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Muslim Affairs Page
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Name
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Profession
Question
Now, the race has been narrowed down to three candidates: Hilary and Obama on the Democratic side, and McCain on the Republican side. Would you please explain to us the main characteristics of the three candidates' policies toward the Muslim world?
Thanks.
Answer
I think we need to make a differentiation between what candidates say about Islam and what they plan as their policy towards Muslims. For example, when McCain was recently asked about Islam, he said the following:
I admire the Islam. There's a lot of good principles in it. I think one of the great tragedies of the 21st century is that these forces of evil have perverted what's basically an honorable religion. But, no, I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles ... Personally, I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith. But that doesn't mean that I'm sure that someone who is Muslim would not make a good president. I don't say that we would rule out under any circumstances someone of a different faith. I just would--I just feel that that's an important part of our qualifications to lead.”
On the other hand, Senator McCain also said that he consider Threats from Muslim lands to be the most serious threats against the US.
Same situation to some extent is obvious with the other 2 democratic candidates. Both say nice words about Islam, but when it comes to policies, they try to side with Israel against Palestinians, they consider Muslims to be the source of trouble in the world of tomorrow, an so on.
Name
Amina
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Profession
Question
Did US Muslim as a whole group have any role in these elections? Is the government change going to affect the living of US Muslims and the situation in the Muslim world?
Answer
Yes they do have a role. First, it is to defend their interests. They are citizens of the country, and the choice of the president will affect their interests for the next 4 years at least.
Second, they need to educate others about their position, and why they are taking it.
Third, as Muslims who care about other Muslims in the world, they will need to think of the impact of their choice on other Muslims.
Name
Abdul
- United States
Profession
Engineer
Question
It seems like a waste of time and energy for American Muslims to vote in the election because the outcome is always not in their favor. It is obvious to me that the powerful groups that exist in the American political system have more influence on the political and economic direction of the country than regular Americans. The fact that most Americans are frustrated with the kind of leadership they keep getting is a testimony of the power that these groups have.
Americans vote for someone who promises them to do certain things and once they get in the White house they are inflicted with amnesia and the cycle keeps repeating itself. You have powerful Jewish groups who are supported by right wing Christian fundamentalists who practically control the American foreign policy regarding the so called Islamic threat in general and the Middle East conflict in particular. For an American Muslim, the only practical concern he or she could have is on the local level and politicians, once in office, listen to those who control the American economy and not to those who elected them. As we know, less than 5% of Americans control over 95% of the wealth and that speaks volumes.
I know some might argue that American Muslims should vote and be part of the process but I just can’t subscribe to that rational with way things are going.
Answer
If voting is a waste of time, what about not voting. It is also a choice you make. I think that being passive is not the answer to the current problems. Maybe your vote will not change the final outcome, but when you try to make a decision about whom to support, you become aware .. you get educated.. you try to influence others.. you get serious.. all of this is needed and important. If, after all, you make the decision that it is not good for you to vote you are making an informed decision at that point.
My position is the following: We can differ on if we should vote or not, but we should never differ on the need to be active, and educate ourselves, and convince others and try to influence the process with what we can. Do the best you can do, and never belittling any deed, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear to be.
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Muslim Arabian
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Dear Dr. Bassem,
I have your book about "Alshakhseyya AlAmrikeyya" (American Personality) and i am excited to know more about the development that you think happened to such personality after the war in Iraq that would make Americans vote more towards change and fresh start?
Thank you for your presence here,
Answer
Thank you. I think the America character keeps evolving all the time, and it is a result of many internal and external factors. It is sad to see how FEAR is becoming a overwhelming force in the American minds at this stage. I believe the politics for fear is going to determine the result of the election, and not the politics of change. This is sad to say, but it may also be the real truth at this point of time.
I think that Americans are getting more isolated from the rest of the world as a result of the many international mistakes the US has been involved in (in areas of Economy, Culture, in addition to Military actions, and bad foreign policy too).
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Omar
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What is your prospect of the American relations with the Muslim world if McCain wins the elections given his aggressive foreign policy that he plans to pursue and the his consistent mention to "Islamic extremism" as the main enemy of the US?
Answer
I think McCain is going to continue the aggressive policy of the current administration towards the entire world and not only the Muslim World. He is not familiar with problems in the Muslims worlds, and it will be difficult for him not to side completely with the lobbying forces for Israel.
McCain is not strong when it comes to foreign policy, and he is still believe in the ability of MIGHT to solve all problems. This will be suicidal for the US to have such a person after 8 yrs for Bush. The real problem in my views, is that he could very well get that position. If the US or its interests are attacked in the next period, the politics of FEAR will present him as the best choice. I am afraid of a scenario like that.
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Abdallah
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Profession
Question
As the author of the most famous response to the RAND report (Building Muslim Moderate Network), do you think that such policy towards Muslims will hold under either Clinton or Bush?
Answer
Why not? RAND tried to focus on taking lessons from the collapse of the soviet Union, and tried to put forth a policy recommendation for any future president. They are simply saying: We try to change Muslims, and we Could not… Then we tried to contain the religion (ISLAM), and we failed..
Their new strategy: why not try to destroy the religion from within.. Some say, we did that with Christianity .. why not try again the same policy with Islam, Muslims, and Arabs. The logic for them seems to be strong, and valid. The only problem with it, from a Muslim perspective, is that Islam will not be changed, altered, or moderated.. That is not because of the strength of Muslim leaders or scholars, but simply because it is the promise of the Creator (SWT)
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Mustapha Ajbaili
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Each time the US presidential race kicks off, Muslims inside and outsied wonder which side to take and on which road. Given that electoral system that is based on the winner takes all, voting as block is unlikely to make Muslims influential. What do you think would be the best way for Muslims or Arabs in particular to lobby for issues of their concern. Thanks.
Answer
Muslims should always lobby for their positions.. before, during, and after any and all elections. Who will defend our interests if we don’t. Election is only a window for us to show our ability to work together. It is also a mirror for all of us to check on our ability to stick to our principles, and also be flexible enough to present them to others, and influence the process to achieve good outcomes for us as individual Muslims, our Muslim community in the US, for Muslims at large, and also for mankind.
I agree that we should pick up certain issues, and push for them. This is the way to go. Focus on issues, not personalities.
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Editor
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Question
We appreciate your presence with IslamOnline.net today,
Obama's motto is "change", yet many critics confirm that he will have a very minor margin of influence in the Whit House because a US president is actually driven by other already established networks and interest groups. Holding that in mind, do you think that Obama can bring some different policy in the Middle East conflict of Palestine/Israel?
Thank you
Answer
I strongly believe that a person can change a nation. Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Quran that his prophet, Ibrahim (PBUH), was like a whole nation. Of course I do not mean to say that Obama is good or bad, but I want to say that one person can make a change. JFK did. Reagan Did. The change may not be in the politics, but you can feel it and see it in the tone of the nation. Obama may not be the best choice for Muslims, but in personally believe he is the best choice for America at this point, and given the other options on the table. I think we should support moderate voices in the US election, but again, when it comes to our interests, focus on issues.
Obama is a fresh voice in America after years of Bush and Co. Even, if he does not go far enough to win, he showed that Americans are not all like Bush. We, in the Middle East need to always remember to be fair.
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Editor — Abdelrahman Rashdan
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The session has ended. We would like to thank Dr. Bassem Khafagi for taking the time to answer your questions, and all those who participated in the dialogue.
