Clash of Civilizations or Clash of Perceptions?

2002 Report (Continued)


Preface

It is my belief that September 11 awakened the world to what is one of the most important challenges of our time—that is, the relationship of the Western world to the Muslim world. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, and the broader War on Terrorism, the West could not afford to confuse the criminals who committed the unthinkable horrors of that day with the Muslim people in general. To make certain this does not occur, most of us in the West should not hesitate to admit, humbly, that we do not know much about Islamic civilization, Islamic history, Islamic traditions, or Islamic societies in the world today. These societies make up one and a half billion people living, in their diversity and complexity, in fifty-two predominantly Muslim countries—from Morocco to Malaysia, from Nigeria to Turkey, and from Tanzania to Bosnia—as well as throughout the Western world, from Sweden to the United States to France.

If the terrible events of 2001 had any benefit, it is precisely in alerting us to the urgent need to open our hearts, eyes, and minds to the forces that, over the centuries, have shaped a part of the world with which America has not had the same familiarity that Europe has had. The Islamic-Western encounter did not begin in the tumult of September 11 and its aftermath. It originated with the advent of Islam—the latest, if I may, Abrahamic kid on the block. But we Americans have experienced neither domination by the Islamic world when it was at the height of its power, nor the subsequent Crusades and modern colonial period, which turned the tables. Over the course of these tribulations, our European friends acquired the knowledge of the Islamic world that unfortunately, with few exceptions, we lack in this country. It is regrettable, in particular, that our policy makers and, even more so, our media, often address issues of vital importance to America’s relationship with the Muslim world without much awareness of the necessary historical and civilizational background. Isn’t it time that we work at reversing this trend? Isn’t it time for our policy makers—Congressmen, administration officials, civil servants, and others—to finally start the learning process? Isn’t it time that our media renounce their “know-it-all” dismissals and confront the need for deeper understanding?

When, in the days following September 11, my friend and colleague Mustapha Tlili proposed that New School University launch a major initiative to promote frank, honest dialogue between the West—especially our own country—and the Islamic world, I immediately gave him my full support. Since then, he has worked hard to turn this idea into reality. I am proud today to see the fruits of Dr. Tlili’s efforts as reflected in this report—an account of the first international conference hosted by Dialogues: Islamic World-U.S.-The West in Granada, Spain, in late October 2002. By all measures, the conference was a success. Its conclusions and recom- mendations should be meditated on by all who, like me, believe in the seriousness of the moment that we live in, as the United States ponders a large-scale involvement in the affairs of the Middle East and beyond in the Islamic world. We would be remiss not to heed the conference’s calls for a more nuanced, thorough approach to various issues ranging from the relationship between Islam and elections, to the question of the source of authority in Islam—or “who speaks for Islam?”—and from the image of Islam in the West, to finally, the presence of large Muslim communities in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the Western world.

I urge our policy makers, decision makers, media, and informed public, particularly the educational community, to read this report and to reflect on its findings. I am convinced that this first step of the Dialogues program will provide the impetus for further questioning of the clichés that are spread daily on our television screens and the pages of our newspapers concerning points of contention between the West and the Muslim world. If we do so, we have a chance to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more balanced relationship with one of the world’s largest populations—one that is now regaining its energy and revamping its aspirations for the future. At a time when we are all legitimately worried about terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and other global threats, it is incumbent on all of us to assume the challenge of acquiring knowledge and understanding. Without them, no policy can succeed.

— Bob Kerrey,
President of New School University
New York
21 January 2003

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