University of Michigan professor: President Obama 'on right track' in the Middle East
It's been less than a year since he took office, but President Barack Obama has already made progress to improve America's image in the Middle East, said University of Michigan professor and Middle East expert Juan Cole.
Cole, speaking Thursday at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center at the request of EMU's Muslim Students Association, said the character of U.S. policy and diplomacy in the Middle East is "night and day" different than it was under President George W. Bush.
Juan R. Cole is the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. He is author of several books on the Middle East, including his most recent "Engaging the Middle East."
Courtesy, University of Michigan
While there "isn't much to say, so far" about Obama's achievements since taking office, Cole said that, in terms of message and policy, America's efforts in the Middle East are headed in the right direction for the first time in a long time.
The professor cited public opinion polls that a supermajority of Middle Easterners would prefer better relations with the United States. He said Obama's speeches to Muslim audiences in Ankara, Turkey and Cairo, Egypt were encouraging signs that the United States is prepared to re-engage the Middle East.
"There's a way to deal with people and with other countries. You talk to them. You treat them with respect. You don't threaten them," said Muayad Mahmoud, a leader within the EMU Muslim Students Association.
Cole said Obama has a chance to make a real impact on policy matters.
"For the first time in a long time," Cole said of the Arab-Israeli conflict, an historic source of tension for America in the Middle East, "we have an administration in Washington that would genuinely like to see a resolution. People take Obama as an honest broker, which hasn't always been the case with American presidents in the past."
Cole said if anyone could pressure Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop Israeli settlements and carve out a viable piece of land for a Palestinian state, it's White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who has developed a reputation for getting what he wants, whether from friend or foe.
"I wouldn't rule out Obama succeeding in the creation of a Palestinian state by the time it's all said and done," Cole added.
Even when it comes to Iran, Obama has won some minor victories, Cole said.
"We were pretty much on wartime footing with Iran by the time Obama took office," Cole said, citing Bush's declaration that U.S. officials could kill Iranians found in Iraq.Â
An Oct. 1 meeting between members of the Obama administration and ruling interests in Iran yielded fruit when Iran announced days later that it would allow international inspectors to examine its nuclear facilities.
As for the idea that Iran has nuclear aspirations, Cole isn't buying it.
"It is impossible to build an atomic bomb when you've opened the doors to international scrutiny," he said. "I'd change my mind if, one day, Iran decides to kick out the weapons inspectors."
Cole said any efforts to build a nuclear weapon could easily be detected, by water and electricity use, and would leave an "electromagnetic signature."
Beyond Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain Obama's biggest challenges in the Middle East. Despite a troop presence in Afghanistan since October 2001, Obama said in a recent speech that America never committed the energy and manpower necessary to resolve that conflict. In a speech this week, Obama committed 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. They'll start deploying in summer 2010, and withdrawal will begin in July 2011, Obama said.
Cole said that U.S. strategy in Afghanistan will be to chase the Taliban out of tribal villages. Rather than simply moving on and chasing the next battle, U.S. forces will hunker down, protecting Afghans from Al Qaeda and developing sources of information that will give the terrorist group little room to operate.
"Almost everywhere you look in the Middle East, Obama has U.S. policy on the right track," Cole said. "It's too soon to know what will work and what won't, but the prospects of success are high."
James David Dickson can be reached at JamesDickson@AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Sam
Mon, Dec 7, 2009 : 4:21 p.m.
Juan Cole may not be right all the time, but he is right often enough to disprove most of the palinesque criticism that has appeared here.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Dec 7, 2009 : 12:31 p.m.
I've read a lot about Sharia. It is incompatible with a free society. The death penalty for insulting Muhammad. The death penalty for leaving the religion. The death penalty if four "witnesses" accuse you of adultery. The Palestinian Charter is quite relevant, as is the Charter of the group the people elected, fully cognizant of their violent interpretations of the Koran. 3-118 and its surrounding verses are fairly clear. Muslims are not supposed to consort with non-Muslims. And that is practiced today.
rulieg
Mon, Dec 7, 2009 : 10:46 a.m.
