Should U.S. trust Muslim allies less than other allies?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
During his first visit to a Muslim nation as president, Barack Obama declared that the U.S. "is not and will never be at war with Islam."
The president addressed the Turkish Parliament and called for a greater partnership with the Islamic world.
President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan tour the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
He also focused on building a stronger bond between Americans and Muslims; and portraying terrorist groups like al Qaeda as extremists who don't represent the majority of Muslims. President Obama talked about listening to each other, respecting each other, and showing our "deep appreciation for the Islamic faith."
No doubt Mr. Obama has his work cut out for him when it comes to mending fences with the Muslim world. Many Muslims grew to disrespect if not downright hate the U.S. after President Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq. Many also felt the entire Muslim world had been unfairly blamed by the U.S. for the 9/11 attacks - which were carried out by Muslims.
And - President Obama may also have a lot of convincing to do here at home. A new CNN-Opinion Research Corporation poll shows 51 percent of Americans say the U.S. should trust Muslim allies, like Turkey, the same as any other ally, but 48 percent say the U.S. should trust Muslim allies less.
Mr. Obama called Turkey a "critical ally," and strategically that's true. But when it comes to the issue of trusting Muslim allies, almost half of Americans remain wary.
Here’s my question to you: Should the U.S. trust Muslim allies less than other allies?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Melody from Harbor Springs, Michigan writes:
Of course Muslims can be trusted as much as any ally. Who can't be trusted are individuals who are extremists and completely intolerant of other people's beliefs - and that includes people and religions right here in the United States. Good for President Obama for assuring the Muslim community that we want to be an ally.
Michael from Albuquerque writes:
Not less, but differently. Muslim nations are mostly undemocratic, religiously bigoted and hostile towards our values. We cannot expect to have the sort of relationship with them as we might expect from European nations. They are different. No amount of politically correct language will alter that.
Rob writes:
The worldwide reputation of the United States is under repair. President Obama is the chief surgeon. He must extend an open hand to Muslim allies while maintaining a tight grip with the other hand on all other allied relationships. Rhetoric starts the process, but increased trust will be earned with deeds.
J. from Georgia writes:
I just hark back to the source of the chant "death to America." Anyone chanting death to my country will not get my trust. Ever. I don't care if they are Muslim or Baptist or vegetarians. You tell me you want death to my country, you get my scorn. Want my trust? Earn it.
Tim from Texas writes:
Our allies should be trusted based on their track record of trust worthiness. Obama is correct in saying that terrorist groups do not represent the majority of Muslims. Think about it this way: Men commit 99% of violent crimes, but it would be kind of stupid, based on this, to think that all men are violent. You and Wolf don't strike me as being violent.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I believe they shouldn't trust our so called muslim allies at all. It is a well known fact that terrorist groups are training in all their countries with impunity. To make my point I would ask this question: Why aren't our so called muslim allies and moderate muslims doing anything to remove terrorists operating tn their countries?
Dumb Question, the US has more interests in the middle east than in Europe. There is only a few nations that resist America and those countries have been classified as terrorists so we can then plunder their oil.
All politics are local Jack and the U.S. needs to understand that the leadership in Muslim dominated countries must represent and address the concerns of a constituancy that may contain a majority or sizable minority of people who consider us evil. Guarded trust on our part is prudent.
The question is should the Muslim allies trust the US. Going into Iraq for no reason, US giving missles to Israel and the FBI treating US Muslims as third class citizens, I think this question needs to be reversed. Give the Muslim countries a reason to trust the US.
Yes Yes and Yes, for the same reasons you should not have a wild animal as a household pet..
Probably not. Not all Muslims hate us you know. Look at our "home grown" terrorists/gangs or whatever you want to call them.
Sure, if we expect less cooperation, less respect and less of anything else allies need from each other. I am so tired of the chrisitan paranoia that has permeated the the politics and the policies of this country for the last 8 years.. America is a free nation made up of people of many faiths and people of no faith. If the christian segment of this coiuntry wants to continue the crusades for another 1000 years, go right ahead, but don't include the U.S. gov't and the U.S. military in your psychotic hate of islam. Christian extremism is not any better than islamic extremism.
Jack
We should be open and fair.However we should be prudent and
watchful.Cultures and feelings do not change quickly.
David
In general I would say no but it does depend on the allie. I can think of one we should of not trusted and should continue to watch out for Pakistan. They have pretended to help us find terrorist so I think we should pretend to pay them money for not really doing anything. But we can not ignore that we can trust most of our Muslim allies the ture Muslim ones that condemn violence and respect men and women.
Just like people in general, you have to take it on a case by case basis. The problem is not the religion, but the trust between them. Look at something as simple as the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. The mere presence is enough to get people up in arms because they feel it is a threat to their beliefs/values/morals.
Muslims/Christians/Athiests/etc all have "motives" at some level. It's how they allow those motives to influence behavior that's the core issue. What lengths are they willing to go to in order to achieve their goals? Every religion, whether they will admit it or not, is looking for global presence/expansion. Some will use force/violence and others take a more passive approach. When a muslim group advocates violence, then no. If they desire peaceful co-existence and have demonstrated the desire, then I don't see a problem with trusting them.
Thats like asking if we should trust asians less for the craziness in N. Korea, white people less for slavery, and latinos for the drug violence. You can't judge the character of a person based solely on their background or reigion. It doesn't matter the religion, there have always been people who have used the beliefs they hold to do cruel things to others. Anyone who thinks the people who believe in Islam should be trusted less are just as much bigots as those who describe us as infidels.
Yes. We should trust our Muslim allies exactly as we trust our Jewish and Christian allies and according to the same rules:
1) All politics is local.
2) Every country looks to their own self interest.
To this extent – we trust everybody.
Steve MacGregor
Jack: The trust United States gives does not have any strings attached. We will trust any ally that keeps their promises to the United States to the best of their ability. Those allies that break their promises will soon find out that the United States can be very hard on its enemies.
I do not know. Now that we have a muslim president. Never trust no one, especially other countries.
why , its just a religion. I have more problems with the Pope to be honest .
It is a loaded question,Jack;Conversely one could ask: Can the Muslim world(Islam) trust the Western world? There is a reason,considering the Islamist ideology, for Muslims to be wary of the decadent lifestyle in the western hemisphere.In this respect we can learn something from them.On the other hand it is also a well observed phenomenon that certain crackpot excesses in the behaviour of some Muslim convictions are leading to an increased alertness on our part,especially in the realm of necessary protective
rules against hateful and deadly activities. It is ironic that our moral
attitudes are often so different than those in Islam.In my view it is not at all impossible to come to an understanding of peace and respect for each other,providing each party is willing to adopt a realistic and intelligent worldview.
Only if your a republican.
We should trust them as much as they trust us.
"Trust"– What's that-it went-out-the-door with 9-11. And then government proceeded to push it off the planet.
I don't even trust my best friend anymore, and it makes the 'ol blood hound sad-I can see it in her eyes.
Of course not, Jack.
The end.
We obviously need to be cautious dealing any allies with a history of abuse of power, extremism, and war conflicts. I wouldn't say specifically because people are muslims they should be treated differently. As human beings, we should be able to respect other people's beliefs.
No. We should feel that any ally is trustworthy before entering an alliance. However, we should not depend blindly on any.
Jack,
I guess the answer is we don't really trust any of them very much it is just a matter of who do we trust the least and the Muslim allies are very near the top of that list. Who does any one person really trust ? At times we don't even trust ourselves let alone anyone else. We do not appear to be a very trusting people or country. We tend to hold those we trust the least the closest and for very good reasons.
Judie
St. Augustine, Florida
If we as a nation expect to find a peaceful solution to the hatred and violence in the world, we need to respect our allies in Muslim countries as equals; then hopefully, those who worship God differently from us will come to respect our differences with the same mutual respect. Without religious tolerance, we will never achieve lasting peace in the world.
Treating muslim's as bush/cheney doesn't seem to have worked very well. Treating them as fellow human beings may actually bring peaceful relations among all of us.
I think we should use the old "Reagan approach" with all of our allies, including Muslim allies – "trust, but verify".
Absolutely. If all Muslim contries put together one front (from Indonesia in Asia to Morrocco in Africa) on isolating the U.S (no oil, no enomic trade), the US will really be in a big trouble. Remember the oil embargo by King Faycal of Saudi Arabia.
The issue of ideology (capitalism and communism) is over now. Muslim countries can ally with China or Russia (even communiste) against the US. Remember Egypt in the 70's. This was during the cold war. The most imprtant thing now is the US policy towards the Muslim world. It should be respect and confidence
A picture of a child killed by a US bomb can bring down years of good cooperation. Remember how the US soldier was treated in Somalia!!!
You could turn that question around and ask "should the Muslim world trust America after the way George Bush treated them?" We have a long way to go before there is a lot of trust between Muslim countries and Christian countries. I think Barack Obama is using the right approach by talking directly to them and letting them know how he feels.
Al queda and Hamas, etc. are not true representatives of the Muslim people.
I don't believe religion has anything to do with it. Trust is earned and based upon experience. It can also change with regimes, as it did with Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
Looking back on American history, maybe they are the only ones we should respect and trust.
The seething issue within the Muslin world is the dislocation of Palestinians following the 1948 war that created Israel ... a dislocation that continues to this day. Until that is resolved, I doubt that we will ever have true friendships with Islamic nations. At best, we'll have 'detente' and economic relations.
But, wounds can heal. After all, 65 years ago, Germany and Japan were our bitter enemies, and now they are close allies. The same can happen with Islamic nations, but the central issue, which appears so intractable, must be solved.
Rick, Medina, OH
We shouldn't trust our Muslim allies less than our other allies because they are Muslim. We should distrust our allies where "Death to America" is one of the most popular phrases in that country. And yes, that means we should distrust the French, haha.
Jack
The United States shouldnt trust anyone at this stage of the game. Unfortunately we are not in a position to think everyone wants to be our friend, countries we thought would stand by us in the conflicts in the middle east were not there for us when we needed them. James Monroe had the right idea, build a fence around the US and mind our own business.
The vast majority of Muslims in the world claim to be peace-loving people, but the Koran itself instructs them to "kill the infidel". So Uncle Sam should always be vigilant for those radical Islamic terrorist groups, such as the Taliban and Al-Qaida, who are hell-bent on destroying America as they tried to do on 9-11-01. Our government should be very careful in creating Muslim allies, they should make sure that none of them are conspiring to attack America behind our backs with these radical Islamic groups.
No, not as a group. But, we have to acknowledge that the vast majority of terrorist activity and a whole lot of intolerent rhetoric comes from muslim groups, many of whom are supported or domiciled by nations with muslim theocracies. When we pick our friends, of any faith or political pursuasion, we need ot be realistic about their support of our greater interests as we should be of theirs.
