A. Hasyim Muzadi

During a visit to the Middle East recently, I met with some key figures in the region. They were, among others, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Abdullah Atturki, the secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, and leading figures of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

There were three topics discussed during my visit. First, the prospects of a solution to the Palestine-Israel problem, including the Hizbollah-Israel conflict. Second, post-U.S. aggression in Iraq and terrorism issues. Third, economic development in Islamic countries. These three topics embody the spirit and realization of the recommendations issued at the conclusion of the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) in Jakarta, from June 20 to 23.

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Let me begin with the Middle East issues. So far it seems that Arab countries are not unified in tackling the Middle East conflict, primarily when it concerns the role of the U.S. Obviously, the settlement of the conflict cannot be separated from the role of the U.S.

I observe that Arab countries are relatively united when they face Israel and consider the Jewish state a common enemy. But, when they face the U.S., they are accommodating. Some of them are even ready to support U.S. attacks on their allies.

Why is this so? If the Arab countries fail to agree on a solid stance, it will be difficult to achieve a permanent settlement. So far the solution on offer looks like a analgesic, that works like a headache pill. It cures temporarily but then the disease recurs.

The accommodating attitude of the Arab countries toward the U.S. contrasts with the position of the U.S. and Israel which is always solid and cohesive when they face the Islamic world. Why? Let us examine two levels of the problem, namely the Middle East issue and U.S. politics and foreign policies.

Arab countries have been accommodating of the U.S. since the U.S. started the exploitation of natural resources mainly oil in the region. Due to the oil exploitation, Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait rely upon U.S. technology. This condition worsened after the Arab countries lost to Israel in wars from 1948 up to the 1970s. Anyway, the accommodative countries like Saudi and Kuwait promptly became rich and prosperous. While Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Yemen remain poor. This position enables U.S. to use the carrot and the stick strategy. The accommodative countries are given aid, while the resistant countries are punished. This strategy has helped Israel and the U.S. weaken the Arab League, even when it was led by Egypt.

Following the John F Kennedy administration, U.S. policy changed dramatically. The country used to follow the pluralist aspirations of its people, but since the Jewish lobby in U.S. secured a strong position in the U.S. administration, Washington has tended to back Israeli interests. The lobby is controlled by AIPAC. It is this lobby group that steers U.S. policy, including its foreign policy.

The U.S. foreign policy is very similar to that of Israel, especially pertaining to the Middle East. This is somewhat misunderstood by the Arab countries. They are harsh toward Israel but benign toward the U.S., even though they know that when Israel invaded Palestine, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan and recently Hizbollah camp in southern Lebanon, the U.S. backed Israel.

What has the U.S. done to benefit the people in the Middle East? The U.S. invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, while Israel occupied Palestine and other surrounding Arab countries. Hence, it is clear that so far the U.S. has been brutal to the Muslim world. So many Muslim countries have been made to suffer by the U.S. directly and indirectly. That is why, in line with the mission of my visit, I emphasized the urgency of improving Islamic solidarity throughout the world.

Dialog and negotiation are worth considering in order to overcome the diplomatic deadlock so that the Palestine people in particular and the Arab people in general can regain their right to live freely, independently, and peacefully on their own land.

Concerning Iraq, after the U.S. aggression, the country is currently being decimated by guerrilla warfare. There is very limited reconstruction after the war. Politicians are divided and unable to stop quarreling and start reconstructing the country. In this context, we urge the Muslim World League to play a role to unite all political visions, ideas and factions in Iraq, and then reconstruct a strong Iraq.

We condemn any violation of human rights and acts of terror, including those performed in the name of religion. It is true that terrorist actions are performed by those who claim to be Islamic but they do not really understand Islam. On the other hand, we cannot close our eyes to the