Bill Clinton discusses Muslim world, U.S.'s distorted views of each other

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 1/13/04 | Anawar Faruqi - AP

[NormsRevenge]

DOHA, Qatar (AP) - Former President Clinton said Monday that many Muslims have a distorted view of the United States because they often judge America solely on the basis of the Mideast peace process.

Clinton told a U.S.-Islamic World Forum that Americans also had problems understanding the Islamic world because their judgments were based on the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"Too many Americans know too little about the Islamic world, and much of what they know they learned after Sept. 11 through the narrow lens of terror," Clinton told the forum, organized by the Washington-based Brookings Institution.

"What people do out of anger, pain and fear both darkens and distorts reality," Clinton said.

Much of the criticism at the conference from Muslim scholars, religious leaders and politicians has been directed at the United States for what they say is unconditional support of Israel against the Palestinians.

"Sometimes I feel that our country is judged by many Muslims based on how they think the Mideast peace process is going, and whether they think we are doing enough to try and give the Palestinians a state and a decent future. That is not the only standard," Clinton said.

"America's support for Israel is not rooted in hostility to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians," Clinton said.

The United States has been pushing for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to adopt a "road map" peace plan, which calls for a Palestinian state by 2005. But talks have stalled over the proposal, with both sides failing to fulfill its initial requirements.

[truth_seeker]

This American knows all that I need to know, to have an informed knowledge of Islam.

Iranian muslims held Americans hostage and it WASN'T about Israel.

Muslims can't get along with others. It is that simple. They expect one day to dominate everywhere. By force or by patience.

They have declared themselves to be my enemy. I don't need Clinton lecturing me to learn more about them. They are NOT peaceful.

But neither are we, when provoked. And we're provoked.

And we are much better armed, better trained and more motivated. We almost always win.

[Always Right]

Clinton told a U.S.-Islamic World Forum that Americans also had problems understanding the Islamic world because their judgments were based on the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Just 911????? What about the Iran Hostages, or the Cole, or the orignial Trade Center bombing. There are dozens of reasons for our judgement of Islam.

[Howlin]

Notice how he's "discussing it" from THEIR point of view, not ours. It's always about how ANGRY we are, crap like that.

I hate this guy.

[The Shrew]

What about the Iran Hostages, or the Cole, or the orignial Trade Center bombing. There are dozens of reasons for our judgement of Islam.

You know you can't mention those! They ALL occurred under US Democrat administrations! Don't ever underestimate the bent one's political savvy. He knows fully well what his true legacy is and that legacy is two smoking holes in the ground in Manhatten, 1 tore up Pentagon and a crashed airplane in Pennsylvania. That's just the legacy that is obvious. History will be much, MUCH, more un-kind to clinton than I have been.

Regards,

TS

[4everontheRight]

I think Clinton was the first Muslim president.

[Always Right]

Notice how he's "discussing it" from THEIR point of view, not ours. It's always about how ANGRY we are, crap like that.

Well you know Bill, always wanting to feel everyone's breasts, I mean pain.

[Howlin]

LOL........slip of the tongue there?

[onedoug]

The Sink Emperor demonstrates his stupidity in concert with his overall facilitation of evil.

[cwb]

I just got this in my email and it sums it up nicely:

By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. 

The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. 

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
"Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?" 

There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!" 

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?" 

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied "Yes." 

I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!" 

The Imam was speechless.  I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"   You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. 

Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry.   He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will prevail." And it will! 

[BurtS188]

Why do all the other past presidents just fade, respectfully, into that goodnight and this idiot keeps running his gums?

I know the answer as do you all (2008) but that doesn't make him any more bearable. I'm tired of has-been liberals kissing up to the Palestinian state while my fellow citizens die in car bombings half a world away.

[rickmichaels]

Clinton told a U.S.-Islamic World Forum that Americans also had problems understanding the Islamic world because their judgments were based on the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Can't speak for others, but my problems understanding the Islamic world began long before Sept. 11, 2001.

[freedomson]

"Liberals hate America, they hate flag wavers, they hate abortion opponents, they hate all religions except Islam. Even Islamic terrorists don't hate America like Liberals do. They don't have the energy. If they had that much energy, they'd have indoor plumbing by now."

Ann Coulter

[theDentist]

Why do all the other past presidents just fade, respectfully, into that goodnight and this idiot keeps running his gums?

It's the "Lookitmee Syndrome". Bill is still that little boy dying for attention, but since he's been on the world stage, it's that much more improtant for him to whine "Look'it me! Hey, Looooook 't meeeeeeee!!"

[tiamat]

What does it take to get slick Willy to sit down and shut up?

A bunch of this problem is HIS FAULT!

Tia

[ysoitanly]

Not to mention Slick was instrumental in working with the ACLU and Muslim organizations to help 're-write' our school books so 'the children' could be better 'citizens of the world' by UNDERSTANDING other cultures while subjugating ours.

[richardtavor]

""Too many Americans know too little about the Islamic world, and much of what they know they learned after Sept. 11 through the narrow lens of terror," Clinton told the forum"

Especially Bill Clinton!

[Gunrunner2]

"Former President Clinton said Monday that many Muslims have a distorted view of the United States because they often judge America solely on the basis of the Mideast peace process."

No, Bent-One, wrong as usual.

They judge America based upon:
-Snering CNN reports on how bad America is
-Jerry Springer TV shows that demonstrate how bad America is
-MTV that shows we celebrate and reward bad people.
-DemocRAT candidates telling everyone how bad we are
-Multiculturalists that attack anything American

[Sender]

"Too many Americans know too little
about the Islamic world, and much of what
they know they learned after Sept. 11 through
the narrow lens of terror."

"They don't realize that a lot of those
Muslim women in burqas really have killer
bods under there, and they're hot to trot.
I think if more Americans realized that,
this world would be a much safer place."

[Viking2002]

I wish that Marxist hick would just sit down and shut up.