All-Time Low in USA – Arab Relations. USA Sets Up Fund to Combat this.
An article, which appeared in the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam, written by Jamil Matar, discussed relations between the Arab world and the USA.
Matar begins the article by expressing his certainty that American politicians must be worried about the rapidly worsening relations between the USA and the Arab and Muslim world in general. He then refers to what he sees as the declining popularity of American culture in Europe and the fact that many student leaders are ideologically opposed to American policies.
President Bush has allocated funds to improve USA-Arab relations. Matar repeats several times his optimism that the new fund will improve the situation. What is needed to improve relations, he argues, is loosening the power of AIPAC. AIPAC is the main pro-Israel lobbying organization in the States.
His main point is American-Arab relations have not always been bad nor will necessarily be so in the future. He claims Kennedy and Gamal ‘Abd A-Nasir had warm relations, cut short by Kennedy’s assassination. He refers to the immensely popular welcome Nixon received when he accepted Sadat’s invitation to visit Egypt. He says the Arab world has respect for American democracy and concern for human rights. What has changed in the last couple of decades is not the Arab in the street, but rather American actions.
Matar says hatred for America stems from the fact that the people in the Arab street want to take revenge on America’s pro-Israel policies and the fact that many of their own Arab governments have been active accomplices. He says Israel’s will is supreme.
The concept of peace with Israel has turned into a concept of deception. The Arab governments cooperating with America are powerless to stem Israel’s tricks. He writes the Arab sees and hears war everyday. It is this which fans hatred towards America, but not the American people.
He says religious dialogue is not needed. It has been tried and tested. What is needed is a genuine respect for Arabs and Islamic culture in the cinema, in diplomacy and policy.