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Opinion May 2003 Al-Jazeerah.info |
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Human Price of the Israeli Occupation of Palestine Israeli daily aggression on the Palestinian people Mission and meaning of Al-Jazeerah Cities, localities, and tourist attractions
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Readers' comments on Khaled Batarfi's recent article "The Beautiful American." Al-Jazeerah.infor, 5/13/03 Dear All, Here are your comments on my recent article The "Beautiful" American. I am overwhelmed with you kind remarks and would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yes, we could make a difference if we communicate with open-minds and hearts. The idea is to build that bridge between our peoples, so we could sit and talk. The more we do the less misunderstanding we could have and the more human bonds we could make. At the end of the day, our leaders will have to listen. Those who trade in hate will find that their trade is not welcome and will have to go away. Salam, Khaled
-----Original Message----- From: Monty Kelley [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 5:20 PM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Arab News article Dr. Batarfi: I regularly read Arab News online and was impressed with your recent article "The Beautiful American". I am also impressed once again with Arab News that they published the article. I found your analysis very accurate and one which I have long held is a key problem, the failure to effectively and efficiently lobby Washington and construct a long term viable diplomatic in road to American legislature. I have two very good Palestinian friends in Los Angeles and several very good Lebanese friends here at home. In fact, I worked diligently with one friend here to get elected to the position of County Commissioner recently and I was encouraged and delighted to find that the issue of Mr. Darwiche's Arab birth was never raised as a political issue during the entire campaign. Not a small amazement in the heart of red neck cowboy country that is Wyoming. There are many Americans that see through the "smoke and mirrors" campaign of Israel and understand there will be no peace until Israel withdraws from the West Bank and Gaza strip. Sadly the numbers are too low to make a sufficient influence on US policy for the moment. Only by mutual recognition in the US and the Arab world that better relations and understanding of each other - can we hope to overcome the hurdles to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East. Articles such as you have written take a big step in that direction. R.M.Kelley Jackson, Wyoming
From: ldy-haz [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 9:28 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: You have the best Idea I have seen, thanks I read the Arab media a lot these days. So do many of our friends. Since Sept 11th and more recently the involvement in Iraq (war). Many of us are searching for different points of view and a better understanding of our world neighbors.
Just a thought on what one middle aged, working single mother thinks and feels. (I am not alone)
Majority of Americans respect ALL people. We also respect differences. We consider our country a melting pot. All different societies and people have made America.
We fear things we don't understand at the same time we search and strive to understand.
We dont understand and yes fear fundamentalism. Our strong believe in freedom of religion makes it difficult to understand people that HATE others for different beliefs. We become frightened when we hear religious leaders preaching in strong angry voices, we see people doing violent overt acts, burning our flag, chanting that we are hated. These are the visions we have of Middle East and the Islamic religion. Maybe our separation of church and state makes us frightened of Places in the world that seem to revolve around their spiritual leaders. We don't understand religions that support blood shed. We see people leaving their houses of worship and then protesting and spreading words of hate and anger.
Some of the strong Muslem groups that a lot of US people see and hear about in America are thought to be angry prison inmates. We wonder........Is there any talk of "love, friendship" in Islam. We hear jihad, hate, kill (others or yourself) We see fathers proudly sending their sons to commit suicide. We don't understand this.
Like many Saudis we see what is printed and shown on TV and the internet. What makes the news is not always what people really feel or think. Most "news" is showing the worst in all people.
Please show us a beautiful Middle East. Show us warm friendly people. Come to our towns. Speak with our groups, schools, colleges and "us" the people. We want to listen, understand and yes be friends.
As a small child I wanted to travel to the Middle East to see the Historic Places. Today as a 40 year old I fear if I do I will see angry, hateful faces and possibly loose my life.
