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Answer
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Name
Alice
- France
Profession
Teacher
Question
Historically, the U.S. is on the side of Israel. Do you think that there will be any change with the Buch administration?
Answer
Now the US foreign policy does not usually change dramatically with a new administration. Especially towards particular issue, however, things probably cannot be worse than with the Clinton administration. We expect and ask the administration to review the premises on which the U.S.-Middle East policy is based, especially with the extreme policies adapted by Sharon’s government. We would like to see through U.S. policy more consistency with American values, interests, and image.
Name
Malik
- United States
Profession
Artist
Question
How can Muslims in the U.S. influence American policies in the Middle East? Is this realizable?
Answer
American Muslims can influence U.S. policy in the Middle East, if they understand the political process and actively participate in it. That can be done by: voting, increasing all opportunities to voice our opinions and positions about the issues and to educate policy makers and general public and the media. Influence will be gradual and incremental. It is more difficult to achieve this in the Middle East Policy, given to the strength of the Jewish Lobby. American Muslims need to articulate their message and have a clear, realistic, and unified political agenda. Ultimately, the truth about what is happening in Palestine will be known and will prevail.
Name
Anis
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
How can the Muslim organizations influence the U.S administration's pro-Zionist policies? Are they in the level of truly representing Muslims in America?
Answer
In addition to what we said in answering the Malik’s question, American Muslim Organizations can influence the US policy by coordinating their efforts in order to avoid duplication gaps and unhealthy competition. We need to put our minor differences behind us and work for the common good of Muslims and of all mankind.
Every American Muslim organization represents a segment of the Muslim Community and together they represent a large proportion of the whole community. However, American Muslim Organizations tend to be elite in nature and they are not doing the good job at the grassroots level.
Name
Ahmad
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
Why don't Muslim leaders speak loudly and criticize the U.S. administration on yesterday and today's bombardment of Palestinians by the Zionist army?
Answer
We have been following closely the explosive situation and the very serious recent development since the provocative visit of Sharon to al Haram al Sharif. In total disrespect and disregard to the more than 1 billion Muslims and to all Muslim Governments and then the election of Sharon to become the Israel Prime Minister in a landslide victory. These 2 events made it clear that Israeli government and people have never been serious about peace. The American Muslims have protested in different ways to the Israeli brutality. We have had rallies, press conferences, petition drives, and we are continuing to voice our opinion against the massacre and against the U.S. unconditional support to Israel. We protested against the shameful visit by Sharon, the War criminal to the U.S. and we protested against the U.S. Veto the blocked the UN attempt to provide some protection to the Palestinian. The response of the American Muslims was great, but way below the level required to shift policies. However, we are optimistic about the future, especially that the Israeli brutality and reality is becoming increasing clear to more and more Americans.
Name
Rahma
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
Why don't Muslim organizations unite and act without any hidden agenda? Why they don't work together?
Answer
American Muslim organizations are increasingly coordinating their efforts and recent events proved to every one, that if ever we have a chance to make a difference, we need to coordinate and unite our efforts. Hopefully in the near future, Insha’Allah we will develop solid mechanisms of coordination among American Muslim Organizations and we will reach out to those with whom we have some common issues.
Name
Amin
- United States
Profession
Software Engineer
Question
It is frustrating that major publications, like NY Times, Washington Post have such biased coverage. Is there anything Muslim Americans can do to get the editors to at least print our rebuttals to their editorials? Even if we send a letter, it gets ignored.
Answer
We just to need to keep doing it (i.e. sending letters) as individuals and organizations to protest bias coverage and appreciate objective coverage. Things will not happen overnight, but if we are persistent, and everyone of us fulfill his or her share of responsibilities mainstream media will listen and be sensitive to a Muslim beliefs and opinions.
Name
Haytham
- United States
Profession
Medical student
Question
There was an error typing my question... correction, question is the histiory of Muslims in this land "America" and and how would this history influence the US ?
Answer
Islam at the latest came to America with the slaves who were unjustly brought from Africa. Islam as a religion and Muslims with their various cultural backgrounds can enrich this society and significantly contribute to the betterment or welfare of the society and help solving many of its cronoical problems.
Name
zainab
- United States
Profession
Question
assalamu alaikum,
Could you please expain why is there such a support of Isreal? What benefit does America have of that? Also, the recent very obvious oppressions are almost tottaly neglected by USA, although they could be prevented by them. So why does't America, at the very least, influence on Isreal about it? If USA really wanted peace over there, they could have it, considering that Isreal exists because of their continuos support.
May Allah swt bless you, and give us all sabr.
Answer
It is hard to understand what benefits the US is getting from its unconditional support to Israel especially after the end of the Cold War and the second Gulf War, which a large US army became based in the region. If there is a single factor that caused a lot of damage to the US image in the world, it’s the nature of its relationship with Israel. US policy is definitely not consistent with American values and American interests. The plausible explanation for this puzzle can be found in the following facts:
1. The American Political System and election process allows for disproportional influence for those who have money and access to policy makers and political candidates;
2. The strong Zionist Lobby left little room if ever for US policy makers to maneuver when it comes to the Middle East. They were successful to establish the illusion that this issue is beyond discussion and that Israel is the US Strategical Ally and is entitled to the US unconditional support regardless of what the Israeli government does and regardless of whether the US is getting out of this support.
3. The weakness of the Arab and Muslim governments and societies whom either did not try or are unable to make their case that the real US interests are with Arabs and Muslims or at least with remaining neutral towards the conflict and therefore the American Muslim minority are yet to become an influential group in the political process. Even though the Muslim vote made a difference in the last presidential election, we are yet to capitalize on that important success.
Name
Haytham
- United States
Profession
Medical student
Question
would I be able to ask you about the history of muslims in the US, when was the first recognition of a muslim in the land of america ? thank you
