In a debate on the planned Islamic center near Ground Zero, on the Al-Jazeera TV program "From Washington DC," As'ad Abu Khalil, California State University professor, and Usama Abu Irshaid, editor of the U.S.-based Al-Meezan newspaper, disagreed on certain aspects, but both criticized President Barack Obama for failing to provide leadership in this issue. They also discussed American attitudes toward Islam and Muslims.The debate aired on Al-Jazeera TV on August 24, 2010.
The following are excerpts from the debate:
To view this clip on MEMRI TV, visit http://www.memri.org/clip/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/2590.htm
This "Ideology of Hatred... Is No Different Than Other Ideologies of Hatred... I Am Referring TO the Hatred of Islam In This Country…"
California State University professor As'ad Abu Khalil: "It must be acknowledged that there is an ideology of hatred, which is no different than other ideologies of hatred, such as the Nazi hostility toward the Jews. I am referring to the hatred of Islam in this country. "
"This Goes Beyond the Embracing of This Hostility by the Reactionary Right"
"This goes beyond the embracing of this hostility by the reactionary right. It gnaws at the very bones of political and popular culture in this country. We should add that there are liberal voices, such as Howard Dean, one of the most liberal leaders in the Democratic Party, who opposed the right of the Muslims to build the [Cordoba] Center."
"Imam Abdul Rauf Bears the Responsibility for this Stupid Idea"
"I think that there are several factors, regardless of the Islamic center. I believe that Imam Abdul Rauf bears the responsibility for this stupid idea, which increased the official and public hostility towards Islam.
"Obama Bears Responsibility As Well… He Distanced Himself from Defending the Rights of Muslim[s]"
"But Barack Obama bears responsibility as well, because before coming into office, he distanced himself from defending the rights of Muslim men and women to live as equals in this country. He distanced himself from this issue completely." [...]
"Some of the Problems We Are Facing in Americans... [Are] Satans Like [Newt] Gingrich"
Usama Abu Irshaid, editor of U.S.-based Al-Meezan newspaper: "These are some of the problems that we are facing in America, and Islam has become the fuel of this campaign for some of these demagogues. I'm referring to Satans like [Newt] Gingrich, regarding incitement against Islam."
"Obama Has Failed Miserably… [He] Invited Muslim Homosexuals to Iftar Last Year, But Did Not Invite the Real Leaders of the Muslim Community"
"Let's be frank – Obama has failed miserably. Obama speaks a lot, and his discourse is positive, but when it comes to politics Obama is the same candidate whose campaign staff removed two hijab-clad women from the frame, during his elections campaign.
"It was Obama who invited Muslim homosexuals to Iftar last year, but did not invite the real leaders of the Muslim community. Who attended this year's Iftar? Many Muslim leaders did not attend. There is an effort to reshape the perception of Islam throughout the U.S.
"One final thing, Muhammad. I am not afraid of the issue of the Islamic Center, whether or not it is built. What I fear most is that the pressure exerted on us, as a Muslim community, will make us change many of our principles."
"Now They Talk About the Holocaust and What Happened in the 1930s and 1940s – But We Don't Hear Them Talk About What Happened in Gaza"
"Only a few weeks ago, some Muslim community representatives – considered 'leaders' merely because they are welcome at the White House – visited Poland and went to one of the Holocaust sites there. Now they talk about the Holocaust and what happened in the 1930s and 1940s, but we don't hear them talk about what happened in Gaza." [...]
