Spring Break
Greenville Muslims weigh in on Obama's foreign policy
Travis Ostrander
Issue date: 6/3/09 Section: News
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In an attempt to mend communication damaged during previous administrations, President Barack Obama visited the Middle East in early April. The final visit of his tour was to the nation of Turkey, a Muslim ally of the United States -- one of his first steps towards strengthening and maintaining a relationship with countries in the Middle East and followers of Islam.
His statements are well received by Muslims in Greenville who are looking to Obama to shift policy in a direction more focused on building and maintaining relationships.
While addressing the Turkish parliament, Obama noted the importance of having Turkey as an ally in the fight against terrorism. He made a powerful statement by concluding that, "The United States is not and will never be at war with Islam."
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11 religious differences were brought to the forefront of foreign policy and years' worth of mistrust and severed relationships followed.
"Iraq considered to be strategically important for Muslims because it was the seat of Islamic government for centuries. There is a lot of Islamic history there. In the shape that is now, there is no infrastructure at all," said M. Saeed Dar, the spokesperson for the Greenville Islamic Center.
Dar visited Iraq three years ago and witnessed the destruction first hand.
"When I read some of the newspapers from some of the Muslim countries, (they feel that) it was because of some of the anti-Muslim bias that the previous administration attacked Iraq," he said. "He is trying to fix the general perception of the Muslim world. The previous regime in particular had anti-Islamic policy. I think he is trying to establish some good will and confidence."
Moneera Awadallah, president of East Carolina Univerity's Arab Student Union was encouraged by the President's visit to Turkey. "It shows that he's making an effort with the Muslim people, thus giving hope," she said.
Awadallah said that Obama is, "currently gaining support throughout the world," and can keep the relationships strong and constantly improving, "by continuing to stay an unbiased mediator between the countries and assisting with the peace talks."
The Vice President of East Carolina University's Muslim Student Association, Faten Odeh, seconds that sentiment by adding, "[Obama] wants to form an understanding amongst the nations and the main theme is respect for one another."
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