what a lot of dreck on here! first of all, can we stop talking about Bush now? it's been a year, ok? he's not president anymore. it really doesn't matter what he did or didn't do...what we have to do NOW is figure out what to do IN THE FUTURE. second, Juan Cole and the rest of the Islamo-apologists are never truthful about the Israeli-Palestinian problem. at the most basic level the problem is not settlements or Jerusalem or water rights: it is that one side (Pals) does not want the other side (Jews) to exist. do you get that? how can you have a peace process when one side wants the other side to be destroyed? third, Juan Cole is a Muslim sympathizer who is in no way objective about the situation. why people listen to him--and why the generous Jewish donors at the U-M allow him to continue being employed here--is beyond me. lastly, I'm sure Obama HAS made us more "popular" in the world. the world likes nothing better than to see us laid low, which is exactly what Obama is doing with his serial apologies and bowing and scraping, not to mention his abandoning of the Iranian protestors in favor of his boy Imadinnerjacket.
Maple
Sun, Dec 6, 2009 : 9:04 p.m.
Well I see the hateful comments posted "vance" have not been removed yet. That concerns me greatly. Where are the moderators? Is this kind of discourse approved on this site? And Macabre, the "verses" you refer to are situations where the meanings of those verses have been grossly twisted by people with agendas. It does NOT say not to be FRIENDS with disbelievrs. In fact there is a verse that specifically says that Muslims CAN be friends with non-Muslims. The verse that is often thus misinterpreted is actually a specific command to the Prophet and his followers to not take non-believers at the time as protectors against other non-believers due to the fear of betrayal at the hands of hypocrites at the time. Also, the verses that "might be construed as" advocating violence against disbelievers are again specific directions aimed at specific people-- namely, people who were using brutal violence against the Muslims of the time. The translation of these verses has been literally butchered by some people with political agendas and furthermore they need to be read in the full context of the surrounding verses which specifically say to not "go to excess" and to immediately cease hostilities when the offending side ceases hostilities. You might also want to learn more about what "Sharia" is, because there is also no such thing as "The Sharia". In fact, it should not even be spelled with a capital "S" because there is no such thing as a single body of Islamic law that is considered binding. There are many schools of thought and myriad interpretations both within and independent of those schools. For a person to say that "Sharia" is "cruel" means that you have been misled to believe that there is a single body of Islamic law and practice and that such a nonexistent body contains some pretty horrible things. Unfortunately for your argument, it is all false. Finally, it should go without saying that neither the Palestinian Authority nor its charter is a reliable source of any religious information.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Dec 6, 2009 : 12:25 a.m.
The Koran has its scary places, though. 3-145 to 152 can easily be construed as a call to violence against non-Muslims. 3-118 tells people not to be friends with non-Muslims. There are many, many references to violent wars against non-Muslims. The problem with Islam is that religious leaders are involved with government, and often with armies. The Sharia is downright cruel in a civilized world. That isn't happening in other religions. From Article 7 of the Charter of the ruling party of the Palestinians: "The prophet, prayer and peace be upon him, said: The time will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews (and kill them); until the Jews hide behind rocks and trees, which will cry: O Muslim! there is a Jew hiding behind me, come on and kill him! This will not apply to the Gharqad, which is a Jewish tree (cited by Bukhari and Muslim)."
Maple
Sun, Dec 6, 2009 : midnight
Why is it that articles like this always bring out the racist and bigoted hatred in even the best and most tolerant regions of our country? And I'm flagging the post by "vance" because it is not only hate speech, but the "quote" from the "Koran" is actually completely, 100% made up. There is not even a single verse in the Qur'an that can be even remotely construed that way. In fact, there are multiple others which say the opposite.
vance g wiseman
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 10:02 a.m.
Every one seems to forget that when the Taliban held Afghanistan, they executed women in their sport stadium every saturday! Why were they executed, becouse they violated Muslim moral LAw. Everyone forgets that most Muslim Goverments never stood up and said this is Barbaric and morally wrong. Everyone seems to forget that the Koran states " If you can not convert by words, convert by the sword. And if the non-believer does not convert, kill them!". Everyone also seems to forget " Honor Killings"! And you people think we can talk to these People. All they want is complete control of the world, religeon is just a smoke screen they hide behind. So keep talking while they keep killing. And hope they don't kill you or someone you care about. Remove your blinders and see the light of truth!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moe
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 9:25 a.m.
