5th March 2007, 2:23 AM
Quote:-We need to stop looking like the enemy to the Islamic world! Even Indonesia is seeing a growth of radical Islam these days, and a large part of that is because America is seen as anti-Islamic; if we change that perception and act sincerely towards fostering an understanding between moderate Islamic states and the US, we can definitely help the situation. (This will never, ever happen with this administration in office, though, that's for sure...)
On the other hand, we do need to recognize the dangers -- the way Islamic states treat women is horrible, and the way that they get deluded (or convinced) into believing that something bad for them is good for them... I approved of France's move last year (or the year before?) to ban headscarves from public schools. That is one of the most obvious symbols even here of that oppression... perhaps it is seen by Muslims as only a sign of modesty, but it is more than that. It is a symbol of old ways of thinking that should change; that's part of why when Ataturk founded Turkey he banned headscarves and turbans, I think (to struggle against Islamic religious rule in government; the two are kept separate).
Oh yes, and as an aside, if you look at the actual opinions of the general populations, Iran is probably a lot more pro-American than any of the Arab nations... the governments are different, but governments and popu
lations often have different messages. Military action by us there would destroy this and unite them behind their leaders, as it would for almost any nation when under attack.
... erm... I think this was a failed attempt at a post... oh well, I'm not rewriting it now into something that actually makes sense.
Radical groups within the religion would hope to scare non Muslims into starting a conflict, Look at India when they bomb Hindu's the terrorist hope to cause violent backlash that would be followed by Muslim uprising in response its intentional stirrings by folks like Osama bin laden, Hezbollah is regional and centered around attacking Israel and Jews being Shite they are not in good terms with Al Qeada infact their leader Nasrallah had a Assassination attempt done on him by Osama bin Laden associates in 2000 in the hopes of planting one of their own in the group .
During the Summer Israeli Lebanon event I find myself pissed off at the number Lebanese in my own country shouting support for Hezbollah waving their flags and symbols, Some violent clashes with Israeli supporters.
Their is a high amount of anti anti semitism amongst Arabs and Muslims regardless of your view on Israel the kind of toleration of bigotry among them I find concerning, It goes against our upbringing , Fine Israel can and should be criticized but they do goes to a hole other level beyond that, Sure there is peace makers among both sides just to be fare ,but I can count more Muslims then I have fingers that tried to convince me Jews were scum in fact more then even white Aryan anti semites , Which I find sad.
The headscarf hijab thing I could adjust too most people general come to tolerate it , but those that insist on waring the full black veil were all you have is slits for eye holes, I have witnessed it in public felt very disturbed and intimidated by it, Its practically a black colored KKK cloak dress for women the Najab they call it, They admit its not necessary even under their law but some countries make it so, Its the covering the face that is what we find difficult to deal with.
Your right about changing the image and impression of the U.S being anti Islamic , Something even all the western countries whose citizens bash America never pick up on that includes mine, Muslims in the Islamic world make no distinctions between the U.S and Europe to them their all the same, Its case on the battlefield in Afghanistan all those taliban and anti coalition fighters always "state" we will drive the Americans out not the Coalition forces , When told that most coalition troops are not American their from Europe ,Canada,Australia they respond saying "all the same to us"! . Pretty much like it or not America's image effects all of us we cannot continue to have the illusion that we can separate ourselves from the U.S.
The rise of Radicalism in Indonesia for instance, I think had allot too do with the danish cartoons and the damn popes statements and agitators who are their to milk it.