Islam - political or spiritual perspective

As alarm about the Iranian election and the outrage around the world about what is presumed to be election fraud continues, I struggle to understand how Islam can be used to justify persecution, silencing, and violence. Iran is an Islamic country as are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others. Because they are Islamic, the familiar Western idea of separation of Church and State is not only unheeded, it cannot be understood by those who believe that one's spiritual life has to be acknowledged and expressed in family, relationships, work, and community.

The problem in Iran is that Islam has been high-jacked for political gain. Those who voice different perspectives are vilified as anti-Muslim rather than simply people with another voice. Ali Allawi's "Islamic Civilization in Peril" gets to some of the points that are most worth consideration. Most importantly, Allawi's commentary addresses the struggle between modernization and remaining true to the core beliefs of Islam - justice, moderation, respectful accommodation, and the rejection of oppression.

It is critical that Westerners understand what is at the center of Islam and that a dialogue that informs, rather than divides, underscores the public discourse.

President Obama's Paradox Tour

President Obama's trip to the Middle East and Europe is making a difference. The speech to the Muslim world, although tempered with commentators' reservations regarding aspirations that will eventually have to be matched with actions, has been for the most part well received. If nothing else, President Obama has been acclaimed for truthfully expressing why things are so difficult in the Middle East and reaching out to change patterns that have been established over decades and centuries of conflict.

The overall diplomatic venture is a study in paradox. Beginning in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, a faith that embraces other faiths and advocates peace, yet has spawned some sects of Islam that are more hostile to Western ideas than any other. Speaking from Egypt, a country in the Arab/Islamic world but not one whose leadership characterizes the type of democratic leadership that the West might advocate. Commenting about Isreal's violation of agreements on territorial boundaries and unwillingness to acknowledge the legitimacy of Palestine yet going to Buchenwald with the Chancellor of Germany and one of the most notable of all holocaust survivors (Eli Weisel) to visit the death camp that most represents the abuse and denigration of Jews. Going to Normandy to commemorate the landing of Allied forces that, while sacrificing so many American lives, marked the turning point of WWII. A series of dramatic and stunning contrasts.

Some may see in this trip the unfolding of contradictions that could not possibly contribute to coherent foreign policy. Yet for a "Third Culture Kid" whose life has been spent in different nations, cultures, and socioeconomic pockets, this trip reflects the reality of a world that is divided and broken but that has to let go of the suffering and pain if it is to move ahead into a new age.

It will be interesting to see what ultimately comes of the June 2009 Paradox Tour of President Obama. If nothing else, it will have to be remembered as one that faced multiple conflicting realities that must somehow come to peace with each other - the definition of paradox.

Bism Illah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim

President of the U.S.A. Barrack Hussein Obama, is making final preparations for his much-anticipated statement to the Muslim world. The controversy is already swirling about whether or not Egypt is a fitting choice for this potentially momentous occasion. There will no doubt be many who will line up on opposing sides but, for me, the point is that it is happening at all.

While the political or cultural choice for the Muslim World speech and its contents are being debated, a colleague shared a powerful statement about something else that is underway - ecumenical dialogue among Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This dialogue is captured in the Muscat Manifesto by David Ford. Delivered at the Grand Mosque of Oman on 20 April, 2009, it is a statement about the work underway among religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths. The Common Word initiative is bringing religious leaders together to discuss the common wisdom of the Bible, Qur'an, and Torah, especially as it relates to the challenges of our times.

While President Obama prepares and as others prepare to assess his intent and impact, if only we could watch first for the wisdom of his reaching out to the Muslim world and hope that this wisdom will stimulate others to join the conversation. Bism Illah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful."

Pursuing the noble identity

Jose Antonio Abreu reveals in this TEDTalks release why music is so critical to our global community. Abreu has found a way to unleash children in the pursuit of their noble identity, moving from the feeling of being no one to having an artistic voice that others will want to hear. Another demonstration of the power of music that can transform lives and governments...