Hussein Shobokshi

Lately I have been getting very interesting e-mails from American readers. Some have been encouraging and understanding of the arguments presented in my column, while others have been very negative and extremely harsh; particularly the ones that come from Jewish Americans who, in response to my critique of Sharon, Israel and the neo-cons in the American administration go in for the fiery and predictable accusations of anti-Semitism.

That is such an old and exhausted form of mental and intellectual harassment, and it is unjust and no longer applicable.

That kind of argument is nothing but a knee-jerk reaction and a defense mechanism to a topic that should be no different from any other.

America is a beautiful land with great people like Teresa Citro, a Learning Disability Specialist, a great Christian and an honorable citizen of the world. In the midst of the ugly chaos which followed the Sept. 11 trauma, she still had the capacity in her good heart to cooperate and work with the “bad Saudis”, proving by example that building bridges is possible regardless of how different cultures, religions or languages are.

Ms. Citro is now involved in a fine project with two important specialized institutions in Saudi Arabia, a learning disability center and a women’s college. She has also assisted in the recruitment of faculty and improving awareness of Saudi Arabia in her own community.

Stanley Cohen is another fine American.

He saw the incredible injustice that was taking place against all Saudis due to the blanket accusation against entire people, and he was willing to extend a legal hand in his homeland.

Another is Chase Freeman, the American diplomat who roams the world defending the Saudi American relationship and who speaks against the Israeli-led propaganda which has affected the perception of the American public. It’s people like these that make America special and beautiful.

America is not Paul Wolfowitz or Richard Perle, who see Arabs as evil and wicked and are clearly manipulating policies to protect Israel.

America is not Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson, people who ignite hate and prejudice in the name of a peaceful religion.

America was always the symbol of tolerance, acceptance and freedom.

This notion seems far away now, with the rise of a very xenophobic message on the current political and social scene. People in Saudi Arabia and America can make a difference by concentrating on common values and mutual respect.

These areas have been neglected for so long in the favor of hate and ignorance.

Arab News Opinion 15 July 2003