Stunhsif: Now I just feel really terrible for calling out a Huron, considering my love for EMU and our Alumni, I hope you do forgive me. I won't shut up though because college students like to test their limits and I do get good grades, so I will take that advice. I actually don't lean towards any political party or have my favorite news channel. I am an independent, as a matter of fact I consider Lou Dobbs and Robert Novak (god rest his soul) to be some of the greatest reporters of all time. Yes the Huffington Post is liberal, but I read my news from everywhere and the article I gave you was an article that made lots of sense. I do find myself to be well educated about the issues and no liberal or conservative professors helped me in doing so, they provided with me facts and questions and I develop my own opinion based off of those facts. EMU has some of the best Political Science Professors! You didn't reply to my previous post though Stunhsif; what was your opinion?
jondhall
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 8:26 a.m.
stunhsif, I was a Huron and graduated also as a Huron and will remain a Huron, no liberal will take that away. That is what the liberal Professors what to do? Take away your right to THINK. I have not met the first Indian who thought to be called a Huron was disrespectful. To have Tenure and not be able to take care of one's self and depend on the taxpayers to fund your fantasies should be disrespectful. You liberals have your Obama, and he has his war! Who you going to cry to now the MEA? Can the MEA help you? Can ACORN ( what a housing agency).
jondhall
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 8:18 a.m.
I bet Obama's Father is not disappointed in him, now his mother that may be another story! I do not need to read these 40 comments, most are supporting a Tenured Professor! The day will come when TENURE is not longer valid! I'm sure Obama did his polling it took him long enough to come to a decision right or wrong. I hope we do not have a terrorist attach while he is in office, "he will have to take a poll before he reacts". Say what you will about George Bush he had balls, and bowed to no one! Wake up AMERICA, is this still your country?
a2resident
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 2:54 a.m.
I don't get it. Conservative oppose Obama no matter what. They supported the surge in Iraq, but not the surge in Afghanistan? And this is to fight the people who killed us on 9/11 unlike Iraq which had nothing to do with 9/11. Conservatives put partisanship above country obviously in this example.
TXteacher
Sat, Dec 5, 2009 : 12:33 a.m.
@MjC- One of Obama's campaign planks was to pull troops out of Iraq and, "fight the war we should have fought to begin with in Afghanistan". He said this at every stop he made. You are getting exactly what he promised during the campaign, and thus are getting exactly what you voted for.
essene
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:54 p.m.
Continuing in Afganistan fails near on every test: 8 years gone, historical evaluation, no support of the Muslim world, how many deaths, financially how many billions gone already? How many wasted wars in the last 50 years? The only pluses I can think of must be the blue-dog Dems, and we get to test our weapons on ourselves. The Presidential address talk, talk, talk, we will win the war (most likely), repeat, and...we will pull out by xxxx if we don't win (fill in the date) The 40 Pub senators, on the other hand, are now big supporters of the President, and that speaks for itself. They win either way, which is evidently why they are so jubilant these days. All Dems and thinking citizens will regret this decision, if not now, later. This was and is and will be an enormous mistake. Sadly I think Pres. Obama knows it too.
stunhsif
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:50 p.m.
Moe, You want to call out conservatives for watching Fox News but then you tell me you get your information from the "huffington post" There is no comparasin between these two media outlets. Fox News has both sides going up against eachother all day long. ariana huffington NEVER has both sides debating eachother. As a former student at EMU (I graduated there in 82 as a "Huron", not an "Eagle") I can tell you that when I graduated in 1982, I didn't know "squat". You come back in twenty years when you have had some time working a full time job, raising a family,paying taxes, etc. At that time perhaps, we can accept you calling us "bimbos". Till then, get good grades and shut up!!
AAFish
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 9:07 p.m.
Oh, well, my God, now. Let's not give Professor Cole any credence here. Heaven forbid! Rather than continuing to actually study the situation in the Middle East and come up with some informed conclusions, he should instead devote his time and energy to reading the xenophobic, Islamophobic, and everything else-phobic posts right here. Boy, THAT will fix him good! And -- say! What about that name of his? Juan? Sounds pretty un-American to me. Why, he just might be one of those [gasp! shudder!] Illegal Aliens. You know, those horrible, evil people who are undermining our entire Way of Life, and posing a Dire Threat to the Republic.
stunhsif
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 7:17 p.m.
