Toward Real American Relations with the Muslim World

By: Tha Ali Ahmed[i]
[i] Political Researcher at Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies (Cairo), and Visiting Fellow in New Generation of Advocates Program in U.S( Washington D.C)


American relations with the Muslim world are a very important aspect of American foreign policy. Therefore it is necessary for any American president to keep in mind the importance of such relations.
At an estimated 1.3-1.5 billion people—roughly one-fifth of the world’s population—the Arab world is undoubtedly important for the American interest in the world. So, where should American President Barack Obama start? This was the first critical question that faced him in his dealing with the Islamic world.
Many efforts were made to resolve this dilemma. Finally, it was Turkey—the most democratic Muslim country, and a close ally for the U.S. in the Muslim world—where Obama made his first visit. In his speech he argued for why it is the most appropriate place to start: "Turkey's greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things. This is not where east and west divided — this is where they come together."
Mutual interest is the cornerstone of Obama's political approach. "We seek broader engagement based upon mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama said in a speech to Turkey's Parliament. Such an approach is not easy, but also not impossible, according to the Democratic administration’s agenda. "Our partnership with the Muslim world is critical, not just in rolling back the violent ideologies that people of all faiths reject but also to strengthen opportunity for its entire people," he argued. Obama pursues closer relations with the Muslims all over the world, highlighting his Islamic origins: "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country. I know, because I am one of them."
According to a BBC World Service Poll, 51% of Turks, 58% of Egyptians, and 64% of Indonesians believe that President Obama will improve America's relations with the rest of the world. Clearly most Muslim people see Obama as a new hope.
President Obama has already taken steps to redefine America's relationship with the world's Muslim community. His inaugural address called for America to "seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect." In his first week in office, he signed an executive order to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, met with military leaders to underscore his intention to withdraw troops from Iraq, and appointed George Mitchell as a special envoy to work toward a Middle East peace agreement. He granted his first official interview to the Arab television station Al-Arabiya, where he observed that "the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world.” So, President Obama has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to strengthening relations between the United States and the Muslim world, in support of common security, political, economic, and social interests.
At first glance, these steps seem to be the way to move toward creating appropriate space for American interests. Unfortunately these measures alone are not enough. Other steps also have to be taken.
In a Gallup poll of Muslims worldwide, a majority cited a sense of negative attitudes toward the United States. A majority of Americans surveyed answered either "nothing" or "I don't know" when asked what they admired most about Muslims and Islam.
Advancing mutual interests and national security, the U.S. needs a grand strategy that encompasses military force, diplomacy, economic statecraft -- and also public diplomacy.
The American administration should not be satisfied with political and official levels of relationships with Muslims. It should also create dense networks of personal relations and partnerships between Americans and Muslims globally. It should also support civil society in the countries that are governed by authoritarian regimes in order to facilitate democratization in these countries.
The private sector also has to be involved in this strategic movement that will encourage trust in American intentions and promote mutual respect, shared values, and public diplomacy efforts. Such steps can overcome the high levels of anger, distrust, and misunderstanding that exist in these countries. Initiatives such as educational and professional exchanges, sister cities programs, co-developed cultural activities, joint scientific research projects, co-developed social networking sites, co-produced fundraisers for humanitarian causes, and co-written textbooks can contribute to mutual trust and tangible partnerships that solve real problems concerning education, employment, energy, and commerce.Finally, no one can deny the importance of Muslim countries for America’s national interest. Therefore it is important to any administration to keep the previous steps in mind.