If you harbor our enemies or indulge our enemies, expect your friendship to be treated with an appropriate amount of scepticism. Until the muslim countries openly condemn radical terrorism and take a positive stand on stamping it out, they should not expect to be fully embraced by the US or the rest fo the civilized world.
A little condemnation of al Queda after 9/11 or a little more vilification of Sadam Hussein before the invasion of Iraq would have gone a long way in avoiding a general negative reaction toward muslims by a whole lot of people. Who knows - it might have avoided the war altogether. That is unless the muslim world just likes us to do the heavy lifting for them
At Least we have a President that is willing to follow his heart. He's trying I feel to do the right thing and restore the Image and respect of this country abroad. If We want respect we must be willing to give it, Unlike the "RUSHPUBLICANS" who has no respect for any one but themselves.
Should the U.S. trust Muslim allies less than other allies?
Less? No. Why would you ask that?
Frankly I don't trust our blind biased support of Israel. Now before you and others scream that I am anti-Semetic, I have no problem with Jewish people. But I do have a HUGE problem with GENOCIDE in my name using MY tax dollars.
I have a problem with the Israeli government picking fights with other nations and expecting the US to back them.
Like their fight with Lebanon, after their troops got caught over the border and where captured by Hezbollah troops – then they fabricated a tale about how the actions were in reverse – but it later came out that what Hezbollah claimed was in fact the truth. Then Israel waged a war in Lebanon attacking highly populated areas (like how they did in Gaza) and they used White Phosphorus there as well.
What was the US response? The US gave Israel ARMS, AMMO, FUEL, and CASH.
BTW: Did I mention that Lebanon is an ally of the US?
So we, the US, supported the attack on an ally, because of a LIE by the Israeli government.
I think the US will gain support of our Muslim allies when we install an egual 2 state solution in Israel and make Jerusalem a seperate state like the Vatican. Then America will be seen in a more positive light.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Jack...the trust should be the same across the board. An allie is an allie. However, the US needs to realize that due to the moronic Bush admin. the Muslim people have been scarred. Now that civility has returned to the White House business as it should be can return and it will.
No. People tend to have irrational fears over things they know little about. The overall Muslim population in America according to the last census was estimated at 7.26 percent. That means that most people probably never even come in contact with a Muslim. How could the average American even begin to understand or trust something or someone that they know nothing about? It is understandable that the latest polls show roughly a 50/50 split in those that trust and those that don't trust a Muslim ally. Perhaps if those same people were stuck in a foxhole in Afghanistan fighting right along side of a Turkish solider for their life they might gain a healthy respect for them. Trying to judge a man or woman whose shoes you have never walked in is similar to picking the winning lottery numbers. Most of the time you are wrong.
I've had friends of many different religions. I believe there are good and bad everywhere, but I've known Christians who would lie about the weather, and on the other hand I have never found Muslims to be anything but honest and sincere.
I think trust must be tempered with understanding on both sides. The more we come to understand and respect Muslims and the more they begin to understand and respect us, the greater the trust. Example. I trust the government a little more today than I did before Jan. 20, 2009.
Only a little more.
No we shouldn't trust them less. Not all muslims are terrorists and not all christians are good people-the kkk is full of people who claim to be christians.
We should treat all humans with respect. Just because they have a different belief from most Christians is not a reason to treat them like dirt is it? I try to find the best in all races and learn from what they know and maybe we can make this old world a half scary place.
Of course, we have to be cautious. But diplomacy can only help ease the anti-American sentiment. It is also important we, as Americans, realize that we are not at war with Islam. We are at war with extremism, whatever form that extremism takes, and whatever holy book it clings to to justify it's extremism.
Jack
In America we have separation between church and state. We should asess our alies by their deeds not their religon. We also cannot condone behaviors as religous if they conflict our Ameican democratic philosphy. In addition America needs to strive protect separation of church and state at home.
Jack,
Let's remember the old wise tail you can't judge a book by it's cover because without reading it you'll never know what the book is all about. The same thing holds for muslim countries without communication and trust how can we learn about them. In order to trust them as friends, like we do with other allies...
Central Islip, N.Y.
It is hard to believe that there is such a thing as "Muslim allies". An ally is some one that has mutual interests, goals and needs, and would be willing to sacrifice for the good of the relationship. None of that sounds like the Muslim world as represented by the leaders of such theocratic nations. We should be accutely aware of their intentions and behavior, treat them with cautious civility and respect, but trust them about as far as you can throw one.
There are likely thousands of Muslims that could be trusted by the United States but the problem is there are likely just as many or more who have had friends and family killed by Americans and many of them will probably harbor hatred and a desire for revenge until the day the die.
Telling these latter Muslims that they were simply Bushwacked by a rogue regime likely won't cut it unless the members of this regime are brought to justice for the whole world to witness.
if any country is a true ally, that is we share common goals and demonstrate commitment to attain them, then we should give the same amount of trust regardless of the religious orientation of their populace. But no matter who it is we should always verify since the first duty of a government is to protect its people. Through vigilant verification surprises are avoided.
Sure, as long as we can start turning our backs on the Jews,The Christians,The Mormons,Jehova Witnesses etc etc. All Religions have their crazy fundamentalists who go to war "in the name of whatever God they believe in"America can't afford to continue to pretend that 1.6 billion people on this planet are their enemy.
Should we treat Evangelical, Catholic or Jewish allies any different?
Come on, Jack......how can you even ask this question?
An allie is an allie. Period.
Yes,
Since the Muslim/Islamic religion is based on the strictist principal of religion and politics being one and the same. This means that any agreements made with "infidels" has NO meaning or sense of honor with them if it does not serve Alah.
After Obama's week in Europe and how they have all turned down their obligations to the world and let us bear the brunt of protecting them .....TRUST NO ONE except ENGLAND!
What Muslim allies? I didn't see any Muslim countries voluteer to go with us into Afghanistan to track down Al Queda after 9/11. In fact what I saw were Muslims celebrating in the streets after the attack. Jack, get real. These people hated us long before Iraq and Bush. We shouldn't trust them any further than the range of a laser guided bomb.
NO, we should treat everyone as they treat us. we must talk and listen so each country understands our way of thinking and we understand their way of thinking.
Absolutely not. Our alliances with other nations should not be based on what religion is most predominant. America should judge her allies by their performance and level of cooperation. But if this was the case, we would have no allies left in Europe. Tough call.
Jack, There is no so such thing as more or less when it comes to trust . You either do or you don't and if you're smart you don't. Jack From Nice, Ca.
America has always been called the melting pot. People live here from all over the world and many are now citizens. We have the freedom to practice our religion and there is a seperation of church and state. Why not trust Muslims? All our allies have their own individual interest and I agree with the President, we should all be able to talk and seek common ground for the common good.
NO!.
Having a daughter who married a Muslim young man 30 years ago from Libya. Still married with 3 handsome grown grandsons all graduates of our state University. Whose father TOOK them to a Baptist Sunday school and church with his wife our daughter. His family visited us many times from Libya but the US has never allowed us to travel there. They have always treated us with respect and we have bent over backwards to show our respect to them for our fine son-n-law. Our grandsons are fine God loving men starting their own families now.
With our love and cooperation all things are possible with God.. There are many dangerous persons in each country as a whole most of us are alike we just have different cultures that can blend if we have an open and loving heart just as the Obamas' do. I pray they will be a blessing to America.
Jack: Great Question: Yes we should put them right up there with our other loyal allies like Russia, China, Pakistan, Iraq, and all the other countries that have always loved us like France and Germany. All rotten, duplicitous and self serving. Equality for All and watch your back. One of Americas foremost foreign policy attributes is naivete'.
Jon in Calif.
I think that the people of the U. S. have every right to be very cautious of the Muslim world. I agree there is good and bad in everything but history tells us all of the attacks on the U. S. were originated from the Muslim world. It is hard to know who among them can be trusted.
We should trust any ally based on the consistency of it's leadership and it's ability to actually govern it's people. The dominant religion has nothing to do with it.
Absolutely not. It's the extreme factions of Islam that are threatening to America, not the institution of Islam itself. It's losing sight of this distinction that breeds ignorance and intolerance, two images of America that this country needs to shake after the Bush administration.
bush has given hatred towards muslims in this country since 9/11. i believe that U.S. should improve their prejudices and learn how to talk to people for a change.president obama knows how to use his political and foreign smarts when it comes to issues that all people would accept.if U.S. wants to work with muslims, people must overcome prejudices and hatred to change about them.
Jack, the question was a silly one as I doubt if Americans know who their Muslim allies are. Perhaps a more accurate question would have been to react to each country in turn. I do not know that most people know what Turkey has done for America.
An old friend who has been through many of life's events with you will always be more trusted than a new one. The media falls down in its role to educate by constantly showing the negative side of Islam.
It is unfortunate that CNN did not show the round table in Instanbul which presented a much different face of this country as BBC did. Those young people were just like my high school students as they asked questions that were thoughtful, and probing and most were asked n English.
Jack: The US should adopt the motto, "In God We Trust"--that encompasses all religions-–and the "Rest Pay Cash." In this day and age of global unrest---who can you really trust?-–and if you are going to place your trust in any "ally,"--bring your check book or Visa---because they don't accept American Express.
Each ally should be treated individually based on their actions. In the case of Turkey our relationship should be with the government. Radical faction groups should not automatically be linked with the government. The judgement of Turkey would include how it deals with its faction groups. If these groups are held to the rule of law of the country then Turkey should be looked upon as an equal amongst our other allies.
Mel
Houston
Absolutely not. If trust them less it indicates that we do not view them as partners in the fight against terrorism. Demonstrating that we trust them just a much as our other allies would be an important step in repairing our image in the Muslim world. However the attitude of people in this country have to change about mainstream Islam and no matter what President Obama does or attempts to do clear up misconceptions about the Islamic faith I am not sure it will change people's opinion. If you look at the polls on this subject, Americans' view of Islam and the Muslim world is still very negative.
Dan
St. Louis, MO
Yeah Jack, about as far as you can throw 'em!
Absolutely.....we would be foolish to trust those even if they are not against us. They do nothing about the Moslem's beheading us and wishing us nothing but harm.
It is their choice to privately foster beliefs in separatist hatred and violence that caused the average American (and European) to distrust them. We will have to be very careful because their governments do tend to lie to us more than other governments. The only one that is honest is Iran and they preach outright hatred to your face.
How long is it going to take for all of us to realize that the Muslim community is going to have an input into all of our affairs? Better to have a cordial relationship up front. Bet you that they (as a people) have the same feelings.
Jack, it's important to identify the difference between every day Muslims and nutcase extremist Muslims. I believe that we can trust the average Muslim because they don't condone the violence and mindless taking of human life anymore than we do.. I do believe, however, that the mainstream Muslims should take a much harder stance against these extremists in order to show the world that they don't condone what they're doing. Sure it's risky, but there's no other way, in my opinion, that they can rebuild trust with t he rest of the world. Finally, I don't believe it's possible to defeat these barbarians without the help of average, non violent Muslims, so yes, we need them.
