WASHINGTON, 28 September — The recent terrorist attacks on the United States have shocked and saddened the world, including the Islamic world. As a Saudi citizen who has lived in the United States for many years, I have been gratified at the response of the American people and their treatment of Arabs, Arab Americans and Muslims.
During the first weekend after the attacks, I attended my 12 year old son’s soccer game in Virginia, not very far from the site of the attack on the Pentagon. I was overwhelmed by the expressions of concern and support that were directed towards me by the other parents. I could not help but think that when we should be comforting them, Americans have reached out to comfort us.
Despite the magnitude of last week’s crime, the scale of the so-called backlash against Arabs and Muslims pales in comparison to the immediate reaction to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, and the immediate assumption by so many that act had been committed by Muslims. America learned its lesson then, and I would like to convey my appreciation to the American people for their understanding and kindness in this time of deep pain.
Indeed, sympathy and support for Arab Americans and for Muslims in the United States has been forthcoming from the highest levels of American leadership. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, congressional leaders and Cabinet members have all spoken out to the American public to emphasize the peaceful nature of Islam and to condemn attacks against Arabs and Muslims in the United States. The American media is also generally more responsible than it was in 1995. While there have been a few incidents of irresponsible or careless reporting, particularly with regards to the identities of the hijackers, the media is trying to be as cautious as possible, and there have been many reports in support of US Arabs and Muslims that caution against targeting those groups unfairly.
Yes, there have been isolated incidents against Arabs and Muslims in the United States. It is understandable that 280 million Americans are outraged by the magnitude of this crime, and it is inevitable that some of these individuals will channel their anger towards what they perceive to be a logical target. But assuming that these incidents reflect the general attitude of the American people toward Islam and Arabs is as large a mistake as assuming that the terrorism carried out two weeks ago is representative of Islam.
Contrary to what I have read and heard from some of the Arab media, particularly Al Jazirah television, there is no war against Arabs and Muslims in the United States. Al-Jazirah is claiming that 80 percent of Arabs consider the United States to be their number one enemy. Its reporting is designed to incite anti-American hatred in the Arab world, which only exacerbates the tensions during this difficult time.By conveying such a negative image that is not supported by reality, Al-Jazirah and others are doing a disservice to Arabs and Muslims everywhere. I hope that these Arab media and their sponsors will be more responsible and objective in their reporting.
As Arabs living in the United States, we do feel safe. America represents freedom and diversity and acceptance of all religions, which are qualities that make it strong. That has not changed.
