WHAT'S IN A NAME?

In his first newspaper interview since being elected president, Barack HUSSEIN Obama implied that he will use his full name when taking the presidential oath of office. The reasoning he provided for this was one of tradition, saying "I'll do whatever everybody else does." However, it should be noted that not all presidents have used their full names at previous inaugurations (recent examples include Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan). So we'll have to wait and see what actually happens on January 20th.

Of course, Barack has often said he will do something only to turn around and do the opposite; to be fair, he didn't actually say he'd use his full name, but it is an inferred promise he's likely to keep. Afterall, media agencies are already reporting that he plans to "reach out" to the Muslim world. I don't know where that came from... he only mentioned Islam once in the interview; in response to a question regarding his intention to deliver some major speech at a Muslim capitol, he said the following:

"This is something that I talked about doing in the campaign and it's something that I intend to follow through on. What the time frame is, how we structure that, you know, is something that I will determine with my national security team in the coming weeks and months.

But I think we've got a unique opportunity to reboot America's image around the world and also in the Muslim world in particular.

So, we need to take advantage of that and the message I want to send is that we will be unyielding in stamping out the kind of terrorist extremism that we saw in Mumbai.

We will be at the same time unrelenting in our desire to create a relationship of mutual respect and partnership with countries and peoples of goodwill who want their citizens and ours to prosper together. And I think that the world is ready for that message."

Barack is supposed to be a smart well-rounded guy (he appears to understand things), but he seems intent on heading down the same erroneous path. First of all, the image of the Muslim community needs to be rebooted just as badly in the American psyche as does America's image in the Muslim world; this is a fundamental point that US officials either do not understand or refuse to accept. If that sounds inaccurate, ask yourself why Obama was mentioning national security when he should have been invoking democracy. I realize the future Secretary of State is part of the national security team, but exact words are important, especially when they come out the mouth of a trained lawyer. Despite the problem of extremism in the Muslim world, Obama should not continue to view it through the cloudy lens of suspicion and fear. Maybe his advisors continue to serve him badly, or maybe he's been effectively brainwashed. Maybe he genuinely believes the things he says. Nevertheless, objective diplomacy is needed if the barriers between the US and the Muslim world are to be overcome, not more of the same.

On inauguration day, Americans need to be reminded that their new president has 'Muslim blood' in his veins. Obama said he's "not trying to make a statement one way or another" but that is precisely what he needs to do - make a statement. He has repeatedly failed to adequately address problems vis-a-vis the Muslim community; that needs to change. Using his full name when taking the presidential oath will be a small step in the right direction, but one I hope he takes.

He needs to "reboot" the way the US deals with the Muslim world and appreciate mistakes that have been made in the past. Yes, there are fringe groups of extremists who purport to follow Islam, and unfortunately they are not dealt with appropriately. Clearly this has a negative impact on US-Muslim relations. However, there is also considerable blame on the American side. Most importantly, continued blind US support for the state of Israel stands in the way of any rapprochement, especially while the third  holiest city in Islam remains under brutal occupation. Let's not forget Afghanistan, Iraq, and (hopefully not) Iran. Of course there are other issues that need to be addressed as well, specifically on the domestic front.

I don't expect much from whatever speech Obama eventually delivers - he will probably talk down to those living in the Muslim world and tell them what they need to do. It's fine for him to give advice, as long as he's willing to take some in return - Americans need to be effectively taught that Islam in and of itself is nothing to be feared (obviously the same applies for Muslims of all ethnic backgrounds). This can be and should be done through policy changes domestically as well as abroad, and ultimately the media needs to drive the message home. Thoughtful rhetoric and verbal flourishes notwithstanding, another anti-extremism spiel will only make matters worse. Of course he should address terrorism, but the primary focus of any message should be promoting tolerance, on both sides.

This is not just about Islam but the general diversity of the American community. To create "a relationship of mutual respect and partnership" we need to foster understanding and mutual self-accountability; arrogance is not the answer. Barack Obama isn't campaigning anymore. Clearly, those expecting his 'true colors' to shine once he takes office are likely in for an unpleasant reality check.