The issue of trust really depends on the country's administration and its relationship neighboring countries, let alone its people. Religion shouldn't be that big a factor. If Obama shows them a little respect the relationships and alliances can grow; a lesson the Bush administration never really learned.
Hello Jack. What a good question. I live in the heartland of the U.S. I served 20 years in the military and was privilaged to travel extensively through out the world. My perspective is that most americans only know Muslims from a negative view, because they have a hard time distinguishing Radical islamist fundamentalist from ordinary law abiding muslims. Lack of understanding always leads to fear. The Bush administration was great at fear propaganda that has played on americans for to long. America must rebuild its relationship with muslim countries. We can not just have a pro -israel policy that does not include muslims. President Carter understood that it would take an effort from both sides to correct the problems facing Israel and the muslim people.Trust is a two way street, we can strengthen that trust with muslim allies better if we are not always so eager to bomb or kill them. Bush/Cheney policies have really set us back along ways.
I find no reason to trust Muslim countries any less than any other country. To trust them less would belie President Obama's words that America is not at war with Islam. I realize that there are many in America who are at war with Islam, but people are people all over this world have the same desires, love, peace and the right to live in a safe environment. Some would consider that to be the American ideal of life, liberty and the persuit of happiness. A rose is a rose....
Hi Jack.
When the fact that our unconditional support of Israel is an affront to Islam, do you think that our Islamic allies trust us more or less than their other allies? If Islamic hatred of Israel is not an affront to us as Israel's ally, then can we really call ourselves Israel's ally? I believe that we can all co-exist peacefully by treaty, but when it comes down to brass tacks, I trust those Muslim nations about as far as I can throw a grand piano up a flight of stairs, which means walk softly and carry a big stick.
(Roland/St George, UT)
Is there a reason we should, Jack? I haven't found one yet.
Trust but verify, that is the code. Unfortunately I think any government that is run by a religion is suspect. These are governments that can be influenced by religious temprature. Religious governments don't have to keep agreements with a country that might insult their god. Do they?
Of course we should, Jack! An Ally is an Ally! The particular religious practices of any country should not be a barrier to international dialogue and cooperation. Islamic Extremism, such as the spiritual beliefs behind groups like al Qaeda, is not representative of all the people who practice the Islamic Faith, just as Christian Extremists, like those wackos following Fred Phelps around, do not represent all Christians. Americans need to get over their religious hang-ups about Islam. There are crazed whack-jobs in every religion.
First of all Jack, I disagree totally with your last statement about Muslims growing to disrespect us and hate after the invasion of Iraq, I believe history will show they have always hated and disrepected us. Example, Iran 1979, Egypt under Nasser, Barbary pirates, Crusades, how much futher back do you want to go? Secondly, offer friendship (again) don't be surprised if the offer is ignored or rejected and keep protecting our own national interest. Islam is a religion of hate, always has been, it was founded in hatred, to think it is anything else is naive.
Not anymore. The distrust mustered by Bush's constant "crusade" and hate speech turned Muslims against us, but with Obama's courageous outreach to them now is the time to take ant offers of friendship and alliance that are offfered to us. We should be on our knees thatking God for Obama's leadership and courage.
No we should not trust them less than our other allies. For the last eight years Muslim and terrorist were interchanged so much, people were nervous with anyone Muslim, and it just wasn't fair.
But, it played right into their game, didn't it? Govern by fear, eight years of that was just too much, and too many of us did not see through it.
Let's try this again.
The relationship with our respective allies should be independent of religion but based on mutual respect and cooperation. In the past, our inability to distinguish a Muslim from a terrorist, Shia from Sunni, Iraq from Afghanistan was precisely the reason we lost credibility in the world. I am glad president Obama gave that speech in Turkey; it illustrates the prudence and diplomacy which has long been absent from our foreign policy.
No. I think we should beable to trust them more! They want peace for their countries probably MORE than we do!! AND Jack, I'm sick of the republicans trying to find something wrong with President Obama's trip!!! HE DID US PROUD and said exactly what the rest of the world wanted to hear in order to work and respect us again!! WE have been a very irrigant people and thought we were always "better than". WE are NOT. Sweden, Denmark and many other countries are taking care of their people a whole lot better than we are. President Obama is working to get our respect back!!! AND NO MORE bombing or being the bully of the world!! Work for peace and prosperity! It can happen.
I do not want to be the bully of the world and I thank Obama for trying to change that!!
Jack, I am an American patriot and would not want to live anywhere else in the world, but we (U.S. citizens) think that the world needs our approval. It used to be that way but in the last 8 -10 years, the world has come to respect us less because of our holier than thou attitude !
The question to me is: Should Muslim allies trust the U.S. less than other allies?
Until America ends its dependence on Middle Eastern oil, the US has no choice except to trust their Muslim "allies".
An ally is an ally. Either you are with me or against me.
An ally is an ally.
Right after 9-11, Americans came out strongly in support of Muslims. We read the Koran, we embraced our Islamic neighbors, we made sure they knew we didn't blame them. Over time, due to faulty memory, the Bush administration and expressions like "Islamo-fascism" our compassion for Muslims has been eroded. In our frustration to win the "War on Terror" we have seen a trend toward demonizing Muslims.
Thank God for Obama who has set out to–as we've been hearing–push the "reset" button on the whole passel of screwed-up thinking of the last administration. We can trust our Muslim allies, we can start focusing on something other than weapons and we can even travel to Cuba.
Boise
Our allies should be trusted based on their track record of trust worthiness. Obama is correct in saying that terrorist groups do not represent the majority of Muslims. Think about it this way: Men commit 99% of violent crimes, but it would be kind of stupid, based on this, to think that all men are violent. You and Wolfe don't strike me as being violent. The thing is, less than 1% of men commit violent crimes. And I would guess that less than 1% of Muslims are members of terrorist organizations. The 99% shouldn't be judged based on the actions of 1%.
Tim in Texas
What are Muslim countries? Turkey may have a majority Muslim population, yet their government and military have a very secular tradition. Whatever one is called, Turkey has been a trusted NATO partner and have given us no reason to worry. Not allowing the 4th Infantry Division to invade Iraq from Turkey was a wise decision, because Turkey knew the Iraq War was sold on false pretenses. Having a crescent on ones flag does not give anyone the right to persecute.
No, we should trust our Muslim allies as much as most of our other allies EXCEPT Israel who we should trust less than our Muslim allies because that tiny country is responsible for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and they would like nothing more that to get us entangled in another unwinnable war with Iran.
Brownwood, Texas
Jack, moderate Muslim states such as Turkey and Jordan can be great allies in the grand scheme of diplomacy in the area and can be great allies to the United States. I do think that countries such as Saudi Arabia are to be distrusted because of their less than adequate record of human rights and human dignity. I am not saying to avoid being cordial to Saudi Arabia, I just don’t view them as much of an ally as they are an ally to the Dollar.
Trust no one and you will not be disappointed. Other nations judge us by our actions, not our rhetoric. We would be well advised to do the same, whether that nation is “Christian,” “Muslim,” “Jewish,” or none of the above.
I just harken to the source of the chant "death to America". Anyone chanting death to my country will not get my trust. Ever. I don't care if they are Muslim or Baptist or vegetarians. You tell me you want death to my country, you get my scorn. Want my trust? Earn it.
Yes, trust them less. Unfortunately the heads of state in the Islamic world don’t represent their populations and survive in fear by kowtowing. The clerics run the country. Muslim’s individually often admire the U.S. but collectively can’t speak out for fear of being murdered in the night by extremists. Their armies and police are rife with infiltrators so the rule of law is impossible.
Jack–
I don't think that we should trust them less than other allies. However, I'm glad that the President recognizes that we need to mend fences and reinforce or re-establish our relationship with these countries. I don't think Americans have a good handle on just how much the Bush policies damanged or destroyed our relationships with other countries. I feel hopeful that President Obama can repair and restore these broken relationships.
Absolutely not. Not all Muslims are terrorists, despite what Cheney would prefer we all believe. This nonsense with the republicans repeating lies so often they become truth has to stop, for the good of us all. It's reaching a danger point without the help of Muslims.
HMMMM....lets' see.....if the President bows to them, I guess we shouldn't trust them less. He's a smart man because everybody loves him and believe he will keep us safe, Right? So Muslims aren't going to attack us.....again.....are they? Are they???
Trust the Muslims? First things first, Jack. I'm still watching and waiting to see if I trust this president and so far it isn't looking good. Up to now, the deeds don't match the words.
In my mind, yes. But this is just my opinion. I was watching CNN this afternoon with Rick and he was showing images of a 16 year old being cained in Pakistan. (Why are we giving them money instead of holding our purse strings tight them until this behavior ends?) I realize this is extremism... but until the Muslim world is 100% united in condemning this kind of behavior, I can't trust a one of them further than I am throw them.
I mean no disrepect by this posting. It is a personal opinion. We have religious extremism in this country. But I don't see young women getting cained here.
All Allies have their own agendas and needs. When fighting wars in Muslim countries or dealing with Israeli policy, Allies in the region – which predominantly happen to be the ones we tend to call "Muslim allies" have their own agendas and constituencies to be responsible to.
If ever there is doubt, ask yourself whether we trust those so-called "Muslim allies" less than we trust Indonesia – also a Muslim state. Regionalism more than Religion is a far more dominant factor
There are no permanent allies, only permanent interests.
Not less, but differently. Muslim nations are mostly undemocratic, religiously bigoted and hostile towards our values. We cannot expect to have the sort of relationship with us as we might expect from European nations. They are different. No ammount of politically correct language will alter that.
Jack, we definitely need to establish a relationship which defines trust but it cannot be a one way street. The Muslims must strive to do the same with us by making certain that all elements of of terrorism carried out in the name of that religious belief is stopped.
Terry from Austin.
I don't think so. We've mistrusted them for far too long (and vice versa) and declined to communicate with them or try to understand them. We are all the same species. Maybe we should start acting like it. A little respect goes a long long way.
Since when should trust be based on ethnicity, religion, etc? Trust should be based on the individiual.
The fact that we ask that question tells us that none of us know who to trust. The old saying "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer", is truer than we would like to believe. Just like anyone who is trying to sell their program to someone, you don't start out by telling them that we may be enemies some day, now having said that we then take the wait, and see approach. Those who intend to be your enemies may not tell that they do not want to be friends, and then there are those who will try to schmooze you into thinking that they are your friends all of the time planning to harm you.
Jack, not all Muslims are terrorists. Obama definitely has his work cut out for him, and I'm glad he now represents America; he's the new face of change and hope. Let's look to the future, and be thankful the Bush years are over. Perhaps Obama's good faith can get the Middle East to see us in a new light.