I am not a wealthy person but I do have a house with a spare room, you are welcome to come visit the beauty of the Northern California Redwoods, I would offer my room and friendship :)
Elisa
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Message----- Dear Dr. Khaled, I read your article that appeared in today’s Arab News. Good reflection - fair analysis. May I share a thought of mine too? I am an expatriate living and working here for a while. I appreciate the good sides of this country and the people. It is my sincere desire that when I leave this place, I leave with a grateful heart; to this land and its people. I grew up in a village in India. Studied in a Hindu managed school with Muslims and Hindus. I was brought up in a Christian atmosphere at home and in my church. Alongside, I was taught to respect others and I developed a strong sense of appreciation towards other religions. I too got the same from my Hindu and Muslim friends. I learned about different aspects of faith, worship, culture and festivals related to different religions. We studied together. Swam in the same river. Worshipped in our places of worship. Got along well. This understanding was shockingly challenged and shattered once I arrived here. Questions like "are you Muslim, why not! and the sense of hate and aversion; instant spitting on the ground. The horrible scenes of chasing women in the market place; all the discrimination in the work place. All the "Ramadan scenarios" where most answers are "don't you know that I am fasting" and so on and on. I feel sorry. It is something I want to avoid and I definitely will put behind me. I will keep that genuine appreciation crated in my heart by those God fearing Friday worshipping Muslims in my village who loved and appreciated the Hindu on the left side of the walkway and the Christian on the other side of the canal. I just think of Sharif, my best friend in school, with whom I spent many years. A great friend who loves me and I love him too. Years down the lane and miles apart, I just have this to tell him: “Sharif, I still love you and, believe me, I will make sure that this experience here in this Holy Land will never cloud my views.” Dr. Khaled, you said right; “communication project to build a human bridge between us — the people of two great cultures and civilizations”. The right basis for that project is mutual respect. On the other hand, an approach with a "conviction" that I am the only right and noble and others are near to inhuman animals; will distort all relations. Antony Mathew
-----Original Message----- From: Matt Neuman [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 11:28 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Re: The 'Beautiful' American Dr. Batarfi, As an American living in the Kingdom I can say nothing more than "well said!" Your article was a poignant reminder of the good in all of us and the need to better communicate with each other. Ever since coming to better know and understand Saudi's I've believed as you so eloquently put it that the problem is the communication modality, not the message: Saudi's do have much to be proud of and much to share with the world. I do hope that your words are taken to heart by many and put into immediate effect. Regards, Matt Neuman Dhahran
-----Original Message----- From: John Deek [mailto] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 10:29 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: mixing cultures your right, arab and american cultures need to mix more, Id love to see that happen. if you know of ways to help let me know
-----Original Message----- From: Patrick Dobson [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 10:06 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Ref: your article in the Arab News Today Dear Dr. Batarfi: I am an American who has lived in the Kingdom since 1992. My wife and children have been here with me the entire time. I would like to commend you on your article and for expressing the tone of reason which is the true path to allowing the kind of intellectual and personal connection which are so desperately needed. I could not agree with you more on the point of the Arab message not getting through to the American people. Your analysis of what must be done is correct. As a little good news for you... I work with young men here in Riyadh who participate in a youth baseball program. On the teams are Americans, Saudi’s, Palestinians, Indians, Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Australians and many others of mixed nationalities. To watch these young men play together as teams, compete against each other, become friends and generally spend time together it amazes me how comfortable they are with each other. I get to spend time with their father’s who are dealing with the exact same problems all teenagers have with school performance and learning to become men. I feel strongly that the more we as people learn about each the better our relationship will become. I’ve learned from these children that we are all the same. Thank you for your article and I wish you the best of luck. Patrick Dobson
-----Original Message----- From: rawslaw [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 10:21 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Arab News - The ‘Beautiful’ American Mr Batarfi, I long for the day that Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians, and all people, will see each other in the light you see Americans. Thank you Steve Cole
-----Original Message----- From: Bebe Master [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 8:04 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: thank you for your editorial "the 'Beautiful' America"
It was almost too much of what I wanted to read and hear. I don't know if you have heard about the Fox "news" channel in the US but I find it awful because too many people who watch it are doing so just because it is the type of news that they would like to hear. Not all Americans are nice just with any large country. I hope that your message does not alienate those who it would benefit the most from it by putting Americans in too perfect a light. It is my wish that you are able to convey your message of openness and communication between our nations to your fellow citizens as well as you have done for me. Communication is the bridge that moves people from ignorance to understanding.
