Doha Forum Agrees to Iron Out Differences Between US, Muslim World

Citation: http://islamicvoice.com/March2008/CoverStory/index.php?PHPSESSID=c4bcc10e81073feeb60e997e978e949b#DohaForumAgreestoIronOutDifferencesBetweenUSMuslimWorld
Date: March 2008

Summary: The fifth U.S.-Islamic World Forum just ended in Doha and the delegates tried to help each culture understand the other better. They were told not to mention terrorism as it should not be associated with Islam. They want to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian issue and one of their major focuses was democracy. The human rights violations in Guantanamo Bay was of major concern and many want to close down the detention camp. For the next forum, many delegates want to invite more members of the American business community and more policy makers. "The purpose of the Forum was to provide a link between politicians, intellectuals and policy makers in the US and the Islamic world to foster better understanding," says Carlos Pascual, Vice-President and Director of Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings, the US.

1. This article relates to the theme development and interaction of cultures because the U.S. and the Muslim world are sharing their ideas and trying to make the border line between them smaller and to have the two worlds connect and understand each other better.

2. The U.S. and Muslim world has had a lot of tension in the past. People associate terrorism with Islam, which shouldn't be the case and now the U.S. is finally doing something about it. Ever since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 the U.S. has not been so friendly with Muslims. Hopefully these forums will allow everyone to get along better.

3. This article is written probably written by a Muslim from Doha but I am unsure. However, it could be written by an American because there really is no bias in the article.

4. There really is no bias in this article. The author talks about the Muslims and the U.S. both in a good way and doesn't show favoritism towards any of them.

5. The point of view that is missing from the article is one from a Muslim (but not from someone who holds a position in government, just an ordinary person), to see if they think that these forums are helping to ease the tension between the U.S. and the Islamic world. Do they think that it is helping there country? Do they think that the people of the U.S. will be more tolerant towards Muslims? Or are the forums not helping at all?

6. I think that the forums are a good idea for both Muslims and Americans. I think that if we open are minds to new ideas; it could help everyone in the world. If the Americans and Muslims start to work together, many wars and conflicts can be avoided. I am glad that someone is starting to take action and trying to create peace. Because people are people, no matter what race, religion, or gender. I hope that the forums help Muslims and Americans to live in harmony.