US must get Islam right: Panel told Thursday, 12 May 2011 03:58

From left: Prof Steven Spiegel, Director of the UclaCentre for Middle East Development (CMED), University of California - Los Angeles; Dr Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; Sean Cleary, Chairman, Strategic Concepts (Pty) Ltd; Jay Footlik, President & CEO, Global Policy Initiatives; Former White House Special Assistant to President Clinton and Dr Michael Nacht, Professor, University of California-Berkeley; Former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Global Strategic Affairs, during a panel discussion. (Salim Matramkot)

DOHA: A heated debate concluded the 10th and final session of the 11th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade and Enriching the Middle East‘s Economic Future Conference yesterday as the expert panel discussed ‘US Views on Changing Developments in the Middle East’.

The discussion started to become intense when a delegate expressed his feelings on prejudice and bias towards Muslims and linking Islam with terrorism.

“For one million crazy Muslims, don’t forget the other millions who are good moderate ones,” the delegate said adding there’s no such thing as ‘radical Islam’, and that the US has a big responsibility on its shoulder to clear the image of Islam.

Another delegate accused the US for prolonging the crisis in Libya and hinted of the American government favouring Gaddafi, which the panel vehemently denied.

“President Obama specified publicly that Gaddafi should leave which is not merely his opinion but a government policy. The US is clearly supportive of governmental change because it kills its own people,” replied Dr Michael Nacht, Professor, University of California-Berkeley; Former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Global Strategic Affairs.

Dr Nacht expressed optimism that the transitions going on in the region will reach positive results though did not give specific time when everything will properly be in place because of unique situation of each country.

“Washington is very positive that this development will lead to liberalization in the region and improvement of economic climate. The US government is aware of the enormous differences among countries in the region,” he said.

Jay Footlik, President & CEO, Global Policy Initiatives; Former White House Special Assistant to President Clinton concurred saying the government is mulling on individual policies for each country recognising the differences in each country’s situation.

With regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict, Prof Steven Spiegel, Director of the UCLA Center for Middle East Development (CMED), University of California - Los Angeles said something must be done as it is a ‘ticking time bomb’ which can make everyone suffer if nothing is done.

Footlik said the Obama administration will continuously extend help to the region and exert effort to solve the Israel-Arab conflict as Obama has shown sincerity in creating dialogue, which sets him apart from his predecessors. He stressed on the importance of acknowledging political Islam, fighting Islamic radicalism and encouraging multiculturalism.

Dr. Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies underlined the need for realistic expectations and creative approaches saying success will depend on the willingness of each country to face the challenges in solving their own problems.

“It will be a nation by nation solution,” he said.

Prof Spiegel said America cannot do it alone and that it is looking for the right partners-new institutions ready for the many challenges ahead. Promoting food security and expanding investment programme were some of the initiatives that the government is working on to benefit the region.

The Peninsula