No less than Christian or Jewish countries. Our own right-wing talibangelicals are no different than right-wing israeli Jews, or Radical Islamic fundamentalists from Pakistan. I think the problem rests with 'labeling' a nation by their predominate religion. Right-wingers, here, get mad as hell, when you say this nation was not 'based' on the Judeo-Christian religion. I think they confuse the pilgrims, with the Founding Father's of this nation, somehow. Perhaps some history lessons, and civic lessons on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are in order, for those who think their religion is the 'only true religion'. My Response? "WHATEVER!"
There used to be a saying about the Turks in the Korean War. You may not like the smell of them but there is no better soldier you want to be in a fox-hole with. Turkey needs our support, and Europes, period. Ralph, Yakima, Wa..
What do you mean "LESS"? We shouldn't trust them period. The Muslim nations only have loyalty to their "sham" of a religion ISLAM. There is no such thing as a Muslim Ally.
Jack, I know Obama will restore America's reputation, and in turn, I hope Muslims will come to trust America. Eye for an eye.
Jack, As the "United States Under Obama" Begins to Treat All People + Countries with "Fairness + Respect + Dignity," We Wouldn't Feel the Need to Label With a "Prejudicial Notion!"
The X-files said it best. Trust no one.
Make them prove their trustworhtiness before throwing caution to the wind.
No, The religion of an ally has no bearing. How they perform as an ally is what matters. If they say one thing and do another then we should not trust them.
Why should the religious beliefs of a country have anything to do with it? History has shown that out least trustworthy ally (and I use that term very liberally in this context) is France...
No. We were attacked by al Qaeda members-not average Muslims. The poll was taken before Obama spoke to and with the people of Turkey. Hopefully, Americans will see just how much alike people are all over the world when they see Obama's interaction with ordinary Muslims. Allies are allies-period.
I've known several persians and arabs in my lifetime, male and female/christian and muslim, and all of them were kind, pleasant, smart, happy interesting people. For the exception of one of them they were all here on student visas. Each one of them seemed like everyone else I knew, they wanted happiness, good health, prosperity, and success. While religion and politics were discussed none of us were extremists, unlike other Americans and nationalities that were running around all over the world yelling anarchy in the sixties and seventies. Based on my own personal experience with muslims and other people from the middle east, yes I trust them as much as our other allies. The only people I don't trust in this world Jack are bankers, Wall St. investment bankers and brokers, heads of credit card companies, and career politicians who back in the sixties and seventies, were usually the anarchists and communists. They finally got their way by breaking the banks and the world.
U. S. shouldn't trust Muslims more then other allies. They will be your friend to your face but be ploting behind your back because they are fighting with other Muslims which most are probably related in some way. Because if this wasn't so true they would have there country under control. And with all the Muslim bombing each other its crazy these people doing these bombings for what ,they are forgotten in a few days, and if they die in the bombing there just dead and everyone moves on except the family they feel disgrace. They say there fighting for freedom . They don't have anyone controling them now other then the people telling them to do the stupid bombings and fighting theirselfs.
Well when our government brought muslims into this country by the millions and inserted them to run the majority of our motels and mini marts, the question i ask you is, Do you feel safe sleeping in the motels and shopping in the mini marts ? Don't believe me ? i suggest you take a coast to coast trip by car and see for yourself.....
I make it a point to not trust any politicians, regardless of religion. I could comment more on this topic, but let's face it, I (nor anyone else here) is going to contribute anything of value to this argument. Religious, cultural, and political dynamics are combining to form a topic way too complex for a simple blog post. Even for the Cafferty File. Let's suffice it to say, I have no idea, and I'm not sure I want to know.
The worldwide reputation of the United States is under repair. President Obama is the chief surgeon. He must extend an open hand to Muslim allies while maintaining a tight grip with the other hand on all other allied relationships. Rhetoric starts the process, but Increased trust will be earned with deeds. I trust President Obama. He knows the difference between rhetoric and deeds.
Why do our Muslim allies trust the US less than other allies?Consider how we have treated them in the last decade.
Our Muslim allies have less stable and less democratic governments than many of our allies,which is a concern.
Trust breeds trust.The US can take the first step.
Seriously.....just how much does the population trust anything or anyone? The past politics of "fear" has pretty much taken care of that issue.
Paula of Liberty, NY
The person is smart, but the people are stupid, ergo, of course a significant majority of the people will say we should trust them less. Should we not trust any Catholics around our children because of what a few Catholic priests have done? Americans, i.e. Chrisitians need to take their own advice and live a little more Chrsit like. And the short answer is, NO!
The only way he could use the word "never" in that statement is if he was talking about a religion not an ally or another country. What your really asking is should America make the same mistake it did in WW2 with the people of Japanese decent and we all know how a yes to that question turns out.
I think what President Obama is really saying is if we don't learn to get past our petty phobias of each other and start thinking globally sooner or later it will mean the end to all of us.
It's hard to tell Jack. I guess it all depends on how ya spin trust or distrust. The Bush administration cultivated an environment where we were supposed to view the Muslim world through the eyes of terrorism. China has been pro North Korea and has gotten wealthy off of their unfair international trade policies with the U.S. and I don't see anyone preaching about how much we should trust them.
HD in Phoenix, AZ
Trust, but verify.
Dear Jack,
U.S. needs Muslims more than Muslims need U.S.
China is courting Muslims, Russia is courting Muslims, the entire world wants the best of relations with Muslims
U.S. should abandon the patronizing and condescending attitude toward Muslims, transparent even in your question.
U.S. is in the same position as the Mongol Empire 200 years after
Genghis Khan's death, it is in decline and decay .
Thus it needs allies no matter what, and the Muslims make dependable and faithful allies.
GREG from WARREN, MICHIGAN
We should trust muslim allies as much as any other allies. no question about this
Diane From Alabama
No, the U.S. should trust Muslim allies just as much as other allies – they're just people, just like us, really when you get down to it.
Allies are allies regardless of what religion they are. I wish we could get rid of religion all together. It would save a lot of lives.
I think Muslims should be respected by all americans
I have no problem trusting Turkey. Other countries would be on a case by case basis.
Trust...people. All people over mindless companies. Corporations are the real monsters today and we have to change the rules. GM is pretending that the don't know how to make an electric car even though the GM electric vehicle was on the road a decade ago and looked like a car. GM also likes to pretend they are an "American" company. If GM is pro-america, bring back the EV 1 auto and end petroleum terrorism. Educated and informed people ask the real questions and allies come in different creeds, shapes, and colors.
Trust one ally less than another based on the faith of that ally? Sounds like a recipe for untrustworthy diplomacy.
What part of Ally don't we understand, prejudice and fear have no place in a better future.
I think the U.S. should trust Muslim nations as much as they do other nations. We are all a nation of citizens.
Jack, we have to learn to get along with all types of people from every religion. Given our track record, especially recently, it is probably a better question to ask, "Should Muslims trust the U.S. the same as they do their other allies?"
I believe that all allies should be treated equally.
Otherwise they shouldn't be allies...
Matt
Costa Mesa, CA
Our trust should be independent of the religious inclination of the country. We must trust based on deeds. Cuba, Venezuela, & Nicaragua are mostly Christian countries. Would our government trust them over Turkey? I think not.
While the majority of Muslims are good people, I think it is harder to trust Muslim nations because there is a greater chance of having information "leaked" to terrorists, because in Muslim nations, terrorists have a greater chance of infiltrating the government more so than in non-Muslim nations.
I believe that we need to look at Muslims in comparasion to Germans. Not all Muslems are terrorists just like not all Germans are/were Nazis,
We are an Intelligent, progressive nation. How can we be so dense to not understand the difference?
the U.S. shouldn't trust any alli. we should respect them and continujed to try to build and mend fences with them. But dont trust them. you see soon as the economy went bust, they looked to blame the U.S...
Why should the fact that their Muslim make them any more unreliable then the French, Germans or any of our other allies?
No. An alliance is about mutual trust. There are no half measures, either you trust the people who say they are on your side or you don't. We build trust by doing what we say we are going to do.
Jack, I'm at the point where I might trust them more than my own country's President and Congress!
I think the way we have handled our foreign politics and policies over the decades begs the question, "Should the Muslims trust us?" Remember the Shah of Iran in the seventies? Now look at the mess we're in with Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan. All because the past administration adopted the ridiculous policy of 'no talks without pre-conditions.' Yes, I trust the Muslim and only hope they can trust us.
What a refreshing concept. So simple you wonder why no one thought of it. I guess they were too busy coming with words like "axis of evil"...i
But there is only one way to fix this: education, education, education.
Marjorie
NY
The United States, under the historic presidency of Obama, has caused a wave of hope across our planet. If we ever had a chance to foster mutual trust in the Middle East, now is the time.
Why does religion matter? Our nation has no state religion so why should we judge others on the basis or religion? I don't think North Korea is a "Muslim Nation" so does that mean we can trust them? NO. Some people are bad and others are good. Religion doesn't dictate if someone is good or bad.
Muslim doesn't equal extremist, nor does it mean terrorist. If a predominantly Muslim country proves itself to be trustworthy and a reliable ally, we should trust this country and its leaders. What if Turkey asked its citizens if it should trust the USA because its a "christian" nation? I believe the citizens of the US would be angry about such a question.
We should trust the muslim allies as much as we do any allies. The muslins as a group are not terrorists. It is a radical group that are the trouble makers, just as radical groups in our own country are troublemakers.
Should U.S. trust Muslim allies less than other allies?
Yes.
We can trust those muslim nations ONLY:
If those muslim allies begin practicing what we do here, i.e., allow for non-muslims to live freely, allow equal rights for all their citizens including women, allow freedom of expression, allow freedom of life style, and allow for ALL freedoms that we and our allies enjoy, then we can 'trust' muslim nations.
I sure think every human being is worth trusting. Why should we think someone is not worth tusting? If we could get over Japan after Pearl Habor then we can give the Muslim allies a chance. Not all are fundamentalists. Even in the Muslim community, Muslims detest the fundamentalists.
Dear Jack,
I don't trust any religious nutcase and that includes christians and moslems. However when it comes to moslems, I am especially critical. The bush regime has told us for years that it's not the "vast majority of peaceful moslems" that hate us but rather a "tiny extreme minority" and yet, strange enough that tiny little minority seemed to be large enough to fill every major street in arab cities whenever there was an anti american protest. Obama says we are not at war with the muslim world? Hell, for years now it looks to me like the moslem world is at war with us. It's time we recognize that fact.
Oh and my post is politically incorrect? You bet it is, and I am proud of it
Fritz
I really think that you phrased the question wrong,Jack.Its how far the Muslim allies will trust a new freind who comes knocking at their door in a time of need.Three months is not long enough to discover if the snake has truly shed its skin or if the same old flute players are still the masters.
By half of Americans still believing that all muslims are responsible for 9/11 this puts the U.S in a bad position around the world. There are only a small group of muslims who are considered 'extremist'. When this much ignorance is out there and broadcast on the media we have to understand there will be hostility in certain parts of the world. I think Obama is doing a great job working to restore our global reputation, but there is much work to be done still here at home.