Thank you, Justin Dean -----Original Message----- From: Aesoph, Mike [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 5:23 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: ArabNews The 'Beautiful' American Dear Dr. Batarfi: I get most of my information on the Middle East from ArabNews.com and I really enjoy all of the articles. Keep up the good work. I am quoting the following from your article: "Most charities, environment and human rights groups in the world are either American or get lots of American support. Their stand on the Palestinian issue is mostly a result of communication errors on our part, and of masterful work from the other side." This is a very important and very true statement! For decades, the Palestinians have been successfully labeled as terrorists by the Israelis and this label allowed them to have almost a free hand in retaliation, collective punishment, etc.... I am honestly hopeful for the future. For the first time ever, there has been much reporting from the occupied territories and the Palestinians are now being seen as pretty much average people. People that want to get up in the morning, go to work and then go home to family. No one is believing the Israeli stories anymore and I am certain that they are feeling pressure. Again, keep up the good work and pray for the best.
-----Original Message----- From: GMHouse8 [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 4:15 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Arab Culture Dear Dr. Khaled, I read your article on the internet from the ' Arab News ' dated May 11,2003. Shortly after the start of ' Gulf War II ' I was curious to learn about the perceptions of other people outside of the United States about the war and US policy. I have grown tired of the same old tired ramblings of our liberal press and the lack of perspective from foreign journalists. Perusing the internet I came across the Arab News and have been a regular reader since. I fully expected to read articles full of hate and loathing about America. This expectation, I believe, was created by what I have read here in our own news media. As you pointed out in your article, the " ....masterful work from the other side " ( that can be the American media as well ), we really are misinformed about the culture, values and views of the average Arab. I enjoyed your article and look forward to reading more of your comments in the future. Would you be able to recommend another English language website that covers Arab and Middle East new? Sincerely, Gary M. House
-----Original Message----- From: Dagny Reis [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 2:36 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: The ‘Beautiful’ American I'm a well educated Norwegian woman (living in the US since 1960, 63 years old) who would like an email based dialogue with a Saudi. I have sent several emails to other journalists with no reply. Should I conclude that none reply because: • ...they're too busy • ...I'm not American (though I've lived here for 43 years) • ...I'm a woman • ...it's easier to talk about wanting us to get to know you than to actually do it? • ...of things I have no knowledge of Best regards and wishes, Dagny Reis -----Original Message----- From: Alan G. Warne, Jr. [mailto] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 3:12 PM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Arab News / Sunday 11, 2003 Dr. Batarfi:
I enjoyed your article this morning and I agree with your logic. I've traveled to the Mid-East twice and had the pleasure of meeting many Arabs (both Muslim and Christian). I am a better person for it and certainly more enlightened.
Sincerely,
Alan
-----Original Message----- From: Theo [mailto:] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 3:32 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Sir, I would like to add some comments to the articles and general trend of the Arab news. Firstly to set your mind at rest, I am not overly in favour of America, nor Israel, I am well aware of some of the atrocities that have been committed, I am also aware of the positive aspects of their society. That amongst others I read your material is indicative I am after a more balanced world view than that provided by just the regular western press. That your society has problems is evident, the same problems some of the Western world is still struggling with. I am old enough to remember the sharp divisions that existed in Europe between various Christian sects as recently as fifty years ago. History tells us these were only the tame remnants, Ireland comes to mind where such divisions still exists at a higher level. The Western world climbed out of that when division of state and church became a reality. The power of the church has slowly been eroded away by means of a process of better education and progressive elimination of the peasant class where such extreme religious beliefs originate and thrive. We have come to realize that it is not the religions per se that are the problem, but the power blocks developed by the priest/mulla/shamans/witch doctor, or whatever guise these characters come in. If you observe carefully their workings, you find that maintenance of their power base always takes precedence over religious teachings. Needles to say the suppression of woman is one of the outflows of a peasant farmer belief systems, this was the case in Christianity as well, as I said we still have remnants of such issues here, women' rights can still crop up as an issue after a hundreds of years of progress. Concepts like religious police to control dissenters and the active suppression of woman rights shows clearly the state much of your area is in, control of populations has always been the goal of the religious rulers. Our history is full of such suppressions over the centuries. I have also observed the quality of our immigrant Muslims here and in Europe and to be honest with few exceptions they are in general still peasants of the worst kind. I honestly hope they are manifestations of the lower echelon of your society, but even so my observation is that Muslims in