April 2005
MPAC
(Doha, Qatar - 4/12/04) -- The "U.S.-Islamic World Forum" in Doha, Qatar broke new ground over the weekend as it tackled the issue of democratization in the Muslim World.
The three-day event was the third annual conference sponsored by the Brookings Institution and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. Several comments throughout the Forum represented a significant public shift in U.S. engagement with the Muslim world."U.S. Ready to Accept Consequences of Democratic Process"
(The Penninsula, 4/12/05)
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/
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"These dialogues have a tremendous impact in developing mutual and realistic
understanding between diverse Muslim groups and the U.S. government," said Executive
Director Salam Al-Marayati, who participated in the conference. "We are only at the
beginning of this critical dialogue, yet Brookings has done an effective job in initiating
a serious debate."
The Forum is directed by Brookings Senior Fellow Peter Singer, who has worked with Professor
Muqtedar Khan, Non-resident Fellow, to develop the American Muslim Group on Policy
Planning
SEE:
"American Muslims Push for Role in Policy Planning,"
The Daily Star, 12/21/04
"This conference shows that the shadow of 9/11 is receding," said Khan,
"and people are getting more serious about the realities of the Muslim world."
Nearly one-third of the over 150 participants in the conference were from the United
States. Members of the past and present U.S. government engaged with representatives of
Muslim governments and non-governmental organizations. Delegates from the Muslim world
shared their frustration in anticipating democratic reform of governments under the cloud
of "colonial rule."
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, also riveted the crowd with his
critique of leaders of Islamic movements. He complained about the obsession of ulema
(scholars) to condemn personal attire they consider outside the Islamic normative, while
turning a blind eye to corruption and oppression of regimes who claim to rule in the name
of Islam. He further stated that no Muslim-majority state can call itself an Islamic state
until it demonstrates an impeccable record on human rights.
Farid Senzai, Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding,
said the conference "attempted to answer not when, but how we must dialogue with one
another."
Radwan Masmoudi, President of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, said,
"Discussions this year were more open and focused on the need to network with and
support democratic movements, both secular and Islamic, in the region."
American Muslims can play a vital role in U.S. policy-making and as a moderating influence
on Muslim affairs worldwide. MPAC looks forward to more substantive participation in
policy issues in the future.
CONTACT:
Edina Lekovic, 213-383-3443,
3rd Annual U.S.-Islamic World Forum
in Doha, Qatar
Shows Progress in Dialogue
MPACnews:
Tue, 12 Apr. 2005