SO many things are intermingling and confusing me on focusing the mottos, statements and actions of President Obama and his administration. Recently, while delivering the message to the Muslim world, he said ‘We are not your enemies.' The Muslim world has many thorny issues which are linked to American policies directly and indirectly. Indeed, America has an image and credibility problem in the Muslim world and by winning the polls with the notion of ‘Change' it has already shouldered the responsibility for the prior injustice perpetrated in the Middle East, particularly Palestine as well as its unclear position in Afghanistan and other parts of the Muslim world. President Obama said that he has ‘difficult decisions' to make on Iraq and Afghanistan after his first meeting as the commander-in-chief at the Pentagon with the military brass. Perhaps, President Obama's decisions are acceptable by the Muslim world, but the real question is how changed and adaptable are his decisions. He should explore the indisputable way to convince the Muslims to heal the wounds inflicted by Bush policies. In Iraq, America under Bush policies was over-involved in an occupation that was not accomplishing its goals, not improving its own security and not contributing to a stable Middle East. Despite the fact that the end of Saddam Hussein's regime was not mourned, neither coalition forces nor the new Iraqi government have been able to provide Iraqis with an environment helpful to securing the basic rights of safety and liberty of the Iraqi citizen. Likewise, the breakup of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan was celebrated by its citizens, but record drug crops, a fragile government, the slow rate of reconstruction and development, a deteriorating economy, and mounting civilian deaths have stoked further support for Al-Qaeda militants. Recently, American Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the United States would continue drone strikes at suspected terrorist targets inside FATA and that the decision has been conveyed to the Government of Pakistan. Indeed, no sensible Muslim will support terrorists in either Afghanistan or Pakistan. But the drone strikes inside the Pakistani territories end up with deaths of innocent victims as well. This creates hatred for US policies, which results in disagreement with the Pakistan Government's policy of support to the US against its war on terror. The suicide bombings in Pakistan are also the outcome of these disagreements, creating more problems for the Pakistan Government. In fact, Al-Qaeda has no proper solutions for the poor and unemployed population of the tribal areas. These people will never support terrorist elements if the US tries to win their hearts. The attacks in Pakistani territories damage the sovereignty of Pakistan. Pakistan does not deserve this after its many sacrifices as an ally in the war on terror. A better option for the US and NATO would be to point out the suspect terror outlets and let the Pakistani air force handle them. However, it is also important to equip the Pakistani forces with the latest weapons which the US and NATO forces are useing for attacking and tracking Al-Qaeda militants in the country. These militants repeatedly take advantage of the legitimate concerns of the Muslim world over the Israel-Palestine issue in a bid to win people to their mindset. If America is seen as an honest negotiator and broker that would bring a just and lasting solution to the conflict, its standing in the Muslim world will significantly improve. This will also enhance its own national security by stripping a major recruiting tool from Al-Qaeda. American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended the Israeli attack on Gaza saying that Israel has the right to defend itself, rather than focusing on the root cause of the conflict which is indisputably in the favor of afflicted Palestinians. It should be remembered that earlier Israel had persecuted Palestinians by various acts that comprise of human rights violation. We welcome you, Mr. Obama, and your positive approach, but please, act before it's too late. The use of white phosphorus against civilians is a war crime. Our Palestinian brothers are the victims of war crimes. We are shocked to see the charred skin and flesh of our brothers due to such attacks. As long as we have bitter memories, yesterday remains, and as long as we have good hope, tomorrow awaits us. So wash our dire memories with drops of kindness by using your power. We respect you by believing in your words and hoping that the promised change will come in the form of a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, respect for Pakistani's sovereignty, security for Muslims around the world, including in India, and a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. This will truly make you a hero of humanity, a friend of the Muslim world, and the real ‘change-maker.' There is a need to bring a real change to change America's image in the world and an all-encompassing strategy to win minds and hearts of the Muslims in favor of America. We await your actions to prove that you are our friend. All eyes of the Muslim world are on America.
