Obama Calling Muslims, A New Beginning, Positive Vibes, Expectation & High Hopes All Around

It is historic moment, in my life, it is for the first time an American President is reaching out to Muslims with positive vibes, with a balanced, logical and solution oriented approach towards problems that are faced by Muslim world, increasing the expectation and hopes for better tomorrow. Quoting verses from Holy Quran, citing the contribution of Muslim civilization towards the progress that was followed by European Renaissance. It is Obama’s positive attitude that dominated the speech; it increases the hopes and expectation leading to confidence building and better understanding between US and Muslim world. This would further initiate a dialogue among civilization instead of conflict and clash. I was glad that along with my friend Shafaq, i got an opportunity to be part of live telecast at US Consulate General’s residence in Karachi. It was attended by students, media personnel and intellectuals. Obama is so right and I along with my friend am convinced that “This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," we need to find positive aspects to connect and from there onward start bridging the gaps. It is for the first time such a realization and sentiments shared by a person sitting on the top and influencing the world politics. He rightly said “Muslims world has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations." To me honesty is the pre-requisite to a new beginning that leads to trust and long lasting relationship. Obama shared his sentiments that speaks of honesty and spreads the vibes of trust, hope and expectations. Stereotypes in west towards Muslim society is so deep that need to be addressed; he rightly mentioned that “I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear”. I along with my friend Shafaq shared the same during hi tea interaction with various intellectuals, that it is also our responsibility to stand against stereotypes against US & European societies. There is so much negative press about US; our youth only knit picks the negatives, that ultimately leads to the widening of gap between our and Western societies. During my recent IVLP visit to US, I did not find America as a self interested empire, we in Muslim world have to reach out and understand the American society and values. I was glad to hear when Obama said “Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism, it is an important part of promoting peace” it is so deep and meaningful that touched my heart, to me it is right thoughts in right direction, leading to better understanding. He rightly explained and touched upon Israel- Palestine conflict and rights of all religion to live in peace, Iraq to Afghan war , Iranian nuclear issue to Pakistani aid package. I was also impressed with his commitment towards democracy, human rights and most important the rights of women which is very close to my heart. I along with Shafaq shared with the audience that it is not the time to knit pick negatives but reflect that for the first time, US President is reaching out to Muslim world, with a balanced approach, leading to peace, co-existence and mutual respect for each other. It is time to find out the positives to connect and start a dialogue for better understanding and making this world a better place for all. I am sure maturity prevails and history will remember us as civilized society, sharing the common globe. It is a new beginning, we all have to take it forward, it is time to be positive and act …….