Never in the past have I seen so much focus by any of the US presidents on strengthening relations with the Muslim World. Speech to the Muslim World in Cairo can very well mark a new beginning of peaceful relations between America and Muslim nations around the world.
I being a Pakistani could relate to the address by President Obama due to the current situation in Pakistan. The internal instability in Pakistan can break apart a nation which has the potential of being amongst the progressive countries of the world. I feel it is due to the pressure by the US that our government has risen up to the challenge of confronting and eradicating extremists from the country.
The strategy laid out by President Obama of helping Pakistan in war against extremism, closing down Guantanamo Bay, retrieving troops from Iraq and initiating peace talks between Israel and Palestine if implemented in the true spirit will surely help improve the image of US in the Muslim world.
If only all this could translate into action, we can all hope to have a positive image of US as an ally and not an enemy.
One example I can quote is that we are grateful to US for extending financial aid to Pakistan to help build schools and hospitals and uplift its infrastructure. We as Pakistanis do not have much faith in our government, time and again we have witnessed that all financial support extended by the world to help Pakistan come out of crisis has not been utilized. I would urge US to develop strict measures for the utilization of the aid being extended to us. So that we as Pakistanis can one day stand up and say that US is a friend and has helped us come out of tough times and this can only happen when we see results. Because as of now, we have no doubt in our hearts that US will not extend the financial aid that has been promised, but we are skeptical of this aid not being utilized for the progress of Pakistan and instead being held up by a few higher ups in the government.
Such efforts of bridging the gap between the west and the Muslim world will be a big step towards mending the ill sentiments currently prevailing; however the execution needs to be more carefully planned.
1. For example, there were a number of concerns about choosing Egypt as the setting for President Obama’s historic speech. President Obama is pro democracy, yet by choosing Cairo as the backdrop of his speech President Obama has in effect rewarded Egypt’s president for life, Hosni Mubarak, for his bloody, anti-democratic, and dictatorial rule.
Another reason for the concern is that the Muslim world puts more blame on Egypt for the Gaza tragedy than Israel for lack of support by a “so-called” Muslim nation by shutting down the Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt and watching callously as Palestinians starved on their doorstep.
Egypt is seen as a strategic ally of the U.S., not to mention the second-largest recipient of American aid, which is why in my opinion the speech should have been carried out in a country with a populous Muslim nation that is moderate, progressive and successfully democratic.
2. It is often perceived by the Muslims that America works only for self interest disregarding the sufferings of other nations. For instance, in the speech President Obama got the listeners emotionally attached at the mention of the loss of innocent lives of Americans due to 9/11 and how devastating it was for America and that US cares for the lives of its soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where as the mention of Iraq however did not appear as heartfelt. It was casually handled by saying that Iraq is in a better position today that it was under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Muslims around the world have emotional sentiments attached to the sufferings their brother and sisters have gone through in Iraq and Afghanistan and expect US to show the same compassion for people of their nation.
Similarly sentiments of hatred amongst the masses in Pakistan for US are due to the drone attacks in the Northern areas where more innocent people have died than the actual enemy.
Therefore I strongly believe that moving forth and sorting out issues before they get out of proportion is the smart thing to do. The key is to evaluate the concern from both sides and reaching a solution that is in the interest of all parties involved.
Another reason for the concern is that the Muslim world puts more blame on Egypt for the Gaza tragedy than Israel for lack of support by a “so-called” Muslim nation by shutting down the Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt and watching callously as Palestinians starved on their doorstep.
Egypt is seen as a strategic ally of the U.S., not to mention the second-largest recipient of American aid, which is why in my opinion the speech should have been carried out in a country with a populous Muslim nation that is moderate, progressive and successfully democratic.
2. It is often perceived by the Muslims that America works only for self interest disregarding the sufferings of other nations. For instance, in the speech President Obama got the listeners emotionally attached at the mention of the loss of innocent lives of Americans due to 9/11 and how devastating it was for America and that US cares for the lives of its soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where as the mention of Iraq however did not appear as heartfelt. It was casually handled by saying that Iraq is in a better position today that it was under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Muslims around the world have emotional sentiments attached to the sufferings their brother and sisters have gone through in Iraq and Afghanistan and expect US to show the same compassion for people of their nation.
Similarly sentiments of hatred amongst the masses in Pakistan for US are due to the drone attacks in the Northern areas where more innocent people have died than the actual enemy.
Therefore I strongly believe that moving forth and sorting out issues before they get out of proportion is the smart thing to do. The key is to evaluate the concern from both sides and reaching a solution that is in the interest of all parties involved.
Overall I think President Obama’s address to the Muslim world with a lot of emphasis on Pakistan should be seen as an opportunity by Pakistan and the Muslim world as a whole. Pakistan in collaboration with US can tap onto its abundant resources and walk on the path of success. But we will need to act quickly, as the world is moving at a very fast pace and if we want to catch up, we better get our act straight now. Besides, “What have we got to lose?” so its better we make the most of the opportunities at hand.
Well hon if you look at the past history of US relations with Pakistan, they've never been antagonistic, since US has always been very keen at "prividing financial aid/support" to the nations who are in debt or suffering from economical or political crisis, which is bascially a superficial way of looking at it... Rather than realizing from our past mistakes that US has always provided support to the nations it has later destroyed or taken advantage of in one way or another and being in debted to the US for a million more yrs to go isn't exactly the way forward to being a progressive or successful nation. It is our corrupt government and leaders who have put this nation into this position of begging for money to support its own people which doesnt even go to the people, whereas believe me God gave this country enough resources, talent, courage and unity in faith and strength that we could stand on our own feet and not beg US for "aid".
ReplyDeleteBtw, your becoming a very good writer, I must say. The article is very well written :)
Well, written balanced and mature thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Obama is tyring to reach out and real steps are the need of the hour ...be it Palestine, Afghan or Pakistan.
Atleast someone outhere is tyring to make a difference.
Interesting conclusion, using the word Oppurtunity ....in the past we always had negative perception...i agree we need to bury past and move on.
Good one girl, keep writing.....
Its nice
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