About OUR Future...

A Vision for the Future

His Highness Sheikh Khalid calls for Muslims to play their part in creating a future of peace.

History happened Thursday in Cairo, and it could mark a turning point in relations between the Arab world and the West.  We in the United Arab Emirates, where we cherish the rule of law, open society and human rights, should applaud the possibilities that lie ahead.

 
For nearly an hour, an American President spoke to – and spoke passionately to – Muslims of the world.  He assured us that we and America have much in common and far more to unite us than divide us.  He insisted that the “cycle of suspicion and discord” that has driven a wedge between America and Muslims, sometimes in violence, must finally come to an end.

“Whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it,” he said. “Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.”

These words convey heavy meaning and despite the temptation by many to dismiss them as insufficient, insensitive or restated American policies of the past, we should take them to heart for the time, place and context they were presented to, and in, the Muslim world.

Here was an American President, standing in a Muslim country, going further than any of his predecessors in acknowledging the enormous pain and human suffering throughout the Middle East.  He cast a particularly sharp focus on the conflict between Israel and those who live in Palestine.

Notice he said “Palestine,’’ a direct reference to his vision of a two-state solution that would end decades of hostilities and mistrust.  Also notice that he was even-handed in articulating his vision, imploring Israelis to end settlements in the West Bank and beseeching Palestinians to renounce violence and recognize that each community has a stake in the success of the other.

“If we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth,” the President said. “The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest.” 
President Obama also asked Iran to embrace a new relationship with America, offering to discuss the future “without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.” 
But he challenged Iran’s leaders, as well, asking them to give up ambitions of nuclear program for the sake of regional security, saying, “When it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It’s about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.”

There is no doubt that President Obama left many listeners wanting more – more specifics, more answers and more action.  It is not only for the United States to act.  We Muslims must act, as well. The days of waiting for others to solve our problems – even if they have contributed to them – must end.  We must do our part.  President Obama has offered us a vision and an opportunity.  How we respond will write the next chapter of our history. 

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler

Ras Al Khaimah

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