1 - 7 November 2001
Issue No.558
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 1 - 7 November 2001 Issue No.558 |
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Politics for real
Perhaps the American people will soon have rid themselves of the blind fury that beset them following the shock of 11 September, and grown more capable of seeing things as they are.
Why were the attacks directed at Washington and New York? Why America? Why are many Muslims unhappy with America? The questions being asked in American academic fora recall similar debates at the time of the Vietnam war, especially since demonstrations are being held again -- this time against the war in Afghanistan. Americans are regaining their interest in the outside world after years of self-absorption.
The Wall Street Journal asserts that, for the first time since the oil scare during the 1973 War, Americans are uncertain about their blind support for Israel, a feeling generated by Bin Laden's claim that his attacks against America are linked to Palestine. A recent University of Michigan opinion poll revealed that 82 per cent of respondents attribute the attacks to Bin Laden, while 64 per cent believe the reason is America's support for Israel and 51 per cent relate them to America's lack of support for Palestinian rights. More than 50 per cent seconded President Bush's call for establishing a Palestinian state.
Despite the constraints placed on the media, America's open society seems more capable of facing the facts than are many members of congress and political analysts, who persist in denying the connection between terrorism and America's misguided policies and chronic injustices in the Middle East. In opposing Vietnam and in many other cases, the American people have displayed more political awareness and understanding than their government.
Still, US Secretary of State Colin Powell's recent statement to the foreign relations committee of congress contains the first signs of a realistic and just vision that could put an end to one aspect of the misunderstanding between Americans, on one hand, and Arabs and Muslims, on the other. Referring to terrorism, Powell said there are many grey areas that should be dealt with politically. The American administration, he said, would start with areas where "terrorists" are seen as freedom fighters. Powell also admitted that Israel's reaction to Palestinian attacks has had a negative effect on the peace process.
American politicians seem unable to accept such statements. They want the Arabs to provide unconditional support for what America calls the war on terrorism. Members of congress who ally themselves with Israel want to condemn Arabs and Muslims -- governments and peoples alike -- on the premise that they "hate" America and "love" Bin Laden. Powell's may be a lone voice in the American wilderness, carefully negotiating the Zionist- dominated administration. So the only beam of light shines from within the ranks of students and young people, in the open symposia of the universities, which lie beyond the control of the Zionist lobby.
It is here that the importance of developing a systematic Arab effort to undertake dialogue and uncover the facts becomes apparent, for only among the people will misconceptions that place Islam and terrorism -- as well as Palestinian rights and Israel's "anti-terrorist" endeavours -- on an equal footing be dissipated. There is no excuse for failure in this arena, for so long as the Arabs need America, they will remain responsible for reaching America's hearts and minds.
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