Third recommendation
Reader comment on item: [The New York Times' Susan] Sontag's off-key ode to Oslo

Submitted by Mariusz A Wasik (United States), Jun 10, 2002 at 14:24

Whereas I read your article on "Islam after 9/11" with great interest, I was disappointed with the rather limited recommendations you have for ending the hostilities between the US and the Arab World. Whereas the "war on terrorism" will bring short-term effects, it will not solve the underlying problem. "Promoting moderate Arab leaders" is a better idea, but these leaders and their programs would have to be credible to the public opinion in the Arab World. Beside the important roots of Arab discontent you describe in your article, the perception of the US as a ruthless and selfish imperial power is certainly at the base of the current crisis. "Revision of the US foreign policy" to identify and rectify our mistakes seems like a third important recommendation. I can see no better way of promoting moderation in the Arab World and providing a genuine long-term solution to the conflict.

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