Report on U.S. Relations with the Muslim World
Bipartisan Leaders Suggest New U.S. Strategies and Diplomacy
Oct 8, 2008
The September 24, 2008 report, "Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World," is the result of two years of discussion and research which grew from concern about growing tension and violence between the U.S. and Muslim countries and communities. It offers a comprehensive strategy – with political, diplomatic, economic and cultural initiatives – to help ease tensions and build a coalition against terrorism.
The U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project
Thirty-four bipartisan leaders with diverse political and religious views took part in the U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project. Among them were experts in the fields of foreign policy, national security, politics, business, religion, education, public opinion, psychology, philanthropy, and conflict resolution.
Included in the group were former U.S. Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Richard Armitage; Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America; Dalia Mogahed and Ahmed Younis of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies; and Thomas Dine, former executive director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The Global War on Terror – An Inadequate Response
The report cites the Global War on Terror as an inadequate response to the events of 9/11 which did little to reduce national security concerns. It says that policies and actions – not a clash of civilizations – are at the root of current tensions. The report notes that only a tiny minority of Muslims endorse terrorism, and that support for terrorism often stems from oppressive conditions within Muslim countries.
The Report's Recommendations
The "Changing Course" report, based on unprecedented consensus of bipartisan U.S. leaders on this much-debated topic, suggests four goals to not only improve U.S. relations with Muslims, but ultimately increase national security and reduce terrorism. The report advises U.S. government and private leaders to work with their counterparts in Muslim countries to:
- Use diplomacy to resolve conflict.
- Improve governance and increase civic participation in Muslim countries.
- Promote economic development in Muslim countries.
- Improve mutual understanding between Americans and Muslims around the world.
Improve Diplomacy
The report strongly advocates diplomacy over military action as the primary tool. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan and Pakistan were all named areas of the Middle East and Muslim world which could benefit from elevated U.S. diplomacy.
Improve Governments and Civic Involvement
The report encourages the U.S. to promote fair and non-violent political contests and governance, civic involvement, and principles over political parties. It also suggests that the U.S. examine case-by-case the value of engaging with representatives of armed political and activist movements.
Catalyze Job-Creating Economic Growth
The U.S. should work to bolster domestic and foreign Muslim economies and create job growth via policy and trade reforms, public-private investment partnerships, and improved educational opportunities. Energy resources should be diversified.
Improve Respect and Understanding between Americans and Muslims
Public policy, cross-cultural education, in-depth and accurate news coverage, and increased cultural diplomacy were all named ways in which to foster respect and understanding between Americans and Muslims. Key to the strategies' success would be the involvement of the Muslim-American population as a bridge to greater understanding both in the U.S. and abroad.
Insight on the Muslim World and Call to Action
In addition to outlining comprehensive strategies, the report provides insight into the complexity of U.S.relations with Muslims. The report further advises the next U.S. president to prioritize improved U.S.-Muslim relations both domestically and abroad.
To learn more about Muslims, see American Muslim Statistics and What Do Muslims Believe?
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