Solutions
For those who seeking peace, a final question remains: What to do?
Culture Solutions
“We need to step back for a moment from the television images – chanting mobs, bombings of innocent people, and violent killings. It is simply common sense to realize that these groups [terrorists] cannot possibly represent Arab and Muslim societies and people as a whole. There are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world; 450 million in North Africa and the Greater Middle East (including non-Arabs); and 215 million Arab Muslims.” (Nydell, p. 104)
Dr. Nydell reminds us well that the cultural differences between Western civilization and the Middle Eastern community won’t simply go away. With nearly as many Arab Muslims as American citizens, the United States is going to have to help breach any divide in culture and understanding to effectively counter anti-American sentiment in the Middle East.
The good news is - we have much in common. The majority of Middle Easterners spurn terrorism. (Esposito, p.10) Most of them want fair representation in government and political systems, (Esposito, p.6) as well as control over their own affairs. Many Arabs enjoy American movies, music and ideas. Arabs do not hate Americans as people, nor our ideals. (Nydell, p. 114)
We won’t always agree – not even Americans agree with Americans! But if we set aside differences and strive for mutual understanding, hatred will disperse rapidly.
The first step in coming to that point is eliminating the prejudice against Arabs and Islam out of our society. “Their [extremists] numbers continue to grow rapidly because they act on perceived grievances that are constantly being reinforced.” (Nydell, p. 106) Media moguls in the U.S. who spout anti-Islamic sentiments may very well wind up quoted in the propaganda pamphlets of terrorists. The more America is seen as attacking Arab and Islamic culture and ideals, the more ammunition fringe radicals have to galvanize and exploit the undereducated.
Arab Muslims are, generally, poorly educated, and ripe to be abused by a few power-seeking murderers. Targeted exchange programs and strengthening of Arabian education systems will go great lengths in helping to dispel control the terror cells exercise on massive populations. The more Arabs know about the U.S., the less influence anti-Americanism and radical groups will have on them. “…The United States must be seen as ‘just’...” (Dobrot, p. 14)
Americans are little educated about the Middle East themselves. (Esposito, p.11) Teaching Americans about the issues in grade school would certainly help to eliminate poor handling of policy by future heads of state and business. As Americans come to know who Arab Muslims are, hopefully they will come to respect them and Islam, creating a firewall between radical haters of America and the moderate majority.
Economy Solutions
“There are many more people in Muslim societies who have no viable personal future or stake in their society, and Islamism provides them with acceptance, a sense of belonging, and a higher purpose (50 to 60 percent of the young men in many countries are unemployed.” (Nydell, p. 106)
“In contrast, per capita incomes in the Arab states are little different from what they were in the 1980’s.” (Richards, p. 6)
Another cause of conflict in the Middle East is resources. Water is scarce, and much of the area is desert, with little soil hospitable to high-yielding crops. While Gulf states are extremely wealthy, the Arabian inland states are some of the poorest countries in the world(Richards, pp. 4, 6) with few products to export or skilled workers. Also, Arab families are growing at some of the fastest rates in the world. (Richards, p. 2) With high numbers of young, upcoming workers, crumbling infrastructures, high unemployment, and paltry value in commodities to give the world, the Arab states are in trouble.
We can’t exactly lift the economies of the Middle East on our backs, but U.S. policy can encourage good business practices and trade. Extending guest worker programs to many countries would bring unemployed, possible malcontents to America to work and send money home. Encouraging richer Gulf States to share oil wealth with their land-locked brethren via U.S. trade agreements would show American appreciation of Islamic law, display determination to help Arabs, and give hope for the future for many a downtrodden, angry Arab. Finally, teaching Arabs how to compete in a global market, to rake in investments, and to diversify their nations’ portfolios is a key strength the U.S needs to teach business leaders in the Middle East.