Moe--Mauyad Mouhmoud, You state that we who disagree with you are "undeducated bimbos". We were changing your diapers 20 years ago and graduated from college 25 plus years ago so you have no business calling us names like that. At your tender age you have all the wisdom of what pray tell? Yes, a 20 something year old. Answer me one question please. Why has the Muslim community ( in the good old USA )and their leaders/ministers/clerics ( whatever you call them) been so silent in regards to the violence perpetrated across the world by those of your religion? Their/your "silence" tells us all we need to know. Actions always speak louder than words but we cannot even get your community to speak out against the violence within your own religion?
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 7:15 p.m.
Atticus, when the leadership of a territory is so filled with hate that they are willing to sacrifice the lives of themselves and their children in order to kill, that is not a conflict. That is simply terrorism. Read about the situations in 1948 and 1975 and tell me that was even handed. I'm not sure settlements are all that great a strategy for survival, but at least the Israelis aren't trying to kill anyone.
MjC
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 6:47 p.m.
I voted for Obama but he has truly disappointed me. He promised to bring our troops home! Professor Cole thinks Obama is doing a great job talking to other countries? Well, go ahead Mr. President and talk the talk all you want, but please bring our troops home. Actions speak louder than words. Our brave men and women should be here protecting our borders, transportation systems, and infrastructures - not somewhere where we are not wanted or welcome. This country is crazy.
Sam
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 6:41 p.m.
I agree with Moe!
Moe
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 6:09 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln once said Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? I dont see how that quote by me, Muayad Mahmoud is seemingly offensive to many of you and Juan Cole was sending the same message during his visit at Eastern Michigan University. The whole point of brining Dr. Cole was to begin the process of starting a Mideast and Jewish Studies Programs on our campus. To engage a group that we here in the US ignore causes us to have these ridiculous notions and misconceptions about Muslims. Whats wrong with diplomacy and education? Terrorism has killed more Muslims than Europeans and Americans alone. We can no longer continue to engage in the policies the Bush administration has practiced; it disengaged and only threatens our future, security, and relations with the Middle East. Terrorism needs to be stopped and can only be done if we quit thinking all Muslims are terrorists and ask for their cooperation. For heavens sake, I didnt say lets sit down with Osama bin Laden, I said lets sit down with the people and countries who need us to help stop global terrorism. All of you can attempt to slander Mr. Cole but I can tell you one thing, you werent there to begin with and you dont have the experience he has, so just zip it you uneducated bimbos!
Atticus F.
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 2:08 p.m.
DJM, he is in fact planning a troop withdraw...only he intends to do it responsibly. I guess it would be great if he could snap his fingers and create world peace. But both you and I know thats not possible. BTW, it's kind of hard to reduce the defecit when you are in the middle of the worst recession in US history. But as a global financial expert, I'm sure you would already know that.
djm12652
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 2 p.m.
@moose...wow...guess it doesn't matter who did what...The Prophet Obama will take care of everything...dude...I remember some vigorous campaigning regarding troop withdrawl, 30K+ deployment to Afghanni country dump is not troop withdrawl...you drank the kool-aid, now get out your checkbook...yes, we had a deficit when the prophet took office...and it's been reduced by how much now? Before you talk about "unnecessary actions" talk to someone that has served over there and determine the real story...not just what the media spoon feeds you. And I can only assume when a liberal does something, it's always good and conservatives are evil...
Atticus F.
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 1:58 p.m.
@in4mation, there are alot of terrible injustices going on in this world. But at the same time, it's not our job to police the world. So out of all the injustices, why are we focused on the ones in Iran? Could it possibly be because there is oil there, and the propaganda machine has fooled you into believing we need to send our military over there?
xmo
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 1:15 p.m.
I can hardly wait for another Camp David ageement between the Arabs and the Jews. Conan O'Brien started his TV show the first time this happened.
Atticus F.
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 1:11 p.m.
@macabre, there is racism and hate on both sides of the Isreli/Palestinian conflict. It's not a one sided afair. And I personaly happen to agree with the professor. The only thing we've acomplished durring the Bush administration, is we've managed to get the majority of the world people to hate us. It's kind of hard to bring democracy to a bunch of people that hate you. In this world hostilities are never appeased by hostility. But by the absence of hostility are they appeased. This law is ancient and eternal.-The Dhammapada
John of Saline
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 1:10 p.m.
He lives in a dream world about Iran. Clue: when the leadership of a country repeatedly says they want to kill you, it pays to listen.
Ric the Ruler
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 1:02 p.m.