As an englishman speaking from a country full of diversity it seems to me that if you want to win a war against terrorism you have to unite the world as one.. not trusting muslims sends a clear message you don't really like them.. they're as much a part of this world as we are! and its not like the white christians of this world are sending out a holier than thou image
Trust must be tempered with understanding on both sides. The more we come to understand and respect Muslims and the more they begin to understand and respect us, the greater the trust. Example. I trust the government a little more today than I did before Jan. 20, 2009.
But Only a little more.
Jack;
We can't even trust our own government. Remember Bush describing "mushroom clouds" in our cities? How about transparency with the taxpayer money to the Wall Street Banks?
There's much more; "But that should answer your question."
It's true that we are not at war with Islam, but many in the Islam world are at war with us. The problem for us is that it's a typical guerrilla campaign where the bad guys look like the good guys and you can only tell the difference when someone gets hurt. In this campaign, we have to use some common sense, something Washington has always been in short supply of.
Yes. America should not totally trust muslims. In the end, they stick together!
I have lived and worked around them in Britain. Can a christian go to Saudi or any othe rmuslim nation and demand them not teach islam in any school?
Can women go to these countries and demand to drive a car themselves? My cousin and his wife lived in saudi. He was muslim. He died there and she suffered.
The koran calls nonmuslims "Infidels". What happens to infidels in islam?
What is the "Holy war" about? We need to read carefully, talk to the honest ones and not go by what we are brainwashed in the media to try to get us to be more accepting of people who will NEVER accept us and ourr beliefs.
I have nothing against muslims as people but their religion teaches a lot of hate and stuff. that is fact!
I beleive just as with any other type of issue we don't know, results in sterotypes, and until we learn more and open ourselves up are we able to come to a different view pt.....I beleive Pres. Obama can help us with tht because he can communicate with others so well, so.....I THINK WE SHOULD AT LEAST GIVE IT A SHOT.....why not?
BUZZARDSKORNER
No, Jack, -corrupt- governments should be trusted less. I think the Islamic countries should be the ones to ask whether they can trust the U.S.!
I said yes at first, but I take it back. Muslims are probably no worse in a general sense than any other religious weirdos.
Jack,
The question itself implies should we discriminate Muslim.... I was brought up with Buddism teaching and flet discriminated when I took Bible Literature in college and learn the 10 commandement...thy shall not worship other images....
Human natures are all the same regardless of ethnic background – everyone loves money, power, and security but allowing religious belief to run the world is dead wrong, We should include Muslim allies as any other allies until we use Bible to send everyone with adultry to jail...
Susan from Plano, TX
I do not see how we can really trust Muslims in those fundamentalist countries that have no regard for human rights. That does NOT mean we should not trust ALL Muslims.
The issue should be based more on whether any country is radical in their religious activities, instead of what their basic religion is.
There is a large portion of the population here in the US that is excited to see this attention to deferred diplomacy being taken by the new administration. I suspect there are many Muslims around the world grateful for opportunities to show how they are misrepresented by fanatic extremists just as many of us are. Isn't it nice to see our global figurehead being chased across foreign lands by adoring fans rather than being pelted by shoes? In this new age of reaching out, we should be willing to offer the benefit of the doubt as we ask other cultures to do the same.
-Matt from Kansas
If they weren't an ally to begin with, then they shouldn't be trusted. If they are allies, then they should get the benefit of the doubt regardless of what precedes the word ALLY whether it be: English, Japanese, French, South Korean, Indian, OR Muslim. An exclusionary mindset only results in one thing, isolation. In times like these where global reach is merely a keyboard stroke away, we need all the allies we can get.
Proudy serving our great nation in Iraq,
LW
It would be in our interest to have allies in the Mideast especially ones we trust. Lebanon to fight Hezbollah, Bahrain to house our 5th Fleet, Kuwait to allow our convoys to Iraq. There is not only the military aspect but trade that is extremely valuable. We may not agree 100% on every issue but that shouldn't stop us from working and most importantly trusting them.
Let's skip all the worthless rhetoric – lets judge based on their actions and not hollow words.
I don't see why not trust countries based on their religious beliefs. I'd like to bring to the attention the percentages of the survey that you guys are showing. These surveys are not complete. There interview a few thousand people and they pretend like whole population has the same thinking. to me, these surveys are biased, and people should be aware of that.
Yeah Jack, about as far as you can throw ‘em!
Peace has to start with someone talking. What makes us think they can trust us any more than we can trust them if we are not willing to start talking. President Obama is doing the right think – talking to the world not bullying the world.
The answer to your question, is YES!
And, here's another thing; Mr. Obama has NO RIGHT to say that America is, or isn't ,ANYTHING "Forever"!!
Only God has THAT right! And Mr. Obama SURE isn't God!!
Nick. N.
Pasadena. CA.
Yes, I believe that we should trust Muslim allies less than other allies. When they do things like 9/11, it makes it hard for the American people to trust them.
We don't even trust all of our "Christian" allies that same. We should base our trust on their words, actions and the advice of the Department of State, CIA, etc.
This question epitomizes our problem when dealing with the world. Every country and region is different. We trust Great Britian more than we trust Russia. We trust Jordan more than we trust Syria. We trust Japan more than we trust Vietnam.
You can't cookie-cutter our foriegn relations.
I believe that the U.S. needs to be wary of its Muslim allies. There are too many issues in which their interests are inherently counter to the U.S. It is worth adding that the word trust is not thrown around in foreign policy discussions regardless of whether a nation is secular or identifies with Islam. It is simply an issue of what any two nations can do for one another or will represent on the world stage.
I believe the separation of church and state should be respected in dealings will nations and all religions, whether they be allies or antagonists. The problem isn't with the religions themselves, rather with what is done by a wide variety of nitwits in the name of their religions. When they earn our trust it should make no difference if they are Muslim, The Church of The Blinding Light, or whatever.
If they are our allies yes Muslim or otherwise, Americans need to look beyond their simple prejudices. It's not the religion that is the culprit but the politics.
Jack:
Are you kidding! Who bombed the towers? Who has killed thousands of U.S. soldiers? Who has beheaded people on live TV? Who burns U.S. flags on a daily basis? You want us to trust these people? As a retired soldier of the U.S. military I don't think you or anyone else in your newsroom is qualified to ask that question.
Pennsylvania.
This is a hasty generalization: Turkey, I believe, is a fairly trustworthy ally due to their secular tradition, unique position and history, and their record of cooperation. Other "Muslim Allies" are not, and therefore are much less worthy of trust or support, especially the Saudis.
Jack same question reversed can be asked–When will Muslims and the world trust Americans decevied them after they attacked Iraq who did not attack us on 911?
As Pres. Reagan once told Russia...."We will Trust but verify".
As far as I'm concerned, this includes all our allies.
Of course not. If we take Turkey as an example: it is the second largest army in NATO (behind the US)! Turkey is often described as a "Muslim" country, but it is really a secular democracy. The alliance with Turkey (through NATO) has been critical through the cold-war years as Turkey had a border with the USSR. Having said that, I am not aware of another Muslim country, that can be described as an ally to the US. There are Muslim countries (like Marocco, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.) that maintain good relations with the US, but they cannot be described as allies in the same sense as Turkey.
Sadly, there seems to be no one in which we can place total "trust." You can call people allies, but that only seems to mean they are there for us if/when it suits them. So many countries hate us and our way of life, or envy us and our overall way of life, and can smile and call themselves our allies as long as it benefits them to do so. we can give them endless money, help, support of all kinds, but they will turn on us when it suits them to do so.
We know we can't trust many of our own politicians, wall street wizards, and others.... so,
on your question "should US trust Muslim allies less than others.."
I'd say, we should distrust (or trust) all equally, and always watch our backs.
Jack I think it is a very simple yes. There is no country that honestly does not look out for its own interests, rather Christian, Muslim, or Hindu and so the question really becomes to what extent do you trust any country. I am a fundamental Christian, and yet I must admit that I have seen just as many terrible acts through out history done by people who claimed to be Christians. Consider our own country's history and slavery or the many lies told to the Native Americans.
Absolutely not. It's almost hypocritical calling them our allies, but not trusting them. This nonsense has to end, and I think Obama's leading us the right path.
We should trust some of these Muslim people before we trust some of these Timothy McVeigh type right wing extremist who are speaking revolution and armed resistance in this county because they lost the election and don't agree with the new administrations policies. These people are more dangerous than some extremist Muslims.
Jack, NO. If they trust us... than we should trust them until they or we do something to break that trust, you know like..." INVADE THERE COUNTRY"
No we should not trust Muslim Allies!
Trust is something that is earned over time. We should be cautious and prudent in dealing with any country, and even with dealing with others within our own country. If another country has the same goals as ours, then we should work with them, regardless of their religion. However, if those countries, like Afghanistan, adopt policies and laws that allow the violent rape of women and other human rights violations, then we should not be their ally at all.
I haven't forgotten,nor have millions of other Americans, that it was MUSLIMS who brought down the Trade Center Towers. So, the answer is YES, we do have a valid reason to be more careful when engaging nations with a high population of Muslims.
As long as we have racism in the USA, we will have distorted views. We did everything we could over the past eight years for the world to hate us.
Thank God, we finally have a President focused on diplomacy and pace. After watching the CNN program about Guantanamo last Sunday night, I was embarrassed to be an American.
the U S should trust countries based on our interests not based on their religions. We need muslim countries to help us in the fight against Al Qaeda, so it is in our interest to trust them.
I think as Americans we should understand the trust policy better than we do. It should be more like 100% instead of 51%to 48% we should trust muslims do to the fact trust is two way street. every one should have chance to be trusted until they break that trust. we need to stand united with all are allies if possible. So i pray obama can reach out to are allies and get trust started between each of us.
"Go forth in peace," said Richard the Lion- Heart. "I forgive you my death and will exact no revenge." Twelve days later, after the King's death, ignoring Richard's forgiveness, his army Captain had the young man who had inflicted the fatal wound flayed alive and hung.
Jack
Do you have a car? and where are most oil used in America comming from?.MOSTLY FROM MUSLIM COUNTRY.So is time to call a spade a spade not all muslims are PROBLEMATIC to AMERICAN.
Jack, why would you even ask such a question? Just by posing it you've cast doubt on the credibility of our Muslim allies. CNN needs to stop stirring the pot on this issue- we need everyone's support in the world, and that includes the Muslim world.-
Inaam, Washington DC
The US should trust muslim allies the same. It's like judging a group of people. The Japanesse bombed us in WW2; if you go by what the 47% of people are saying, let's not trust Japan, theyre just going to bomb us again. Germany was the leader in WW2; let's not trust them either, they may kill all our jews; hey, maybe the Aryan race may kill everyone, so don't trust predominantly Aryan countries. Good bye Great Britian. The muslims bombed our buildings. The question should be where are they from and why? Back in the 60s and 70s, the Iranian people democratically wanted the shah out and the US, with the CIA, kept the shah in for our personal gain when it comes to oil. So some Muslims may have geniunie hate towards us-but distinguish it by country, not by race. We should judge those COUNTRIES less. Otherwise, America, if you judge that we should trust the Muslim world less, you are Hypocrits and Racists and discriminating just like Hitler did against the jews-let's not let the US get that type of brand (...if it hasn't already).
we should trust all of our allies. There is good and bad in everything. Most Muslims are good people . It's a religion. They pray 5 times day.
