Clinton introduces new OIC envoy Hussain
POSITIVE STRIDE: OIC Secretary-General Ekmeledin Ihsanoglu, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and newly appointed US envoy to the OIC, Rashed Hussain at the bloc's headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday. (AN photo)
Published: Feb 16, 2010 22:33 Updated: Feb 17, 2010 16:48
JEDDAH: “We had a very comprehensive discussion about many issues that the United States and the OIC care deeply about, and talked about action plans that we can pursue together,” said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her visit to the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Tuesday morning.
After a 30-minute meeting with OIC Secretary-General Ekmeledin Ihsanoglu, both emerged with complimentary comments on the conducive talks that took place behind closed doors. She later formally introduced Rashed Hussein as US special envoy to the OIC. The secretary-general further highlighted the positive strides that the US and Muslim nations are taking and referred to Obama’s speech in Cairo as a genuine vision of future collaboration between the West and the Muslim world.
Exuding optimism, Hussein, 31, was hopeful that his appointment would bring the US and the Muslim world closer. “I am really honored and humbled to be given this position by President Obama,” said Hussein.
He speculated on the region’s general consensus of Obama’s administration, nine months into office. “One of the things that I’ve noticed since I’ve been in the region, is that many people are very happy about the manner in which the president has addressed these issues - in a very sincere way, and that is something I can attest to personally having worked with him. It is also something that I’m sure all of you saw in his visionary address in Cairo.” Hussein believes Obama has set an unprecedented framework for “comprehensive engagement, cooperation and partnership between the United States and Muslim communities all over the world.” He reiterated his statement by commenting on the involvement of many United States departments and agencies in these efforts, including not only the State Department or Department of Education, but also other departments and agencies, such as the Department of Labor, NASA and the Small Business Administration.
Hussein stated that unlike previous times this was truly a comprehensive scope and not simply defined by one issue.
“It won’t be defined simply on the war on terrorism; it won’t be defined on what Islam is not, but rather what it is and that provides the basis for cooperation in a number of areas including education, entrepreneurship, job creation, exchanges, health, science and technology,” said Hussein. “I look forward to working with the OIC and its members to address all these issues.” There are a lot of exchange programs under way, especially in the areas of science and technology, education, and health. He also voiced enthusiasm in continuing this cooperation.
When asked what changes have been made since the last administration, Hussein said the biggest change so far is the complete shift in the context by which the United States addresses these (Muslim) issues. “For a number of years, the foundation for the relationship by which other countries related to Muslim countries was the war on terrorism,” explained Hussein, referring once again to the president’s “new beginning” address in Cairo.
“It shouldn’t be understated,” said Hussein, “ that what we have is a comprehensive engagement based on mutual respect and mutual understanding.” When asked whether this “mutual respect and understanding” was considered when deciding on the new security policies, in which overt profiling against nationals of certain Muslim countries is allowed, Hussein agreed there was reason for concern. “First of all, the policies that are in place right now are being evaluated. I think it is important to counter some of the misconceptions about some of those policies, while there is reason for concern. For example there’s been a lot made recently about the scanner technology.
“That is understandably an issue of concern for both men and women, but we should understand even with that policy that there are alternative procedures and clear notice given before entering those areas. “We do have to recognize recent attempts, as you saw on Christmas day, so it is very important to me as a Muslim who travels on commercial airlines that when I go on the plane, I want to see the best security possible,” he said.
But when asked to comment directly on the implementation of the direct profiling of certain Arab nationals, all of which are OIC member states, Hussein admitted there was reason to reevaluate such policies and to gauge whether they infringe on individual rights.
“There are certain countries that are part of the nations where these passengers are coming from. We understand that there is concern, that there is a perception of certain nations being targeted more than others and we need to understand the reality that there is a threat to the United States particularly in countries where Al-Qaeda is operating. So we’re looking at those policies now and making sure they are implemented in a way that respects the right of individuals and also maximizes the security interests of the United States and all nations,” he said.
Hussein stated the United States has an “unwavering commitment” to a solution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. He further elaborated by saying that it was the main topic between King Abdullah and the secretary of state over the past couple days, but that “it is something that cannot be solved overnight.” This marks the first time a US state secretary has paid an official visit to the OIC. “I am very pleased that I am the first secretary of state to visit the OIC,” said Clinton.
Clinton is concluding a three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia and neighboring Qatar, while Hussein will stay on for a few more days to meet privately with officials.
Comments
EHUMERT
Feb 17, 2010 13:08
Report abuse"many issues that the United States and the OIC care deeply about", in other words Muslims and USA are best friends. I can only laugh at this statement.
IZZY
Feb 17, 2010 13:18
Report abuseBA
Feb 18, 2010 00:08
Report abuseThis administration as well as the previous one doesnâ™t understand the Arabâ™s mentality, therefore, the reach out policy will fail.