The session has started. Join us with your questions.
Answer
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Name
Hassan
- Sweden
Profession
Question
Hello Sir,
US desperation to be involved in the Midde East's affairs should have an important reason. Don't you think that the US dependance on Arab oil and that the pro-Israel lobby in the US prove everything?
Is the killing of Hariri another excuse to invade another Arab/Muslim country and make more people die from Arabs and Americans for Israel?
Answer
I don't think there is any "desperation" to be involved in the Middle East but a sense of responsibility. For too long, it seemed that the ONLY thing we cared about was Arab oil and that was wrong. President Bush has repeatedly mentioned that this focus on stability at the expense of freedom in the region was a mistake; this was a mistake for us and the West.
On the murder of former PM Hariri, I think you need to read the very detailed and objective UN report by Detlev Mehlis. It is certainly something we all (not just the US) have to take very seriously.
Name
Asif Zaidi
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Profession
Question
Mr. Fernandez:
You quoted from the Qur'an last time by saying "la ikhra fid deen." Valid quote, perhaps even in the context of what you were saying.
There is another quote from Qur'an which came to my mind when I was reading your last interview (and I don't often think about this verse): In the Qur'an, Allah (swt) says in 5:51-52 "Take not Christians and Jews as protectorates. They are ony helpers to one another."
Given this verse and given Western history in the ME ( from the Balfour declaration, from the Sykes-Picot treaty), and given the influence of the Jewish lobby in United States, and given the publicly available Rand report, do you seriously expect any Muslim to believe that the US intentions to affect ME politics is anything but noble?
Thanks
Asif
Answer
I am not going to trade quotes with you; you know better. But that same Sura (Al-Ma'ida) talks about Christians being closest in friendship to Muslims -- so you will have to decide. I readily concede that America has a credibility problem and that is something we have to work on to prove to Muslims that we are sincere, that we are imperfect but want to do better, and that we agree with you on more than we what we disagree on. So I understand and respect the suspicion, but we all need to move beyond it somehow.
Name
Bartholemew
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Hello. First my thanks for your balanced reply to my question in your first interview. I would however like to pick-up from there. You mentioned that when an injustice does occur in the United States, efforts are taken to try to remedy that justice through the process of law. It seems however that it is often junior people who take the brunt of this - for example, Abu Ghuraib: Why has no senior official been brought to trial for these injustices, or even at Guantanemo bay? I have to confess that throughout the Gitmo experience, records show that the FBI seemed to have done a very good job in trying to be fair and just (something for which they deserve credit); the CIA it seems was responsible for many of the unust acts. Why then has little if any action been done to bring the senior officials, including those who authorised inhumane treatment of other human beings to court?
Pre 9/11 I always opined that the United States was perhaps the best example of how a country should be run (despite its flaws). Post 9/11, the knee jerk reactions by those in authority and the fear instilled into the everyday people through media misrepresentation is showing a side to the United States more akin to how the blacks were treated in your recent history, instead of how a nation who has lived through that experience and should have learned not to stereotype communities.
My question is whether the United States has really learned from its past experiences or whether we will simply see history repeat itself irrespective of how painful the lessons of the past were in educating us of certain rights and wrongs -- particularly when just recently one of your courts has ruled that it is permissible to accept evidence secured by torture. It is beginning to sound like Saddam Hussein's regime at times -- torture people till they confess then prosecute. How now do you expect the global community to be able to distinguish between the injustice of power-hungry rulers who will do anything to retain control of their country and the United States?
Answer
All states respond to extraordinarily challenges, like international terrorism, in different ways and not always perfect ones. In WWII, President Roosevelt put Japanese and Japanese Americans in prison -- this is something we have apologized for and made restitution. Please do remember that you learn about these acts you abhor through the American press and political system, which for all its faults, is working. Hundreds of people (Red Cross, journalists, diplomats, and officials) have inspected Guantanamo and the US Congress is openly debating this issue right now. But we are at war and it is not easy.
