From: "arah" 

Out of a cycle of ignorance
Anti-western feeling in the Muslim world isn't about our values and way of
life, but what we do

John Esposito
The Guardian


As we remember the tragedy of the London bombings, voices in Europe and
America issue ominous warnings of an Islamic threat: the rise of Eurabia,
Londonistan and an Islamic caliphate. Recently, a prominent political
commentator warned: "Even as Christianity seems to be dying in Europe,
Islam is rising to shake the 21st century as it did so many previous
centuries." The Bin Ladens and Zarqawis of the world shape perceptions
of Muslims. How do we prevent the militant rhetoric and actions of a
minority from defining Islam and relations between Muslims and the west?

Our common peace and security depend more on mutual understanding than
demonisation. We, Muslims and non-Muslims, have all been victims of global
terrorism, in New York, Madrid, London, Bali and Amman. And yet, five years
after 9/11, the war on terrorism is seen by many Muslims as a war on Islam.
As Islamophobia and xenophobia grow, the critical distinction between
religious extremism and mainstream Islam is increasingly blurred. How do we
break out of this cycle of ignorance?

The Gallup World Poll provides us with information about Muslim beliefs,
perceptions, fears and hopes. For the first time, we can get beyond
conflicting expert analysis, media coverage or selected voices from the
Arab street. Listening to a billion Muslims sometimes corroborates but
often challenges entrenched beliefs about our differences.

Is there a blind hatred to the west? The poll indicates the opposite.
Muslims in the 10 countries polled (Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan,
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia) said what
they most admired, after technology, was the west's political freedom.
Overwhelming majorities in every country would support freedom of speech,
religion and assembly if drafting a constitution. Majorities in virtually
every country also felt women should have the same legal rights as men.

Those familiar with the EU were more likely to say the group of nations
played a positive rather than negative role in promoting peace. However,
not surprisingly they gave the US and UK, in contrast to France and
Germany, unfavourable ratings, linking the US to such attributes as
"ruthless and arrogant." Muslims were also critical of their own
countries, citing "extremism, radicalism, terrorism and fanaticism,
lack of political freedom and political corruption". Only 8% believed
the 9/11 attacks were justified, while 35% were positive about America and
felt 9/11 was not justified; 51% were "sceptical moderates",
critical of the US but not believing that 9/11 was justified.

What would improve relations with the west? Their most frequent replies
were "demonstrate more understanding and respect for Islam"; help
with "economic development/jobs"; and "stop interfering in
our affairs". Most wanted better relations with the west, but did not
believe the US was serious about promoting real self-determination.

The conclusion? Anti-western feelings result from what we do, our policies
and actions, not from our way of life. Globalisation and an increasingly
multicultural west test the mettle of our values. Islamophobia is a threat
to our democratic way of life. This cancer should be as unacceptable as
anti-semitism. Pluralism and tolerance demand greater understanding and
respect from non-Muslims and Muslims alike. The more we learn about each
other, the more we will see beyond our differences to a reservoir of common
concerns, values and interests.

· John Esposito is professor of religion and international affairs at
Georgetown University, Washington, and a Gallup senior scientist; he has
been an adviser to the US state department on Muslim affairs, and is
speaking today at London's Islam Expo.

jle2{at}georgetown.edu

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