There is alot people in the USA that just don't know about Muslims,and Islam .igorance is wrong. learn about Muslims ...good Muslims... before you condem them. Trust is very important among friends....
How can Obama promise the U.S. will never be at war with Islam. It seems like we were or almost were for the past 8 years. Obama is president for 4 years that we know of, with statements like that the question should be, Can Islam trust America at all.
Not trusting Muslim world, means no respect for each other, no mutual interests. Which ultimately can lead the world again into Bush era.
i answer that with a question, should they trust the us, america with its greater than thou attitude has raped these countries for years set up racial inequties bombed and killed at will and now that these countries are emerging, able to stand on their own,some of our white brothers(cheney, gengrich) and the like think we should do what ever necessary to keep them under foot; they had better wakeup the world has changed and the old way of doing business just doesnt get it done anymore.
Nothing in your article warrants whether or not President Obama should not try to have a dialogue with the Muslim world.Many Americans grew to hate what President Bush did to us, that doesn't mean they are going to destroy the United States. But we do morn the damaged done to our country. Many persons can be one in five, ten, or more. It doesn't mean the whole country or religion is against the US. It's time the US gets over their prosecution complex . It would be nice if the media understood the damage that they do to feed the problem.
That's a meaningless question, Jack. You don't have allies because you "trust" them, you have allies because it's in your mutual interest. It's pure pragmatism, and it can change at any time. Play the board game "Risk," and then get back to me.
P.S. Remember the great alliance between Hitler and Stalin? Ha!
It's time we realize that change is here and a change in attitude and approach in handling foreign affairs as well as domestic affairs is needful. We have learned the old train of thought is responsible for our position in the world today. Also, Mr. Cafferty, I would highly appreciate it if you would refer to Mr. Obama and President Obama, even if it hurts.
Muslims have some very different agenda's than we in the West and thus we should not trust them to same degree as others with which we have long standing relationship. If we gave them less financial aid that we have been doing we would soon realize that we have been duped for years. You can't buy real friends!
Ally or enemy, is there no middle ground? Trust no one and you will not be disappointed. Other nations judge us by our actions, not our rhetoric. We would be well advised to do the same, whether that nation is “Christian,” “Muslim,” “Jewish,” or none of the above.
Should we really blame an entire religion based off the actions of a few radicals?
This is always presented as such a black and white issue. Trust is something that's built over time. What Obama's done is started a dialog that's a little more tactful than "Bomb, Bomb Iran". If any degree of trust is possible, I think our new President is right on track. And it's good riddance to those T-Shirt slogans like "Islamo-fascist" and "Axis of Evil". That rhetoric always embarassed me as an American. It was like Wiley Coyote opening up a box of Acme Furrin' Policy Fixer and pulling out a huge stick of cartoon dynamite with a long fuse sticking out of it. Beep! Beep!
As long as the U.S. stays aligned with Israel, as we should, then we should take each Muslim country at face value. There are some that will never be allies with us.
Jack, We have to start by trusting the muslims as for years George Bush and his minnion have shown that American's ,are not to be trusted. If after a reasonable time they look as if they are untrustworthy the by all means stop trusting them
From a real world perspective, no. However, it has nothing to do with their faith. We can't clump every Muslim state we are allied with together into a single group. Turkey is arguably our strongest ally in the Middle East next to Israel and they are a very modern, secular nation. I think they have earned our trust. On the other side of the issue, we have Pakistan, which is a completely different situation. They struggle with terrorism every day, but as of yet, their interests in combating the Taliban has been somewhat lackluster. We have to remember, it was the Pakistan "secret service" and special forces that trained the Taliban in the first place. I just think they need to do a better job.
Barack Obama's message that the US is not at war with Muslims is a message that George Bush also put forth. It is the Muslim world who is under the false idea that America is at war with them. President Bush and others have always said that it is the extremists who we are at war with, and that these extremists were the ones who chose to declare war on the US.
Unfortunately, our media has decided to put forth the false message that Barack Obama is somehow saying something new and extraordinary.
The entire world is courting muslims ESPECIALLY Britain because they FEAR Muslims. they fear burnign flags and more planes being flown into buildings and undergrounds being blown.
Muslims are people and they should be loved an drespected but I have witnessed first hand where they are laughing with you while planning evil against you.
Neither is America, or Europe free of evildoings to others. Look at Africa. China is NOT to be trusted!! We should really trust muslims more than we do China.
Jack,
Absolutely not, our own Constitution grants us these rights that all men are equals and if the US is going to start being the International Police, then we should offer these same ideals to others regardless of country or religon.
Granted Muslim states have time and time again lost the trust of the United States, but what is important to realize it the role of the US. In terms of Pakistan and most Middle Eastern countries, the US is seen to only create trust and allies when it becomes a necessity. One must not forget, it takes two to tango. The United States must earn it's trust if it wants to recieve it. With the global threat of terrorism we all face today, it is absolutely vital we gain the trust of our Muslim allies in order to eradicate those who want to harm humanity.
I think President Obama realizes we are all more alike than we are unalike. A Vietnamese man just went crazy in Binghamton, does that mean we should all hate Vietnamese people now?
Of course we should trust Muslim allies as much as other allies; however, there are some things we shouldn't trust any other nation to do for us. Trust is not the same as responsiblity. If I need to mail my taxes, I should do it myself–even if you happen to be going to the post office. It's not that I don't trust you or the French or the Turks; it's just my responsiblity; so I do it myself.
When we show Muslim nations that we trust them to perform certain functions, it will build better allies, but we should never hand over our national responsiblities to any other nation, nor should any other nation trust us with theirs.
As an American Muslim, this question strikes me as absurd. Maybe it's because I've lived amongst Muslims long enough to know that, like all other people, there are trustworthy and untrustworthy ones amongst us.
We as Americans would openly condemn as bigoted any individual who assumes others are untrustworthy because of their faith. Why is this condemnation so muted when we consider the "trustworthiness" of nations?
It should not matter what religious ideology a person is or what faith they have. People have been brain washed by a total lack of understanding of, or what it is to be Muslim. Why should we trust those who profess to be Christian and betray the American people, like George Bush.
If someone demonstrates respect and responsibility towards others and has the same intentions and wants the same outccomes, then why would you not trust them.
Moderate Muslims, or Reform Muslims do not want constant war and endless strife.
There are many right ways in the world, not just Christianity or Muslim or Juddaism. The most important problem to solve is poverty and illiteracy. These are the things that need to be address all over the world and when countries focus on these things and work together, they can build trust and cooperation and a higher moral way for all of humanity.
Should U.S. trust Muslim allies less than other allies?
Jack, the answer is NO, NO, NO!!!!! The President has stated what our intentions are and WE need support his efforts to bridge the gaps of blame and hatred instilled by the Bush neo-cons.
For far too long we have allowed unfair attacks on ALL muslims for the abhorrent acts of Saudia Arabian extremists. Did we attack or occupy Saudia Arabia? NO................we took our eye off the ball in Afghanistan so Bush could avenge Sadam Hussein for his father. After billion of dollars and over 4000 soldiers deaths, the time has come to bring peace between Islam and the U.S.
Our president thinks it is essential to bringing peace to both our nations...........we need to support our President.
This question makes about as much sense as if someone were asking, "Should we trust our Christian military people any differently than our Jewish or our Muslim military people..."
Trust has nothing to do with religion–but has everything to do with communication, dedication, and honesty.
how can you trust muslims when they are trying to tell the world that jesus was just another profit? jesus is god in this country and some one should tell our president
Like most middle Eastern countries and China they will only talk in depth with you when a relationship has been established. A relationship based on mutual respect. Given the antics of the Bush Administration it will be a very long time before the word respect and America will be uttered in the same sentence.
Well done Bush you managed in 8 years to alienate the entire world, Fight 2 wars, Assist in the plunging of the American economy in to the abiss, Never in the history of the world has there been such an outcry to get a sitting President out fast before he does
any more damage
Gerard Kelleher- Milton
No! The US needs to trust the muslim allies the same as our other allies. If we don't trust them as much then the bond between the us weakens and muslim allies will treat us like an enemy.
Yes, we should trust our Muslim allies, but we should also be aware that there are probably some fanatics living in every Muslim country. We have fanatics in the US too. I have taught ESL to Arabs for 20 years, and I have lived in three Muslim countries. I treasure their friendships. The closer friendships we have with Muslims, the less danger we have from fanatics.
That's ridiculous! Allies are allies, plain and simple. It's time that we start looking for similarities and building relationships as opposed to seeking out the differences and tearing people, cultures and nations apart. Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Black, White, woman, man - who cares?!? Why are we so hung up on these labels?? - Mindy Columbus, OH
I believe the people of this country should trust itself enough to know that we are a supreme nation. We can trust muslim because we are strong and intelligent enough to see everything coming. If our policies are not choking out muslim nations then we should have nothing to fear. So we just need to remain aware. I have an example for us to go by. Remember White people had slaves that were set free and have they taken a position destruction? I bet when it was proposed 450 years ago alot of people felt blacks would take revenge.
We can't trust our self let alone talking about trusting the Muslims, let's give beyond that first.
Absolutely Jack! There is no such thing as "Muslim Allies" for any nation that is not Muslim.
No, prior to the Bush years we trusted our Middle East allies and they trusted us. Today I don’t think they hate the American people so much as they hate George Bush and his ignorance and disrespect of the Muslim culture the past eight years, particularly after 911 when he kept emphasizing that it was Muslims that attacked us. It was Osama Bin Laden, who happened to be a Muslim, and not the entire Muslim world. After Bush quit looking for Bin Laden, invaded Iraq for no reason, and took out Saddam, another dumb Bush error, the Middle East looked at us very differently. Now Obama is trying to mend those fences. Failure there is not an option.
If we don't treat Muslim allies the same way we treat other allies, we are just feeding global discrimination and racism, and we bring ourselves closer to another attack. I am very disappointed in those that feel Muslims are untrustworthy, and it seems to me, Jack, that these Americans are still living in the short-sighted mentality of the days following 9/11. We may have taken a step forward recently by electing a black man as president and progressing race relations here at home, but we are still very much a discriminating, racist nation. Or, at least half of us are.
You don't chose to trust or distrust people because of religion, race, ethnicity, etc. You chose to trust people because they have demonstrated behaviors worthy of trust, like doing what they say they will do, keeping promises, demonstrating that they care about your wellbeing. The same applies to countries, although then the issue becomes how well the country's rulers as a group meet these characteristics.