Policy Solutions
“…making our case convincingly and effectively requires that rhetoric about the promotion of democracy be matched by actions on the ground that are devoid of a perceived double standard...” (Esposito, p. 1)
“The incompetence and authoritarianism of many Middle East and Muslim governments represent vital sources of the phenomenon of Islamic radicalism. These governments are overwhelmingly unelected, unaccountable, and corrupt.” (Richards, p. 6)
“The United States can and must refrain from behavior that will provide fuel for fanatical arguments...” (Richards, p. 8)
“Anti-American Muslims hate America’s political policies in their region.” (Nydell, p. 105)
The most unfortunate aspect of anti-Americanism in the Middle East is that many causes of Arab rage could have been dealt much earlier. America has made many mistakes in dealings with the Middle East, specifically Arabs. Not engaging the Israeli-Palestinian conflict objectively early on, supporting despots (Saddam Hussein) while decrying democratically-elected leaders (Hamas) and aggressively pursuing Middle Eastern resources (oil) are all examples of deep wounds the U.S. has left in Arab’s minds and hearts. “…The United States must communicate and promote democracy in terms that the Islamic world understands and respects.” (Dobrot, p. 14)
While it is true that governments lead by self-interest, certain policies could be made more equitable while still reaping benefits for the U.S. In fact, by sacrificing U.S. interests to solve a problem, America may be gaining more in the end. The terrorist factions don’t want to be dominated by America. (Esposito, p. 2) We must ensure our practices in the Middle East are equitable, and would hold up in our own country.
“Reflecting the priority they give to democracy, the politically radicalized [terrorists and possible terrorists] give equal importance for the need of political independence. Their responses include these: stop meddling in our internal affairs, colonizing us, and controlling our natural resources.” (Esposito, p. 9)
By supporting good policies, even against our own interests, the United States can foster goodwill. The loss of a few thousand barrels of oil, though vital to U.S. economy, could go a long way in making friends of former enemies.
Japan and Germany, our once bitter rivals in World War II, were rebuilt by the U.S. after the carnage. Having been brought to their knees by America, they were no doubt surprised when Americans stretched out a helping hand. The good news for the U.S. is that the Middle East is already on its knees, of its own accord. Though military action may be needed in some respects, to quell absolutely solid hatreds and bring evil men to justice, rigorous, friendly discussion and policy engagement are better suited to sealing the gates of conflict. “…The United States cannot win militarily… [And] must recognize democratically-elected governments such as Hamas and actively engage them in public diplomacy, even if it disagrees with them.” (Dobrot, p. 14)
Endgame
“The deep cultural crisis of contemporary Islam’s confrontation with modernity can be resolved only by Muslims.” (Richards, p. 7)
“Muslims all over the world just want to get on with their lives, get an education, find a job, raise their children and participate in family and community life.” (Nydell, p. 105)
Of course it would be foolish to think that the United States can work out the problems of the Middle East alone. Ultimately, the future is in the hands of Arab leaders and populace. No one can be forced to lay down their arms or dissolve conflicts. Only those in the midst of conflict may lead the way out.
At the core of any world problems lies the stubborn stumbling block of humanity. Under its influence, we may seem helpless, unable to combat the impulses of nature. Luckily for us, however, humanity is as innovative as it is immovable – as kind as it is cruel. In order to solve any crisis of humanity, we must to relate to that piece of humanity that has the power to resolve said crisis. A bond must be established to, somehow, understand the issue, work through it in concert, and do our best to alleviate any pain in the process. It won’t be easy, with blunders, hard feelings and suffering along the way. But by building common bonds of fellowship among ourselves, we may construct the bridges that finally lead into that glorious Dream of Tomorrow -Peace.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dobrot, L. A. (2007, November 29). The Global War on Terrorism: A Religious War? Retrieved from Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army College: http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubID=822
Nydell, M. K. (2006). Understanding Arabs: A Guide to Modern Times. Boston/London: Intercultural Press.
Richards, A. (2002, Autumn). Socioeconomic Roots of Middle East Radicalism. Retrieved from Navy War College: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/navy/art2-a02.pdf
John L Esposito, Dalia Mogahed. (2007). Battle for Muslims' Hearts and Minds: The Road Not (Yet) Taken. Middle East Policy, 14(1), 27-41. Retrieved December 9, 2008, from Research Library database. (Document ID: 1248221611). www.proquest.com
Articles compiled and page created by Aaron Olsen
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