Seeking a resolve without war

The truth can take on many definitions when cultural differences exist. This is more than likely the case between 'The West' and Islam. For all too long the leaders of Arabia were willing to deal with countries outside Islam for the sake of economics. In doing so they are seen to have tainted 'the truth' of the faith. It is the reason for the strength of Osama bin Laden and ever growing terrorists groups.

The differences between The Middle East and the West goes beyond simply 'the way they dress.' There are huge divides between what they consider truth and lies. Politics is not based in 'reality' in most Islamic cultures. It is established based on the foundation of Mohammad and the faith they practice. I don't consider that reality. The rest of the world is not Islamic. For them that is an issue. It is why political leaders are in danger in areas of the world torn by strife and chronic violent clashes, including Indonesia.

Politics in The West is known to be deceitful. Politicians, rather than truth tellers, are people whom seek common ground with the electorate to 'handle' the business of the country. They seek political office, ideally, to conduct the people's business. Unfortunately within that role they can stray from the best interest of the people and hence the rest of the world stands in judgment.

The United States has for most of it's existence been a beacon of hope for the world and a role model for many until this administration. The Bush White House has shown the International Community the very worst of American Politics. I am not sure Tony Blair hasn't either. Tony Blair, however, has sought a different role in his responsibilities for liberty. Right from the inauguration of Bush he has placed himself directly in the path of Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney as a buffer to their intent for war and worse. For the indiscretions of Mr. Blair I am a bit grateful at times, but, I prefer Jack Straw's view of the world.

Seeking the people of this world that can make a difference is a difficult task. One would naturally turn to a Muslim that was recognized for his or her accomplishments especially in the scope of literature, a common place for bonding with difference. Literature is a fluid environment where words are mostly 'strict' in their meaning while used in constructively different ways to be plastically attractive to the minds reading them. In seeking such connection between the Islamic traditions and that of The West I ran across an astounding discovery. That discovery revealed to me the fact a poet/essayist can have different messages for different audiences.

That was disturbing and what began as an enlightened venture into bonding of cultures resulted in a devastating truth all of itself. Those we seek in The West to adorn with our affections for their attempts to bring understanding are simply seeking recognition for the sake of it and not for the resolve of any cultural divide. It placed directly in my path the reality there are major inequities of Western Politics that are sincerely and profoundly a point of hatred of Muslim nations while their own monarchs are the focus of the same hatred for the power they hold.

We would like to see terrorist leaders as dysfunctional and criminal as they are defined in our laws and understanding of life, but, they are seen as truth tellers and vindicators in many corners of Islam. The White House in this country has become a threat to national security and it to that end we need to continue to purge ourselves of corruption, lies and those that seek office for monetary gain rather than carrying out the will of the people and providing venues of peace for the world and for our Homeland.

Recently, the United Nations has directed it's attentions to the new Secretary General. One candidate, a newly appointed Deputy I believe, openly criticized the United States for the atrocity that is Gitmo. He stated it needs to be dismantled immediately. That is the view of the International Community of the USA. The American people should be ashamed of it and direct it's political energies in the direction of humanity once again. I am concerned if we don't we will continue to be a blight on Earth and seen as a threat not only to the balance of power, which includes generosity and environmental stewardship, but also to the degree we continue to lack clout in Islamic traditions. That is unfortunate. But through that, we need the sophistication of the electorate to bring us away from the power brokers who endanger our shorelines, lives and international peace.