http://religion.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/06/09/another-fresh-start/ The World Affairs Blog Network Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:37:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 http://religion.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/06/09/another-fresh-start/comment-page-1/#comment-893 Michelle, Tanenbaum Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:59:16 +0000 http://religion.foreignpolicyblogs.com/?p=205#comment-893 We commend this speech for intentionally avoiding terms like, "moderate Muslim" and "terrorist." For one, "moderate Muslim" insinuates that by definition, most Muslims are radical, and therefore any Muslim who is not requires a qualifier. Also, most of the western world now associates "terrorism" with Islam; but anyone, Muslim or not, can be a terrorist. The Cairo speech addressed the tension between the United States and Muslims across the globe, encouraging us to find our similarities, appreciate our differences and move forward. Although the results are yet to be seen, it was a positive step toward interreligious dialogue, understanding and, hopefully, action. We commend this speech for intentionally avoiding terms like, “moderate Muslim” and “terrorist.” For one, “moderate Muslim” insinuates that by definition, most Muslims are radical, and therefore any Muslim who is not requires a qualifier. Also, most of the western world now associates “terrorism” with Islam; but anyone, Muslim or not, can be a terrorist. The Cairo speech addressed the tension between the United States and Muslims across the globe, encouraging us to find our similarities, appreciate our differences and move forward. Although the results are yet to be seen, it was a positive step toward interreligious dialogue, understanding and, hopefully, action.

]]>