general have no respect for law and order, nor have consideration for their fellow man. The excesses perpetrated all around the world, including here, by people who profess to be adhering to a religious belief system continually re-enforce the impression that the concept of the infidel is still very strong. I think you must know the viewpoint that has developed in the West, seeing fanatical Muslims on television on just about a daily basis and seeing a never ending amount of suicidal maniacs blowing themselves to bits, or attempting to force religious control on the rest of the population does not leave us with a positive impression of Muslims as a viable good neighbor. You may or may not understand, but we can't even comprehend what could possibly motivate somebody to suicide in such a manner, there must be some powerful indoctrination going on. The television views of Iraq, where more serious and permanent damage to the country was caused by marauding mobs then by the Americans, has left an indelible impression of barbarism. The views expressed by some of your editorials that the Americans deliberately encouraged this might have merit where government buildings are concerned, after all, destroying the seat of Sadams power is conceivably a goal, but that they encouraged destruction of museum is somewhat unbelievable, there is no political mileage. Quite the opposite, the political fall out in the west resulting from such destruction, even from the allies is quite severe. I am afraid that your society has still a long way to go, fortunately you are in a better position to accelerate the process then the West was, here it took several painful centuries and many wars, hopefully in your area the availability of modern communication channels will ease the pain. The more information the population has the less chance similar atrocities will recur. Regards Theo
-----Original Message----- From: Jodgrl1043 [mailto] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 1:29 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: The Beautiful American Dear Sir,
I was overjoyed to read your article titled The Beautiful American. I am an American who stumbled across the Arab News website a few weeks ago. I read it often to gain a better understanding of how those in other parts of the world feel. I believe you are absolutely right in that there needs to be better communication between all of us. I have made an effort to understand the Palestinian issues and found myself to be very sympathetic. Most Americans are understanding and compassionate people. The majority of us do not look upon those from the Middle East as terrorists and I hope the majority of them do not view us with disdain. September 11 was a horrible day in the history of the World but if a better understanding between all rises from it, maybe their is hope for us. Thank you, Jodi Caldwell Torrance, Ca. USA -----Original Message----- From: Jim Morgan [mailto:] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 1:11 AM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: Reply to"The 'Beautiful' American" Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi
I just read your great article and wanted to thank you. From your text:" Talking to the American consciousness will work". I agree and that the media is the bridge of choice.
Thank You, Jim Morgan Redding, California USA -----Original Message----- From: JMiller [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 11:56 PM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: 'Beautiful' American Sir, I think you've got it. Especially the opening of Saudi society. Anything that your people believe they need to be ashamed of should be examined so as to either be changed, or better-explained. You still error by claiming some 'Jewish conspiracy'. Agree or disagree with this fact, but the vast majority of the political spectrum 'shuts down' when they hear this stuff. The reason is simple: World War II for us is sometimes called "The Good War", which is a bit strange to say for us. Doing away with imperialist fascist Nazis was about the best thing one could ever think of to fight for. It just so happens that these Nazis also drew heavily from the rhetoric of 'Jewish Conspiracy'. Agree or disagree with why, please tell your fellow intellectuals in the Arab world that framing any issue with the words 'Jewish' is rhetoric that links the otherwise worthy fact with some very nasty things; some of them being the extreme in your culture. I, personally believe that there is a loose-cannon at the helm in Israel. I also believe that Arabs do not have to nessacerely loose the 'rhetoric-war' because of an unknown cultural faux-pas (etiquette blunder). I have a question for you though, how willing do you think Arabs are to taking your advice? Sincerely, James Miller
-----Original Message----- From: travis snyder [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 10:53 PM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: your article The beautiful America
Dr. Batarfi,
I enjoy reading your articles and I enjoy reading the commentary of your readers in your emails. I would like to comment on your latest article at Arabnews.com "The Beautiful American". First, I have made my disagreements clear regarding your opinion of Israel. There are many successful Jews in America and we are glad to have them. Most of the Jews that fled here and to Israel fled from systematic persecution and anti-Semitism under Nazism and Arab governments. America has been made strong by hardworking Jews who brought great business and technical skill to this country. Perhaps Arab economies would be better off if they had embraced the Jewish people and shared in their prosperity. If the Jews do have undo influence in Washington, I and most of my fellow citizens are not complaining. In this country, the harder you work the more successful and influential you become. Contrary to the spirit of your article, in America the best cases don't need the best lawyers to still win the day. Look at the polls. It is the American people who have consistently supported Israel not just the politicians.
