'Hope not Hate' advocates diversity

'Hope not Hate' advocates diversity

by Erin Oliver
Volante (Univ. of South Dakota)
09/15/2004

Americans for Informed Democracy, the USD Political Science League and the People Speak hosted a "Hope not Hate" program Monday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. in Farber Hall.

The event, held to commemorate the Sept. 11 2001 terrorist attacks, featured former U.S. Senator James Abourezk, Syrian native Sanaa Abourezk, Creighton University law professor Michael Kelly and former Iowa congressional candidate Egyptian-native Sal Mohammed.

The event was only one of a series of programs to be hosted throughout the country between Sept. 8 and Oct. 12.

Subtitled "a discussion of U.S. -Islamic world relations," the speakers covered topics such as American foreign policy, the presidential race, the war on terrorism, combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, the media and the process of mending American-Muslim relations.

Kelly spoke regarding the U.S.'s diplomacy and the nature the American media's coverage of the war on terrorism.

"We are not carrying on a public debate," Kelly said of the U.S.'s war on terrorism. "We are not explaining what we do and why we are doing it adequately."

Sanaa Abourezk agreed with Kelly, also criticizing the U.S. war on Iraq.

"Give (Iraqi citizens) land," said Sanaa Abourezk, offering a solution to Iraqi resistance. "Give them a salary. Make it so they have something to loose. If you want to improve relations, stop bombing."

Mohamed spoke regarding American-Muslim relations and hope, citing advances in communications and the development of international standard-issuing organizations as positive developments in the quest to mend American-Muslim relations.

Abourezk furthered the discussion of Middle Eastern issues by elaborating on the topic of Israeli-Palestinian-American relations, among other topics.

"Sharon is a bully and a war monger and George Bush is a liar," Abourezk said.

Arabic teaching assistant Houda Ammari attended Monday night's discussion to ensure Muslims were being correctly represented.

"I'm with what they (the panelists) said," said Ammari, adding that she's never hated an American.

Sophomore John Mullin also agreed with the panelists' view of American-Muslim relations.

"I think that the relations are hurting," Mullin said. "They're in trouble. They're suffering. It is something that needs to be improved."

Reach Erin Oliver at eoliver@usd.edu