Name
Bartholemew
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Hi. Another question if I may. I was boarding a flight from Germany to Ukraine a couple of weeks ago with a group of American tourists behind me who were being escorted to Kiev with their Ukrainian guide. The guide said that she would love to visit Malaysia as it looks like a beautiful country, to which one of the American fellows said, "You dont want to go there, they shoot foreigners." He then went on to explain that he has travelled all over Europe, the US/ Canada. If a well travelled middle aged man makes such a statement, does it not show how poorly the media have represented Muslims in countries such as Malaysia which Im sure will conflict with Karen Hughes recent comment that the Malaysia gov model is worthy of duplication. What steps can the US -- a country which of course flourished with the diversity of its inhabitants heritage -- take to try and improve the perception of Muslims world-wide focusing less on the handful of fanatics, diverting attention to the majority of everyday good people?
Answer
There are dumb people in every country and maybe one was on your plane. I think the key is education: The more people know about each other, the more difficult it is to generalize about them, to objectify them as non-humans or inferiors. This is a problem everywhere -- whether racism in Europe or people putting bombs in churches or mosques. But the key is a deeper level of understanding and governments and society leaders have a role to play to speak out. I was very pleased how President Bush spoke out right after 9/11 that women who wore the hijab should not be harrassed. We all need to make such sincere gestures, state policy in many countries of the world.
Name
Abdullah
- Jordan
Profession
Question
Salaam Alberto M. Fernandez,
I believe the most important reform to take place must be with America. Their behavior towards the Middle East has been hypocritical. The USA supported Afghanistan in the 80's, regardless of their social system, when they fought communism. They supported Osama during that same time regardless of who he was. Today, they seem to support the election of the Egyptian President, though he is a dictator. Yet, they want to "liberate" Iraq and make it a democracy. Overall, we can see America looks out for its own interests before looking at the welfare of human beings. How can you expect Muslims to have good faith with America when you have had such an opportunist behavior in the past? How about the prison scandal and the issue of Gitmo today? I think America really doesn't care about the Middle East and a certain portion of the population living there acknowledge this. What can you do to assure Arabs and others that you can perhaps put them as a peoples first... or is that just unrealistic?
Answer
You ask about 12 questions here and my space to respond is limited. But first of all, all states act according to their own interests -- without exception and the United States is no different. Despite that, the United States went to war to save the Muslims of Kosovo (while the Serbs were supported by Saddam Hussein!!), of Bosnia, of Kuwait, of Afghanistan, of Iraq. I think, as I said to another questioner earlier, the key is to look more deeply into these issues. Much of what you say is just wrong but we do need to explain ourselves better and that is what I am doing here. We have also now spent billions of dollars to help the country you are writing from. Does that count for anything in your eyes or are we doomed to enmity? I don't believe that we are doomed to anger and hatred on both sides; we all need to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between us. It is not easy to do so because both sides (there are more than two) mistrust each other. But the regimes of the region also have to stop abusing their people and "put them first as people."
Name
Ibrahim Tudu
-
Profession
Social Worker
Question
Welcome,
Please -- I just want to get this clear from you people at the State Dept. Please -- what is the real cause of the American occupation of Iraq? Is it democracy, WMD, or trying Saddam Hussain? Don't you people in the United States see that you are setting up a dangerous precedent to the world? Acts of killing, lying, bullying, double standards,etc? I am sorry -- I read all this from the lips of your president, Mr. Bush. How long do you anticipate to be a superpower? Be certain of retributive justice please. Thank you.
Answer
Everyone thought that Saddam Hussein had WMD -- not just the United States; the question was what should be done about it. As for Iraq today, because of US efforts, that poor country has a chance for a better future. It is a painful, difficult process but one that is making progress. They approved the constitution today -- a constitution which recognizes the role of Islam by the way -- and there is going to be general elections in December.
