If-We’re-Only-Nicer-They’ll-Like-Us Alert: “US Ex-Officials Want Good US Relations with Islam,” from Fars News, September 24:
TEHRAN (FNA)- The next US president should speak out for better relations with the Muslim world in his inaugural address, a diverse coalition of 34 former US officials and civic leaders said in a report issued Wednesday.
The proposals, which include diplomatic engagement with Iran, are designed to reverse Muslim hatred for the US hawkish policies and enhance US international security….
Because, you see, all the “hate” stems from US policies, nothing more. That the Koran commands Muslims to not befriend or ally with infidels, specifically indicating Christians and Jews by name (5:51), and commands hostility against them till Islam dominates the globe (Koran 9:29) is surely no part of the equation.
Also, it said, the new president should reaffirm immediately a US commitment to prohibit all forms of torture.
On promoting democracy among the Arabs, a hallmark of President George W. Bush’s foreign policy, the report envisioned a cautious role for the United States: improving governance and civic participation without imposing a particular set of institutions, parties or leaders.
Bush’s war on terror, the report said, has been inadequate and sometimes counterproductive. It recommends “partnership” with Muslims committed to nonviolent political and economic development.