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http://www.bmorenews.com/blog/tgr-the-middle-east-question-give-obama-a-chance.shtmlTGR: The Middle East Question: Give Obama a Chance
I think at this point somebody ought to be talking about helping people make some money and take care of their families. That would mean a decrease for the weapons industry, but I’m sure they can transition to selling building supplies. In other words, there is plenty of underdevelopment in the Middle East – according to US standards. For example, to begin building could very well create jobs. However, any ideas about such efforts ought come from the people of the Middle East.
Hope for the best, expect the worst
By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com
(BALTIMORE – June 4, 2009) – Being reactionary is never good. However, in light of President Barack Obama’s effort to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt, a couple of things must be said.
Granted, this is just my humble opinion; so, don’t take this as the word of God.
In reading some of the opinions of people around the world, my little 2 cents, I think, is just as good as anybody else’s. So, here it is …
Several comments have been made suggesting that President Obama cannot do anything about the challenges in the Middle East and that he should have went to Indonesia instead if he truly wanted to speak to Muslims.
News flash: Obama is not God, Jesus, the Prophet Muhammad, or the like. He is a community organizer with multi-ethnic roots who did a lot of grassroots work on the ground in Chicago.
He is Ivy League-educated and he is a lawyer by profession. And, thus far, he’s been doing better than the last guy – ‘ol what’s his name.
Now to the heavy stuff. The Middle East is a beautiful and historic place, especially when it comes to being home of the world’s three largest religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
These three major religions all come out of one story, that of the children of Abraham. Yes, there are differences in each of these three faiths, however, the thread of commonality is so much stronger, binding, convictive and cohesive.
As for whether of not Pres. Obama can do anything or say anything to make a difference in the Middle East during his visit or his speech given the centuries of conflict in this all-important part of the world, let’s keep it real. It’s a speech.
What’s most important is what will be done. Further, for me that implies a concerted effort by all involved, namely the Arabs and the indigenous peoples in the Middle East, Israel, and the United States/Great Britain.
Unless all three are on the same page – such as ending the violence – there is nothing Obama or anyone else can do.
Also, I think it is important to have as many key players as possible present at the table – or at least a representative, where the new US President can listen to the varied opinions on both the Arab and Israeli sides. Then and only then, after listening, can our beloved President make some intelligent suggestions about peace.
The Middle East is in need of a healing. All of the bombs, the guns, the lasers and the radars in the world will never do what human beings can do: sit and reason together.
A lot of people have died because of Muslim-Israeli conflicts. A lot of people are hurt, some irreparably. Hence, there is a long road to ultimate relative peace in the Middle East region. Yet, ancient Chinese wisdom suggests that road begins with the first step. And that would mean respect.
The prescription for the Middle East: Begin to talk – respectfully. Learn about the possibilities of forgiveness. Aim for the indelible impression of peace. And keep your eyes on the money.
Personally, I think money is terribly important to the people in the Middle East: Arab and Israeli.
As it relates to the US, the Jewish lobby is one of the strongest in the world such that Israel gets more foreign aid than any nation in the world. The Arabs/Muslims in the region probably want to know when that is going to cease and come their way. Foreign aid from the US has been going to Israel since 1948 when Israel was formally recognized as a state. In short, if it were not for the US and UK's support, Israel might never be. Hence, this country is historically tied to Israel - going back some 6 decades. Again, the word is respect.
For me, it’s real simple. The US and the Brits cut-out a piece of territory for Jewish refugees in the middle of the Middle East.
One problem: They couldn’t have picked a more complicated situation. So, what do you do now – some 60 years later?
I think at this point somebody ought to be talking about helping people make some money and take care of their families. That would mean a decrease for the weapons industry, but I’m sure they can transition to selling building supplies. In other words, there is plenty of underdevelopment in the Middle East – according to US standards. For example, to begin building could very well create jobs. However, any ideas about such efforts ought come from the people of the Middle East.
When I visited a Palestinian Refugee Camp in 2002 with the late Arthur Murphy and 7 other black US journalists, I easily saw that the people in the Middle East are just like people anywhere else in the world. They just want peace, the ability to make a living, and the freedom to practice their faith.
It’s that simple! So, when you strangle a people’s economy, the people suffer and poverty is imminent. After that, who wouldn’t pick up a gun?
There is wisdom on both sides of the court. Some way, somehow, the residents of the Middle East ought find a way to live together. At this point, it ought be about long-term solutions. Trust must be established between the leaders of the two sides. All voices must be heard, for it is essential to a democratic model. And respect ought be a given.
Good luck, Mr. President.