to go to school.
As quickly as schools are built, if they are not run by the Taliban they are burned down or blown up.
This is also occurring in some areas of Iraq and most notably in northern Pakistan.
The Koran is the book of law and that is the only book needed for learning according to those with Taliban/Islam tendencies.
I think the USA and whoever is left of the coalition partners are in a hold back situation. The U.S. troops are trying to hold back the Taliban in one area, and the Taliban gain strength and continue on in other areas.
Remember, they indoctrinate the children in these beliefs, and the recruitment never ends.
Just like street gangs in U.S. cities. Start them young, and you will always have a new supply of members. No one wants to be the one left out.
Thank you for your excellent analysis.
Why are people listening to such hatred from the Taliban? The only reason I can think of is that the Taliban must offer a better way of life, as hard as that is for us to believe. You would think that the U.S., as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, et cetera could offer better alternatives and be more persuasive than has been the Taliban.
Your suggestion to watch "60 Minutes" this week was timely. The thought of a de-stabilized Pakistani government with over 100 nukes falling into the hands of the Taliban is not an option I'd like to see.
HEY WHERE IS THAT POSER BFOXY!!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
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