As for how long we are to be a superpower, that is in God's hands but I think that if you look at human history, the important thing is that are we moving towards a better, more humane and tolerant world. I do believe that, on the whole, America has been an extraordinarily positive force for good in the world -- whether by fighting Nazism and Communism, or fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa, or promoting -- imperfectly at times -- a more democratic and inclusive political system.
Name
Tristan
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Dr. Yusuf Qaradawi is not allowed in the United States but there are constant rumours that the US authorities have had contact with him in the Middle East. If so, what was discussed and what role, if any, does the United States see Drs Qaradawi playing in reforming the Middle East? Does the United States also see Dr. Qaradawi as a moderating, reforming influence -- perhaps as a model for Muslims in the West?
Answer
Dr. Qaradawi is a respected scholar and religious leader worthy of the deepest respect. But it is not the role of the United States to single him or anyone else out as a model; that is for the Muslim Umma to decide.
I do think that it is important to listen to intelligent and thoughtful voices from the region like Sheikh Qaradawi, but again, this is for Muslims to decide. But he is an important figure that deserves our attention.
Name
Hamid
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Profession
Question
Dear Mr Alberto Farnandez,
Do the bombings on Falluja and Basra qualify as genocide, as per American standards?
Thanks and regards,
Hamid
Answer
Are you talking about terrorist bombings in Iraq by people who call themselves "Muslims" or jihadis? Are you talking about people who cut throats of civilians on television and blow up Shiite mosques in Ramadan? These are criminal acts.
If you are trying to criticize the US military, I am afraid you are quite wrong. When they have made mistakes -- and they clearly have -- they have apologized, tried to make restitution and punish the guilty. Not perfect but they are trying to adhere to a code and a proper way of waging war (and wars are always bad even if neccessary). The other side (who say they are jihadis but are really mufsidun) glories in innocent blood and doesn't apologize. They are proud of killing innocent people, as many as they can every day. They tried to bomb a hotel yesterday in Baghdad during Iftaar and killed a dozen Iraqis, most of whom were just walking by.
Name
boria
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Profession
Question
They say the American military trains troops and teaches them hatred towards Muslims. We can see this from burning dead bodies of the people they kill. Don’t you know how many State Dept. officials saw that video? I am worried that incident could fuel anti-American feelings around the world. The US State Dept. instructed US embassies around the world to explain that the reported abuse did not reflect “American values.” Troops got no training for law; they only got quick training of “Kill, kill, kill” as the American marine said in Paris. The resistance is sure strong now that they say every 10 days American troops die easily; but Muslims don’t burn the dead Americans. I think troops are trained no good. Maybe sergeant is also a dirty guy who hates Muslims and teach them “Kill, kill” and “Burn, burn.” Also then American troops are getting free entry to porn sites – also they show dead picgtures of killed and burnt Iraqis and Afghans. What has happened to these Americans? People say their moral is also down. Troops want to kill, kill fats then go home and enjoy. So what do you want to tell me State Dept. officer? Tell me how can all of this happen?
Answer
Your English is very difficult to understand but I will try to answer. The issues you raise are indeed serious and are being investigated by the military. There are criminal investigations going on and they have been condemned at the highest levels. Just like there are Americans -- American soldiers -- in prison for Abu Ghuraib, these issues are being investigated and if found warranted, people will be tried and sentenced, and they will go to prison.
War does bring out the worst in mankind -- this is our common heritage as human beings -- but at the very least we can expect that there will be rules and systems of military justice to hold people accountable. That is a standard we must all demand and is certainly one that I as an American citizen and official expect to see. There is no excuse for abuse or criminality, even on the battlefield.
Name
News4U
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Profession
Question
More and more Americans are saying that the United States now needs its own "reforms" in political, economic, and human-rights -- before it could ask others to do the same thing.
Just keep that in mind.
4U
Answer
I agree with you that we need plenty of reforms. There is much I would change and much that needs improving in this country. But perfection is only from God.
It is ridiculous to think that we have to remain silent about others because our democracy and society are imperfect. Would you prefer American silence and complicity to human rights abuses worldwide. You prefer to have Slobodan Milosevic still in power in Serbia and the Taliban in Kabul?
