The Melting Pot has a Little Too Much Heat

I can't think of a better day than Rosh Hashanah to write about the importance of religious freedoms in this country. I'll mark the Jewish New Year by writing about the Islamic center in New York.

In recent weeks the plan to build an Islamic center two blocks from the site of the world trade center has become an intense national debate heavily covered in the media, and has the potential to become a campaign issue this year. Opponents of the center argue the location is disrespectful to the victims of 9/11 and their families, while supporters site legal reasons and religious freedom.

Religious freedom is one of the fundamental principals inherent in the founding of the United States. Whether you look at the writings of Thomas Jefferson, the First Amendment, or landmark court cases, the right to religious freedom and expression is a core value that has been protected for the entire history of the U.S. That is not to say religious freedom has been won easily. Every religious minority; Catholics, Jews, Atheists, and so on, has at one point in history fought for equal standing in public opinion. The law has and continues to support the right of religious expression, however, the toughest battle for minority groups is winning acceptance from the general public.

This is where American Muslims are today.

It is vital to draw a line between Islam and radical groups who use Islam as a guise for violent political objectives. Al-Qaida was responsible for the attacks on 9/11, and other militant groups such as the Taliban continue to carryout terror attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. Although these groups use Islam as a pretext for violence, they must not be confused with the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, or American Muslims, many who are American citizens themselves.

Ultimately al-Qaida will win when their actions and rhetoric divide our society and cause intolerance and discrimination against a large number of our citizens.

The Islamic center in lower Manhattan can be a symbol of the acceptance and understanding of minority groups in American society. Its vibrant, peaceful presence can lead the way in mending public opinion of American Muslims.

Instead of burning Qurans, or engaging in trivial arguments over the acceptable distance from ground zero that the center can be built, let's mark 9-11 by demonstrating to the world America is strong enough, and America is mature enough, to repel religious ignorance and intolerance, resist the temptation to succumb to stereotypes and suspicion, and protect the rich heritage of religious freedom in the United States.

Not Just a Humanitarian Crisis

You've probably heard or read about the floods in Pakistan this month. While most media reports have focused on  the humanitarian aspect, here is my summation of how the floods can affect Pakistan and the U.S. politically:

Monsoon rains in Pakistan throughout August have caused the worst flooding in decades. With nearly a fifth of the country underwater, millions have been displaced, and an estimated 80% of the country’s food supply has been destroyed. The foremost U.S. goal in Pakistan is to eradicate extremists from the Pakistani/Afghan border, and increase long-term stability. Humanitarian crisis aside, if international disaster aid to Pakistan is not drastically increased, the ramifications of the current crisis may prove to have serious consequences for both short term NATO goals in Afghanistan, and long term regional stability.

Pakistan’s weak civilian government has been struggling in their fight against the Pakistani Taliban over the past year. Although the Government’s success in pushing back the militants has been limited, the tougher battle is gaining support and trust of the local tribes. Mounting internal criticism claims President Zardari’s government is too closely aligned with Western interests. His recent European trip during the first two weeks of the flooding crisis brought renewed calls that his handling of domestic issues is inept.

Against this backdrop, the northern tribal areas, where the Taliban is looking to widen their strength, are the areas the most affected by the floods. The Pakistani Taliban will be able to use the crisis as a catalyst to increase their territorial foothold, and by providing basic services, can generate goodwill amongst the displaced and affected. A continued perception of inaction from the Pakistani government will only make the Taliban more successful in their campaign for public sentiment. Any gains made by the Taliban will impact U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

In addition, Zardari’s response to the crisis has been heavily criticized from the military as well. In a country where the balance between civilian control and military power is delicate, history shows military coups are a likely outcome when the civilian government is unpopular and perceived incapable. Given the fragile situation of the Zardari government, there is growing speculation of a possible military coup.

With millions displaced, millions more directly affected, and the UN estimating 80% of Pakistan’s food supply destroyed, influence of the Taliban, criticism from the military, and public unrest could lead to the collapse of an already unstable government. A collapse of the Pakistani government would be devastating to NATO objectives in Afghanistan by allowing the Taliban to cement a stronghold on the Pakistani/Afghan border. The ensuing power struggle within Pakistan would limit regional stability for the foreseeable future.

To bolster the image of the current government, thus reducing the risk of a coup, and to reduce the influence of the Taliban, the U.S. needs to commit more aid to Pakistan in a way visible to affected Pakistanis. Increasing visible aid will serve three U.S. objectives: one, limit the ability of the Taliban to use flooding as a catalyst; two, reduce the likelihood of a government collapse; and three, boost the image of the U.S. amongst common Pakistanis.