Some of our allies have demonstrated these characteristics and are thus worth of our trust whether Muslim or not (e.g., Canada, Japan, and Turkey to name a few). Some of our allies have not demonstrated those charactersitics and are thus not worth of our trust (e.g., Georgia [the country, not the state], Pakistan).
No, please don't consider groups such as terrorists, Taliban, Al-Qaeda as Muslims. They don't represent the picture of Muslims to the world. I believe cooperation between US and Muslims will help both to be against such terror groups and the can reap the benefit for both societies. We have had long years of war, let's try for a few years of peace and collaboration.
How do you develop an ally without a mutual level of trust? It is absurd to think that we can ever have Muslim or Arab countries as allies without it! On the other hand, how much can they trust us? We need to reach out and begin this relationship healing on both sides. I believe this can be done and I believe that all reasonable people on both sides want this.
Ofcourse not. We need to distinguish between the Sunni Muslim and Shiat muslim. Sunni Muslim who America trust and used to like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and all other Persian gulf countries. On the other hand , the Shiat who represent by Iran , hizb o allah are the ones that should be less trusted because they DO NOT represent Islam at all.
Look at it and see who U.S is in war with ? and you will know that Sunni muslim are the only ones that should be trusted because they are the only one who represent the true islam. Thanks , Nasr
I grew up in a multi-cultural area on the east coast Florida. How nice it was when, as a kid, I learned to say hello in Spanish, Hindu, Japenese, etc. Why, in a global econmy, is it so wrong to reach out?
Your kidding - right? Since when has the religious diversity in America been supplanted by bigotry? Anyone who would trust a Christian more than a Muslim (or an atheist or a Hindu or a Buddhist or the practitioner of any religion) does not believe in this county's founding principles.
Jim, Craig, CO
Neither America, or Europe free of evildoings to others either. Look at Africa.
China is NOT to be trusted!! They are the biggest snake under the grass just waiting for the right time to crawl out and inject its venom.
We should trust muslims more than we do China.
A lot of what we saw in both 24 and this British drama about muslims is really true.
Am surprised that the media who use to broadcast and talk down what muslims kids are being taught seem to now be pushing for people to trust mulsims.
Immigrants, not Americans, must adapt. We speak mainly English. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our socierty..Learn our language. Most American's believe in God. Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation. Now, to answer your question....United States should not trust Musims just as to other allies. As counties across our great oceans truly don't like americans.
I don't have a problem trusting Muslim allies, but I wonder how many Americans say "no" because of the misconceptions they have about Islam. I have mine, but much fewer today because I've sought educational avenues – but I still have a lot to learn.
Jack:
Whether we are at war with the Muslin community, as the President was quick to disavow is not the point... The question President Obama should be asking is... "Is the Muslim community as war with the United States?"
The question implies that all Muslim nations have similar policies, which simply isn't the case. Even within a single country, there are separate factions with widely divergent opinions about how to deal with the United States. The UK and France are both Christian nations, but our recent history of political and military cooperation with these two countries could hardly be more different.
Never, never trust them.
Unless you believe in their ideology you are an infidel and an infidel
should be disregarded, or better yet, disgarded. If you have doubts read the Koran. Trust with a Muslim equates to trust with the devil.
It is a dilemma, Jack. The last eight years have been defined upon this 'them and us' paradigm, and instead of building bridges, it has lead to greater resentment against America, which serves as the basis for Islamic fundamentalism and more Muslims turning to terrorism. So we have to reverse that philosophy, but at the same time, we are cognizant of the reality that if we are to trust our Muslim allies like our other non Muslim allies, like granting them excess to sensitive technology or intelligence, how are we to know that such sensitive information would not go into aiding people bound to do us harm who are embedded within the governments oe security services of these allies?
I spent over six years living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so I think I have a little more insight on this subject than most.
First we should understand not just our Muslim allies but all Muslims, then we can trust them based on that understanding. If you can't wrap your mind around that then there's no sense asking the question. The USA, and other western nations, have lorded it over most Muslim nation for the last couple of centuries, and the Muslims in those nations resent our superior attitude. Plus, the USA and other western nations exploited the oil supplies of the Muslim nations for many years; giving the nations a small portion of the trillions of dollars made on these nations' resources. Believe it or not, they actually resent us for that also!!! Then to top it off about 35-40 years ago we put our military in the Middle East and made no secret of the fact that part of the mission was the protection of Israel. Do you think they were happy about that?.
To answer the question, yes, but there are limits to trust,, even ours (the USA).
Cultures evolve Jack. A hundred years ago here, women weren't allowed to vote. The extremists want to cling to a primitive past. I say, keep after extremists but realize the culture and society over there is evolving, just like ours is and there are a lot of modern thinkers in the Islamic world. President Obama knows. The key is education and prosperity for them, just like for us. I'm a Christian from Canada, what makes you think you can trust me?
NO. In our country where we are a giant melting pot full of immigrants (our ancestory proves this) we respect each other's beliefs in religion, culture etc. At least people with any intelligence and respect for the human race does. I am so proud that we have a man that is a leader for our country and a spokesman of the silent few from these decades of WAR. Viet Nam is still with me, Desert Storm is still with me. Irag is still with me. Afghan is still with me. Will the world ever have Peace again? Yes. Countries will ban together on an agenda of hope and stopping nuclear arms and most importantly listneing to one another, Opening lines of communication and dispensing with the few that hold our world hostage from peace and prosperity for all. President Obama has proved this. In his words across the Atlantic and by God's grace we will all survive the nay sayers and war mongers of the 20th century. Put the past behind us. We will move into the future together for a better world. Today, tomorrow and for future generations to come.
Jack,
We must earn the trust of another race or religion before we can trust them. Trust is a two way street. For twenty years I worked with two devout Muslims. They asked about my religion and I asked about thiers. We talked many times about religion and tried to understand. We all answer to the same Master Being. Muslim beliefs are not unlike any others. Perhaps a better understanding of all beliefs would make this world a better place for all. Hypocricy is the worlds worst enemy.
walk a mile in there shoes Jack come see it to believe it. do some outside research. Not everything you find in a muslim country is from the terrorist.
Jack,
Lets end the politics of fear, most of the muslims brothers and sisters are serving in military now to defend this country.I think now it's the time for better dialogue
Here's a broad answer for your broad question. If the U.S. is going to have allies, we must treat them equally, with cautious, guarded respect and level trust. Whatever would be acceptable with the "least" of them should be applied across the board.
I've been hearing the press make a big deal about this question for two days now. IT'S AN UNFAIR QUESTION. Of course Americans are going to trust allies like England and France more than Muslim allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Just like in our personal lives, there are friends we have known our whole lives that we trust and care about deeply, and then there are friends that are acquaintances that we exercise caution with. Most Muslim allies have not had a long standing relationship with the U.S., so of course we are going to be more comfortable with non-Muslim nations.
i'm trying this again. most of my comments keep disappearing.
No less than Christian or Jewish countries. Our own right-wing talibangelicals are no different than right-wing israeli Jews, or Radical Islamic fundamentalists from Pakistan. I think the problem rests with ‘labeling’ a nation by their predominate religion. Right-wingers, here, get mad as hell, when you say this nation was not ‘based’ on the Judeo-Christian religion. I think they confuse the pilgrims, with the Founding Father’s of this nation, somehow. Perhaps some history lessons, and civic lessons on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are in order, for those who think their religion is the ‘only true religion’. My Response? “WHATEVER!”
I think that if there is anything apparent today, it is that we need to build and maintain as many strategic allies in the Muslim world, and that also means extending trust, or at least the appearance of trust, to those Muslim countries. Fighting terrorism, or overseas contingency operations, will take not only the Western world's initiative, but also the support of Muslims abroad. Moreover, I think relying on post-Bush regime, frightened into more than the usual ignorance, every day Americans, is the last place to built our new era of foreign diplomacy which will rely so much on NOT doing as we have for the last eight years. Not saying don't keep our ears and eyes open, but lets not be too hasty to withdraw a handshake.
The very definition of ally would suggest that our government should have some confidence in our muslim partners. its unfortunate that the question appears to suggest, most trust our European Allies more than our Non-Western allies.
How about this, who do you trust more G. W. Bush who's father is a so-called christian or B. H. Obama who's father was a muslim. I know plenty of muslims and based on my personal experiences I know them to be trust worthy individuals, on the other hand I know many christians and they can't keep that 9th commandment, you know bearing false witness.
btrw, I'm an atheist.
Should the Muslims trust us at all? The trust is the two way street, after what we had done with our politics, supporting Israel unconditionally, invasion of Iraq on the false pretancies Abu grabe torture, Guantanimo Bay prison abuse and many other things.
I am very proud of my country and our president Barack Obama who is working tirlessly to restore our image all over the world, and I feel more safe now than ever before. I also feel less hated, wow what a hundred days of good presidency can do to this beloved country.
Ned
The 1990 Gulf War which happened when former President George H. W. Bush, the father of George W. Bush was president is what caused Osma bin Laden to order the tragic attack on the World Trade Center. As a result, it crated a chasm which made the entire Muslim world seemingly our enemies. President Obama is right in his efforts to heal the wounds of the past and reach out to our Muslim allies as well as all the nations of the world.
Jack I don't feel we should trust any other nation allied or not, more that another. They should all earn our trust, and support as we should earn trust and support from them. Respect, Trust, and Honor are the things that build strong allies.
Islam teaches that to kill an innocent person is to kill all people but in practice Islam breeds terrorists and suicide bombers who do kill innocent people are to have a direct route to Paradise. I do not trust Muslims and advise others to do likewise. I realize that not all Muslims are terrorists but most terrorists are Muslim.
We should trust the muslim world as much as we trust other allies, they have as much to loose by radicals then we do.
At one point we were wary of Russian, Chinese, and now the Arab world? We have now in the oval office a President who has a broader picture of the world, let's size this opportunity to reach out to the Muslim world, and learn from our mistakes.
IT
I think this is a big step in having some kind of pease, but as the saying goes, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer".
You can only gain trust by giving it. We can only expect as much in return as we offer. We have a tendency to ask for alot and if you come through for us, then we will see what we can do for you. I think it is time to use the golden rule in our politics as well as in your daily life.
There are no such things as allies. . . only parthers-in-crime.
Andy of Sierra Vista, Arizona
Yes. There are good and bad in any group of people. Good and bad policeman, teachers, senators, congressmen, mothers, fathers, etc., regardles to race or religious belief. Muslins are no different.
No Jack is what I meant in my first comment. Am surprised that the media who use to broadcast and talk down what muslim kids are being taught seem to now be pushing for people to trust mulsims.
Treat them with respect and love them as people but their foundation is one grounded in evil – "War" and "Killings".
They do nto respect the lives of even the innocent children. they will sacrifce the very life of their own children in the name of their god. Which god supports such evil?