Here is an interesting commentary. http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/74914.htm
It was interesting to hear you talk about how more Americans need to meet more Saudis and that the growing Internet will save many Americans from the "bias" of traditional media. In my humble personal opinion, I believe your conclusions are correct but that it will the Saudi and Arab populations that will be changed most by these dynamic new forces. For one, America has had a free press since 1776. Saudi Arabia and the Arab world do not have one today. I wonder how much you all at Arabnews.com can get away with even on the Internet (if indeed you are based in Saudi Arabia). But I do know that if any of the major American Newspapers were translated into Arabic and sold on the street corners of Riyadh there would be trouble. Also, most Americans use the Internet daily or weekly. I forget the exact numbers, but from my recollections, depending on the country, only between 1 and 10 percent of Arabs even have Internet access. As the number of Arab Internet users continues to grow, they will begin to demand unbiased information and demand the freedom they have on the Internet to be translated into freedom at home. In America, we already have had access to websites and viewpoints from nearly every political spectrum imaginable. Similarly, America is also a melting pot of cultures. I have friends who are from Middle East background. In fact, one of my best memories from a college psychology class was a young Muslim woman who did a presentation on her culture and why she thought women were not suppressed by the Islamic religion (note: she did not think too highly of most of the governments of the Middle East). It was fun to hear her (rightly) make fun of makeup on Western women. She said something like, "the name speaks for itself. Its make-up. Its made up, its covering up or making up who you really are. Why should you hide who you are?" How many Americans or foreigners are there in Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries to give similar presentations of different cultures? The fact that so many Arabs come to the United States should speak for itself. That is the beauty of the morality of America. Because their are so many different cultures, races and religions all across America, the government that naturally had to surface and the national culture that emerges is one of tolerance, logic, freedom and common sense. America is the kind of place where, after the Muslim student finished her presentation, everyone applauded and I overheard some "made-up" girls in the back whispering to each other, "you know... She is right." This openness, acceptance and diversity almost suggest there is no such thing as an "American" culture. Your "American" culture changes depending on where you are in America. Sure, Hollywood stereotypes some common themes, but the top actors in Hollywood hail from a wide diversity of countries and cultures. In short, it is not the Americans that have a pressing need to be exposed to other cultures because that is precisely what our own is composed of. Rather, Saudis and Arabs stand the most to gain from different ideas and cultures.
Sincerely, Travis Snyder,
-----Original Message----- From: Lester Whetham [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 6:25 PM To: Khaled M. Batarfi Subject: a voice of support First, I would like to thank you for the wonderful article appearing in the May 11 issue of the Arab News, The 'Beautiful' American. A point made that must be propagated by all Arab leaders is the concept of getting the Arab side of the issues voiced. I agree that this has been a complete and total failure which has allowed only one side of the issue to be heard by most American's.
I also want you to know that there is small portion of Americans that do understand many of the problems currently facing the region, most of which spawn from the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. We to are struggling as to how to get the other side of the issues to the American people. We strongly feel that if properly presented, the story of the plight of Palestine will touch the hearts of the American people. The people of the America hold the power of change and can force the needed change at the election booths. There is an enormous amount of ground to be made up, and we are at a lost as how we can best get the message out. There is are some grassroots efforts, but it is difficult at best to counter the years of propaganda and political support the Zionist of mustered.
We are open to suggestions and stand ready to support the unbiased dissemination of the truth in an effort to correct the wrongs of the past to the greatest degree possible, while also recognizing that Israel will remain, even if unjustifiable so. Do you suggestions as to how we can better help? Sincerely,
Lester Whetham
I concerned American Expat living in Saudi Arabia |
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