U.S.-Islamic relations discussed at GCEvent was part of national initiative

U.S.-Islamic relations discussed at GCEvent was part of national initiative

by Raluca Barzu
Elkhart Truth
10/07/2004

GOSHEN -- Violence, nonviolence, Osama Bin Laden, Iraq and Islam.

They were all hot topics Tuesday night as Goshen College professors and students, along with members of the community, came together in a town hall meeting on U.S.- Islamic relations.

The event that took place on the college campus is part of a national initiative, engaging students and members of 30 communities arou

In the GC session, titled "Hope not Hate," the attendees heard a panel of speakers, after which they commented on the topics discussed.

The speakers were Omar Haydar, former executive director of the Chicago Council for American-Islamic relations; Mabel Brunk, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams; and David Cortright, Goshen College professor.

The three took turns to speak about issues concerning U.S. foreign policies, concentrating on the Iraq war.

Haydar concentrated his speech on the public image Islam received in the U.S. and ways he personally has been affected by the negative attention.

"As a Muslim-American, anytime something bad happens in America, I say, 'I hope it wasn't the Muslims again,'" said Haydar.

Brunk spoke of her experiences in Iraq with the CPT group that just returned from a six-week stay in Baghdad.

Along with others, Brunk worked with human rights organizations in Iraq and interviewed local families to reveal how they feel about the U.S. troops.

She said Iraqis told her of frequent house raids by U.S. soldiers, excessive use of force, abuses and how some of them were detained with no explanation.

"In the future, we plan on educating Iraqis on nonviolence," said Brunk.

David Cortright concluded the series of speeches with a look at studies concerning negative perceptions of the U.S. around the Arab world.

"Our own well-being as a nation will be best served on realizing the position of all of the countries (on war)," said Cortright. He added that the best solution is to let the people in Iraq solve their own problems.

"There is no military solution in Iraq."

Students and community members raised their hands to offer their input and ask questions after the speeches ended.

George Thompson, a Goshen resident, told panelists, "I believe there are smart people in Washington and they see what you see."

"Why can't they see that this is wrong?"

In tune with Thompson's concerns, Kathleen Massanari, GC French professor, said that the administration has a "David and Goliath mentality."

"We are David," she said about America's wish to "save the world."

Haydar concluded the meeting with thanks to those who spoke and listened.

"We can only use our vote and our voice," he said.