The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/6/04 Section: The Forum

Comment on this article

While the U.S. military continues peace-keeping efforts overseas, a battle is raging on our own soil. The debate over how the United States can improve relations with the Arab and Muslim world is ever-present and seems only to grow in intensity.

Some have even begun to question whether the tension can be eased. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said, "People will see over time that the United States is committed to the welfare, benefit and the hopes and dreams and aspirations of the Arab nations, and especially the hopes and dreams and aspirations of the Palestinian people."

Unfortunately, while we wait for "over time," the situation is becoming more hostile. Marching into another country and claiming "you will understand this later" is hardly satisfactory.

I believe the problem is we talk far too much. Our administration is continually insisting we are helping the people. Helping others is certainly a noble cause, but it will only be truly effective if the recipients know they are being helped.

In order to acheive communication, we must build trust. Trust, in my experience, is not built by talking; it is built by listening.

If the United States hopes to improve relations with the Arab and Muslim world, we must learn to shed our pride and let others speak.

When we allow a threat by a minority taint our view of an entire group of people, terrorism wins.

The very phrase "Arab and Muslim world" strikes me as a stereotype. Afghanistan, for instance, is not considered an Arab nation. While the vast majority of Afghans identify as Muslim, surely they are more than a religious group.

I am not asking for a change of terminology, but a change of heart.

Any change in the United States' relationship with the Arab and Muslim world will start in the individuals that make up our country. Even in smalltown Missouri, we have the opportunity to listen to those from other cultural backgrounds. Visit a restaurant or market where someone of a foreign culture works. Ask about the food or the decor. Take the time to listen.

If we take the time to invest in people, several positive things will occur. First, we have the opportunity to learn. As smart as we think we are, there is always something we stand to learn.

Second, we have the opportunity to build friendships. In a world that seems to be plagued with hatred, we can all use new friends. As we build friendships, we gain trust and the right to be heard.

Maintaining that trust is another difficult obstacle. Once we earn the right to be heard, we must make sure that our words are backed by action. Our promises must be fulfilled. Our help cannot be for selfish gain, but for the benefit of the recipient.

If we take the time to look beyond our stereotypes and see individuals, we will not have to worry about what people will see "over time." Instead, our compassion will speak before our mouths have a chance to form words. I believe that is a battle worth fighting.

Article Tools