What we should do is work to improve our own society -- through civic and political action -- and to support those world wide who want to build a better, more tolerant and humane world. This should be true everywhere whether one is an enlightened Muslim or an American or anything else.
Name
Asif
- United States
Profession
Software Engineer
Question
Mr. Fernandez:
1) You quoted from Qur'an last time by saying 'la ikhra fid deen'. Valid quote, perhaps even in the context of what you were saying.
There is another quote from Qur'an which came to my mind when I was reading your last interview (and I don't often think about this verse): In Qur'an, Allah (swt) says in 5:51-52 'Take not Christians and Jews as protectorates. They are ony helpers to one another'.
Given this verse and given Western history in ME (the Balfour declaration, the Sykes-Picot treaty) and given the influence of Jewish lobby in US and given the publicly available Rand report, do you seriously expect any Muslim to believe that US intentions to affect ME policitics is anything but noble?
2) US also says that they sacrified their blood for Muslims in Kosovo - that may be true but isn't it also true that US got access to coal-mines in return in addition to other natural resources?
Thanks
Asif
Answer
Already answered. Don't know if the questions are repeating themselves.
Name
Ali
- Iran
Profession
Question
Dear Alberto,
The USA has given you so much. A life that would have been nothing compared to if you had stayed in Cuba. The point being, can you be not bias about the reforms needed when speaking of the Middle East? It would be hard I imagine. I was wondering if you would submit what you think the USA has done wrong concerning the Middle East. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
Answer
What the US has done wrong was allowing regimes to treat their people like garbage for 50+ years and not demanding that they try to meet minimum standards of decency. We assumed -- wrongly -- that because people are Muslims, or whatever faith they are, that they didn't care or need room to breathe, the freedom to speak out and criticize and be different. This was wrong.
Name
ibtesaam
- Palestine
Profession
chairman of a benvolent associatio
Question
What are your plans for enhancement of democracy in the Gaza Trip mainly for the most effective sociey members(women and youth)?
Answer
Good question. The President spoke last week about this and emphasized the need to open up Gaza -- to work on openning up the port, the border crossing, to create jobs and economic development in Gaza. We are just beginning and there is a lot which needs to happen to give the Palestinian people of Gaza real hope in a better future. That is the least they deserve. America and the world community (and especially the Muslim countries) have a responsibility towards Gaza. The Palestinian people are a talented and educated people and there is no reason that Gaza couldn't be like Dubai or an Arab Singapore or Hong Kong. I am very hopeful about Gaza but we are at the very beginning of this long and arduous process.
The United States is funding projects with an additional $350 million dollars for the Palestinians but the needs are much greater. Certainly women and youth have a really important role to play in building a strong civil society in Gaza and throughout Palestinian society. The Palestinians have always been the vanguard of intellectual and democratic life in the region and I think they can astound us if we give them real sustained support.
Name
Tom
- United States
Profession
Cabinetmaker
Question
Dear Mr. Fernandez,
Thank you for partipating in this forum.
I agree that the United States has a credibility problem. As an American (I was born here, and so were my parents, and theirs), and a student of history, I have a difficult time trusting my government. I wonder how the administration expects its own citizens to trust it when it has been conclusively demonstrated that the justifications for invading and occupying a sovereign nation were disingenuous.
Answer
I don't think citizens should trust their governments too much - whether Americans or any other. That is why we have democracy and newspapers and voices. The way to translate your distrust (or the obverse, your support) for the government is to organize, to speak out, to complain. And an essential element of being able to do this is to be well informed. This is not a civics lesson, but since you are talking about Iraq I would add that the reality in Iraq is quite complex -- it is very difficult and hard and bloody but also there is hope in and determination for a better future. I think Iraq will succeed because the Iraqi people care too much about their country to allow it to fail.
Name
felicity
-
Profession
journalist
Question
Good day,
The US and UK had no diplomatic presence in Iraq for the 13 years prior to an entirely illegal invasion in 2003. They listened to no journlists or aid workers who were there.