America has allowed everybody in and everybody is stealing from them and America now looks like the laughing stack – begging. This is the United States of America! Do we even know what we believe or stand for anymore? America has lost its identity – the muslims have maintained theirs and their is growing.
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" is quite appropriate for this question. We should maybe be a little more cautious than we might be with other allies......only because of 911, but you can't lump all Muslims in with the extremists that attacked us. Caution should always be exercized with any ally as any country can have ulterior motives!
Why should we trust them less than any others? Even Israel has spied on the U.S. Every and any country seeks its self-interests even if it means lying to their "friends" and "allies."
No Jack.
Treat them with respect and love them as people but their foundation is one grounded in evil – "War" and "Killings".
They do not respect the lives. They will sacrifce the life of their very children in the name of god. Which god supports such evil?
America has allowed everybody in and everybody is stealing from them. America now looks like the laughing stack – begging.
This is the United States of America! Do we even know what we believe or stand for anymore? America has lost its identity – the muslims have maintained theirs and theirs is growing.
WE absolutely need to invigorate our alliances with all countries that share our values, whether they are predominately Muslim or not should not enter the equation...
Let me answer your question first: The US government should analyse its relationship with other countries based on their past history with the US as allies and at keeping their words. Religion has nothing to do with it.
As I was listenng to the report done by CNN yesterday and mostly listening to those Republican jerks being offended that Obama said you were a society of citizens with common moral values and laws, my blood pressure was rising. I was offended by the self righteous so call christians. By acting that way, and making such comments, they are no better than the extremists in Al Queda and the Taliban.
As for being a country founded by Christians, I'll have you know many of your fore fathers were free mason!!!
Let's be reasonable here: The muslim values are very close to the judeo christian values. If the only references americans use is that of the fanatics mentioned above, then the americans need to inform theselves and look at what the majority of the muslim are like and what Mohamed's teachings are really about.
I am a practicing Catholic proud to have muslim as friend. we have exchanged on our moral values and believe me, they are not that different.
Jack, it is “religious extremism”, not the mainstream religion, on either side of the pond, that has cast a cloud over the rest of the religion and undermined our trust in each other-if we can get past that why shouldn’t we trust the Muslims?
The question seems to lack a fundamental logic. If a country is an ally, then they can and should be trusted. If we question the integrity and honesty of a country, then they are, by definition, NOT an ally.
We first must learn to trust Muslims because our allies are Muslims in India, China, Saudi Arabia and several other countries.
Jack
As a nation we must stop categorizing the Muslim faith as though it were a single nation or country. It is question worded like this one which seems to suggest that the Muslim faith itself is to be viewed and treated as " allies and/or as an ally" as opposed to recognizing the fact that there are multiple nations/countries (Governments) which are predominantly comprised of Muslims. We should follow the President's lead and model future dealings with the Muslim faith through a lens of being as diverse as the Christan faith and when we wish to identify our U.S. "allies", our future references, as a country and a matter of foreign policy, would identify our allies by their official International/Global Government identities.
Steve
Clifton, VA
Jack they should not be trusted at all, these are the very same people that belive that if you are not a muslim you should be dead. Hatred runs through their veins, we are giving more and more of our own way of life up just to please these idgits. I like saying merry christmas, i don't think knifes should be allowed to be carried just because they say it is part of their religion, our children would be booted from school for carrying a knife. It is really time both Canada and the US start taking back our way of life.
Thanks Jack i enjoy listening to you.
Jack I don't trust anyone that thinks their religion is the only one and wants to govern their country by it's laws. I don't tink it is nessessary to trust the Muslim nations as much as we trust other allies but it is important to work towards a better understanding of each other as nations and try to live together in peace.
Jack:
Ask not whether the Christian countries can trust muslim allies, but ask rather whether muslim countries can trust Christian countries such as the US as an ally. History contains centuries of both Christian perfidy towards Muslims as well as Muslim bad acts. As long as religion is used as a tool of power, warring ideologies will cloud the real issues of what is just a raw conflict for power. Separation of church and state was a great principle of the US founding fathers We miss it.
Ted
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Jack, the one thing the past eight years taght me about fear and trust is,"we have nothing to fear but Republicans themseves", so I trust Turkey, as we always have, but Boehner and McConnel, never. that's what the past eight years have taught me.
I think it's a mistake to define or classify religions (such as Muslims, Catholics or Buddists) as allies. It is as absurd as declaring War on Terror. Even Muslim (arab) countries are not alligned on many issues. Just look at the support for palestinians from their own presumably allied Muslim countries. Let's stick to allies that have defined borders and shared trading concerns and stay away from ideology groups.
You could trust them, but if push came to shove, would their leaders turn their backs on us and align with our enemies?
Wow....... Jack, I am disheartened to read some of the mean comments against Muslims, though thank God there are few!
Yes, we should trust, the majority of Muslims are not terrorists!
For as Christian, as our Nation claims to be, we sure do have plenty of hateful people!
Yes-Many Muslin countries provide the background from where the terrorists come
Jack
I think the question should be “Should Muslim allies trust Americans”, after all it was the Americans who funded Osama Bin laden, it was the Americans who attacked Iraq on the premise they had weapons of mass destruction and it is the Americans who have threatened war with Iran, North Korea, Venezuela. America is one of the most aggressive countries in the world and yet they try to portray themselves as peacekeepers!!!
Hi Jack,
How do you build trust and confidence towards others and for others to trust and have confidence in you in return..is .when you actually feel that you are trusthworthy and confident enough about your own examples of principles of our democratic values, our words and actions! For eight years, the dialogue has been to send the wrong oneway message of democratic principles that were not reflected by words and actions....there were no coherence! This is a real and daily challenge to be coherent in life for every citizen and for every leader...we can not be afraid of being coherent and express such coherence in all our lives! Which is why I appreciate the comments from Vice-President Biden about China and Russia having to step up their stand on being united in telling North Korea this is no longer the way we deal and interact with each other in this world by the use of missile testing! If you have 1% of your population being muslim then I think it is a very small group of people where efforts to improve relationships of true respect and acknowledgment of what they have been going through and still are because of the past eight years due to a group of extremists would bring greater recognition of respect at home and abroad towards the muslim communities...how we treat and interact with our own people at home becomes the true change and the true image to the world that would become our greatest ambassadors for our country and for other countries to do the same towards people in general and towards the respect of every other faith communities outside our own i.e. even towards people expressing they do not believe in any religion! People can not be judge because of a few ideological extreme nut cases connected to a specific religion! We are better than this and for too long we have lost our judgment because of real pain and real memories of what was taken away from us real lives and real belief that we are a free country! That is why I strongly beleive in not letting others stop me from believing in true freedoms and respect for life! I've expressed many times how I wish governments around the world when they have to express themselves to their country and to others should always base any of their comments and reflections on this basis : we are here to serve and protect in the name of all children regardless where they are born and their economic status, cultural and religion differences and so on...I'm sure many decisions would not have been made if we would remember everytime we do make decisions we do for the children of today and tomorrow, for the children living here and abroad!...imagine if speculators would have had that thinking to begin with!
Take care,
Diane Dagenais Turbide
USA should proceed cautioiously as most of us know the goal of the Muslims for the world.
Obama does not understand the aforementioned as he is inexperieneced and naive. He is all about style, scrip, teleprompters, and not substance.
Joan B
Minneosta
After seeing how the House of Rep and the Senate works up close.. that is not a fair question.. our guys have proven to be not trust worthy also not too smart.. after that all we have to do is go up with our expectations.
Yes we should trust Muslims just as much as we trust jews,hindus,christains,budists,etc. Trust is avery basic and most important reasoning and understanding thought in our vocabulary. Trust is the best way to solidify global peace. Who can we trust? In God we trust. Gene
What other allies do you mean, Jack. Do you mean like France, who has voted against every U.S. sponsored or backed resolution put before the United Nations. If you give trust, you get trust. The only reason France has voted in favor of the Muslim nations is oil. Not for the good of world security and safety. I trust France less.
Most Americans have little to no understanding about Islam. This dis-credits your poll right off the bat. However, Obama has a golden opportunity to talk and talk and walk the walk.
After eight years of George Bush, the US should count its blessings that it has any allies at all!
Perhaps the question to ask should be why the World has stopped trusting the US be it Christian or Moslem for the last seven years. Thankfully, president Obama and Secretary Clinton are doing a brilliant job restoring the US's world leadership and revesing the negative views. Incidentally, CNN gives Turkey more credit than it deserves calling it a "Moslem" country. Yes it has a majority moslem population, however, it is no more moslem that the US is christian. ironically some of the countries in the M.E. like to call the Turks "paper moslems". They just can't win.
Jack,
Americans have become so paranoid of Muslims, thanks to the media and the apparent successful brainwashing of the last Administration, that it's disgusting. How 48% of the people polled can say that we should trust them any less is not at all surprising, but that doesn't make it any less ridiculous. Americans need to wake up! Why alienate any allies just because they happen to be Muslim?? We need all the help we can get!!
Judge not lest ye be judged.
What a crazy question. We claim to be such a tolerant nation who is excepting of everyone. I had the pleasure of traveling to Turkey last year and the people there were so hospitable and inviting. I promise you they would have been treated with less then open arms if they came here.
President Obama has clearly set the stage for a change in the United States foreign policies. The result with his tour seems to have been well recieved abroad and at home with the exception of the Conservatives and Republicans.
It is a great example of how, as Cesar Millan would say " Dogs live in the moment and move on, they don't get stuck in the past". The world has changed if they haven't noticed and the political arena is quite different.
At home the financial crooks have almost led the US and the world into financial ruin, to the point where all of the buzzards not in the US are hovering overhead tosee what pickings they can get.
there has been soo much money stolen oout of the financial structure, it will take an equal amount of money to get back to the relative same level before the downfall.
The party that created the majority of this greed, secrecy and mistrust were the Republicans over the last eight years.
Jack, in anser to your question, I would trust Muslims more than certain Republicans or Democrats because they are miopic and don't see anyuthing but their opponents neck that they want to choke.
While the world changes about them.
President Obama is clearly outside of the childrens playpen and is meeting other children around the neighbourhood. Of course their are bullies in the neighbourhood but may be better to play with than the ones at home.
No less than we trust our Jewish, Japanease, German and French allies. The people in Turkey allow us to occupy a base there which is very important to us militarily. So the bottom line is this, we should trust our allies until they give us a reason not to trust them. President Obama has represented US very well on his first trip abroad since taking over as President. Bush/Chenny angered many of our allies abroad with their pompus and arrogant attitudes. I feel they made us less safe as a nation. The people around the world realize there's new leadership in America. I feel just like them in beleiveing America will take the lead in the world once again therby making us more safe and trusting around the world.
Other allies did not attack us on 911...people in the muslim community did. No to the trust issue.
The question should be, "Can our allies trust America?"