WASHINGTON // An Islamic advocacy group in the United States has sent an open letter to Barack Obama before his much-anticipated address in Cairo this week, calling on him to back his pledge for better relations with the Muslim world with concrete, clearly defined policies.
"Your statements since the inauguration have raised the level of hope for real change in our nation's foreign and domestic policies," the letter from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair), delivered to the White House on Friday, said.
"It is imperative that your positive statements now be backed up with concrete policy initiatives that will help move us all toward a more peaceful and prosperous future.
"Otherwise, we as a nation risk wasting the good will that has been garnered by your ongoing outreach to Muslims."
Nihad Awad, Cair's executive director, who signed the letter, called Mr Obama's upcoming speech a "real opportunity", but added: "The test for him is to commit to an action plan of change."
The letter called on Mr Obama to work to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which it said has contributed significantly to anti-US sentiment in the Muslim world. The peace process is a stated priority of the new US administration.
"Now is the time to tell Israeli leaders that we will no longer support the denial of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and that we will take concrete actions to back up that declaration," the letter said, calling for an end to Jewish settlements, the removal of roadblocks, the free flow of food and other aid and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The advocacy group urged Mr Obama to support democratic institutions and principles, political and religious freedom, civil rights and respect for the rule of law "for everyone, not just those we favour".
"For too long, we have claimed to be champions of freedom and democracy, while turning a blind eye to repression, occupation and authoritarian rule," it said. "We must hold every nation, even those we regard as allies, to a uniform standard of justice and equality. No other action will do more to restore America's international reputation."
It also said Mr Obama must take steps at home to restore civil liberties that many in the US Muslim community and outside it say were compromised by the Bush administration in the name of national security after the September 11 attacks.
Cair said the president should review detention and surveillance policies, among others, and allow Muslim scholars to travel here "without fear of humiliation or harassment at points of entry".
Several prominent Muslim academics who have been outspoken critics of the US government have been repeatedly denied entry visas; lawsuits are pending.
Moreover, the letter said, everyone from political leaders to private citizens of all faiths should speak out against the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has come to be largely accepted in public dialogue, including during Mr Obama's presidential campaign, when he was "accused" of being a Muslim.
"Silence on this growing phenomenon is un-American, and it betrays the values of inclusiveness and religious tolerance," Mr Awad said in a news briefing at the National Press Club in Washington.
Although the letter was addressed specifically to Mr Obama, it also carried a message for the Muslim world. It urged government officials and civic and religious leaders to foster "a culture of respect" for human rights, dissent and free expression, and said they should encourage political participation and abide by the results of free, fair elections.
It stressed the need for openness and tolerance. "Each nation should focus on internal dialogue with all members of the society, including ideological, political and religious dissidents," it said. "Good works and public service must replace overheated rhetoric and wasteful internal power struggles."
"True peace and understanding will only come when we all - Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of other faiths and philosophies - cast off the prejudices and preconceptions of the past to engage each other based on what we have in common, not on what has separated us for so long."
eniedowski@thenational.ae
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Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Major honours
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
- La Liga - 2013
- Copa del Rey - 2012
- Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League - 2015, 2017
- FA Cup - 2018
- League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
- World Cup - 2010
- European Championship - 2008, 2012
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
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RESULT
Kolkata Knight Riders 169-7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals 144-4 (20 ovs)
Kolkata win by 25 runs
Next match
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders, Friday, 5.30pm
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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