From a year prior to the invasion, the word on the street in Iraq and indeed,the Arab world was 'let them come,(Iraq) has been defeating invaders for centuries ...'
How did the most powerful nation on earth really kid themselves that they would be greeted with flowers rather than rocket propelled grenades?
How will they explain to parents of children sent to this ill-conceiced disaster how they have been there illegally and now number over half the death toll of the World Trade Centre,which Iraq had nothing to do with?
How is the US going to pull out of Iraq, with its puppet government holding foreign passports and is the US now on the road to another 'Crusade' in Damascus and Tehran.?
Lastly, as a result of this illegal outrage, when do you think and US or UK citizen will be safe again on our planet? In our life time?
Thanks a bunch, from felicity: white,middle aged,middle class and absolutely furious, like so many others in the western world...
Answer
Felicity, you have about a dozen questions there. You've been hanging around George Galloway too much. I speak Arabic and have lived in the Middle East most of my adult life and you have - with respect, I say this - you have no idea what you are talking about.
The US presence in Iraq is entirely sanctioned and legal by UNSC resolutions. As for being a "puppet government," surely you jest because the Iraqi officials I know are very proud and independent and they bow to no one. Why do you think the Iraqi constitution gives such a central role to Islam? That is certainly not something the US demanded. Whatever one's view on Iraq, you are also wrong to think that the long brewing jihadi movement is a result of Iraq. Osama Bin Ladin officially declared war on the US (and the West) in 1998 when there was not one American in Iraq and Saddam Hussein was happily butchering his people to his heart's content.
Name
murad
- Qatar
Profession
Question
First of all, thanks for your precious time.
I was going to ask you about the American agenda in reshaping the Middle East; can you kindly describe this agenda in clear points?
Answer
The idea is to work with people in the region to promote the growth of civil society and institutions that will lead to the growth of more open, democratic and progressive societies. This means things like a more open press, more comprehensive education, especially for girls, better opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businessmen to help grow local economies so that people have better jobs, more hope, and better quality of life. This means encouraging governments to move towards reform, recognizing that not everyone is going to be able to move at the same speed on every issue. It also means respecting local society and traditions while not allowing them to serve as excuses for oppression or stagnation. It means, finally, to give power to the people. To be citizens and participants rather than victims or subjects.
Name
Ali
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
Mr. Fernandez,
In the first invasion of Iraq by the British in 1917, Sir Stanley Maude issued a document saying "We have come here not as conquerors but as liberators to free you from generations of tyranny." What makes this new invasion any different from the old colonialism that Muslims have experienced besides the garb of democracy? And how was it that the Iraqi constitution was first drafted in english, not arabic?
Answer
The Iraqi constitution was drafted in Arabic (and Kurdish) by Iraqis; it was not drafted in English nor was it written by Americans. What you may be referring to was the Transitional Administrative Law that Bremer's CPA had. That ceased to exist today with the passage of the Iraqi constitution.
I think the British Mandate and subsequent Royal Hashemite Government had their flaws but both pale in comparison with the horrors of the Ba'athist regime after 1968. I do think the biggest difference today is the development of Iraqi civil society and political life in the country. That is what gives up hope for the future of that country. Imperfect and struggling but definitely moving in the right direction. They deserve our support and respect as they build their own 100% Iraqi democracy.
Name
hiba
-
Profession
Question
Hello,
How come we don't see any democracy which is being made in Iraq or as Mr. Bush said that now the world is the safest place after removing Saddam? But how come when your president and other US leaders visit IRAQ they just make a suprise? Or are they afraid of being welcomed by bombs and bullets and not flowers?
Answer
Iraq is a dangerous place no doubt, but today the Iraqis approved their own constitution, the first one in half a century, and will be voting in elections in December. Millions of Iraqis voted across the political spectrum -- this is real tangible progress. I think you underestimate the ability of the Iraqi people and I believe they will surprise you.
