I've been volunteering for AIPAC a few times in last months. This week I had the pleasure of listening to Hussein Haqqani current director of the Center for International Relations and a Professor of International Relations at Boston University. He's career also includes serving as an advisor to several Pakistani Prime Ministers and being an ambassador to Sri Lanka.
I found his speech interesting, although his ideas were not earth shattering it incredibly encouraging to hear a Muslim speak in this manner. In know it shouldn't matter who the speaker is, but I get defensive when debating the Middle East I cite a Jewish author and the person I'm debating disqulifies or diminshes the authority becuase of its bias. Dr. Haqqani was a great speaker often cracking jokes here are some (incomplete)notes from the talk:
On Muslim Countries
1. The biggest problem in the Muslim countries is the lack of literacy.
2. Their is a deficit both in economic development as well as deficit in freedom.
3. Only five Muslim countries are considered free - they are not what you expect - all of then are located in Africa (I didn't write the down).
The Creation of the Problem
1. There was no serious set back for the Muslims until the 17Th century.
2. In 1445 the Ottoman Empire took an anti-technology position, they were against the printing press.
3. The West was changed by the printing press - example: Reformation.
4. In 1699 Muslims began an inward phase. Unlike Britain or France.
Turning the Colonist Argument On Its Head aka Hussani's Argument
1.Muslims are not weak because they were colonized. Because they were weak they were colonized.
Is the problem religious or secular?
1. Hussani claims it's political.
2. Osama's and others have a common question: Why did we lose our greatness? How do we get it back?
3. Each Muslim country has its own version of the reason for humiliation and lack of success.
4. Muslim intellectuals have blames external factors like Israel or in Pakistan India is blamed.
5. There is no internalizing.
6. The ideology: Power comes through force.
7. The answer to problems is getting rid of the external "bogeyman" not looking at internal problems.
The situation right now
1. Missed his first point.
2. Support modernists in the Middle East.
3. Watch out for secularist, they can become a problem too.
4. Demand internal changes - like changes school curriculum.
His feelings on CAIR
1. The name CAIR - Council for American Islamic Relations underlines that Islam and America are different, the name itself is dividing. By definition seems to align the rule between arbitrary two rivals - not conducive to what CAIR is supposedly trying to do.
How to proceed with American foreign policy. (He called it more nuanced.)
1. Culture of victimhood has not helped Islam. Needs to be discussed more. According to Mr. Haqqani the dialogue is starting.
2. Don't make it open end it.
3. Re-evaluate relationships with Muslims
4. Stop believing the Israel-Palestinian problem created all the other problems.
5.Make major investments in education, change the composition of what is being taught. Like that Jews are not out to drink Muslim blood.
6. Stop giving a pass on bad aspects. Don't give money for promotion of Hatred. Example: Egypt - Eiders of Zion movie.
7. Engage with non-government groups that want real change
8. Start a translation movement - translate many more books into Arabic and other languages.
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