Cyclezealot--The problem with the difference between Palistine and Afghanistan, is that you cannot just walk into Palistine and remove the terrorists. There are a few countries in the Middle East that would take exception with that. So, you remove the terrorists from Afghanistan and try to close the border to/from Pakistine. Obviously, the three-headed monster, Bush-Cheney-Rumsfield, went to the wrong country. But, that's a different problem.
Ric the Ruler
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:55 p.m.
Goblu---Can you please go back and reread the article and the comments? This professor does not teach at EMU. He did not say the quote that everyone keeps brining up in the thread. And, he is an expert on the subject of the Middle East!
Moose
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:53 p.m.
I notice that no one is disputing the facts that Bush went to fight the WRONG war on false pretenses, had an open shot and missed Bin Laden, that Bush, Cheney and Rummy didn't take the time to properly prepare for war, that they completely misjudged Iraq and Afghanistan, or that BUSH inherited a budget surplus from a Democrat, or that he couldn't run a profitable oil business that he was given by Daddy Bush's friends. "Lest we forget the USS Cole, the Marine Barracks massacre, etc...all before 9/11" FACT: Bush did NOTHING with that intel and much much more and then we were attacked ON HIS WATCH on 9/11. He was too busy mountain biking and reading My Pet Goat. Truman, Eisenhower, etc lived long before the free wheeling 24 Faux News news cycle we have today. I'm sure there was plenty of blame going on in the Oval office. Just because people didn't hear about it doesn't mean that Harry T or Ike didn't blame the losers who left a mess for them to clean up. I never heard GWB say thank you to Clinton for the BUDGET SURPLUS he inherited. Obama is dealing with BUSH's screw ups, not just, rightfully so, blaming him. Obama did the leg work, took the time and actually listened to the generals, and those who know more about fighting which is the complete opposite of gun slinger, bring it on, dead or alive, smoke 'em out, mission accomplished Bush and his gang of chicken hawks, like the five deferment draft dodger Cheney. Everybody knows that Bush was a total disaster as President. Bush apologist's would prefer to blame the guy who inherited all the messes he left for us to clean up than admit the truth.
Cyclezealot
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:53 p.m.
Not that I disagree with the content on post number one.. We were told of Obama's calling Afghanistan the right war.. that's why this family did not vote for him in the primaries.. So, he was not deceptive in his war-making as was GW Bush... But, Cole's opinion is a separate issue.. Palestine vs Afghanistan different issues- different places.
djm12652
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:26 p.m.
And Prof Cole is also an expert in Military strategies too? What a joke...doing a lot of talking here and not say a word!
djm12652
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:24 p.m.
@Moose...actually, Clinton had the opportunity to get bin Laden and dropped the ball by not going after him. Lest we forget the USS Cole, the Marine Barracks massacre, etc...all before 9/11
djm12652
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:19 p.m.
from the above article...."There's a way to deal with people and with other countries. You talk to them. You treat them with respect. You don't threaten them,"....nice quote...too bad the murderers involved in the 9/11 attacks against our Great Country didn't feel this way...instead of killing innocent women, men and children of many nations...
Moose
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:46 a.m.
Where were all the people who object to Obama sending more troops to make war on those who attacked us on 9/11, when Bush sent hundred of thousands of troops and spent a TRILLION dollars in Iraq instead of finding and killing Bin Laden? The fact is that Bush, Cheney and his generals let Bin Laden get away because of THEIR dithering It was Bush, Cheney and Rummy who hung the three albatrosses around Obama's neck. Iraq, Afghanistan and a war debt that future generations will pay for decades to come. Bush NEVER in his entire life, NEVER COMPLETED ANYTHING he set out to do except to saddle us with 8 years of failed economic and foreign policies. Short memory span Hypocrites.
Ric the Ruler
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:41 a.m.
stunhsif--Please read the quote again. Prof Cole did not say it. "There's a way to deal with people and with other countries. You talk to them. You treat them with respect. You don't threaten them," said Muayad Mahmoud, a leader within the EMU Muslim Students Association.
Eric64
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:37 a.m.
The Professor is so wrong. We need to bring all of our troops from everywhere and start protecting america's borders. And stop playing world peacekepper. wake up professor.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:26 a.m.
Apparently, a professor of history is an expert in nuclear physics. And nowhere in this "fair and balanced" article is there any mention of making progress asking, sweetly, whether it's a good idea for the Palestinians to have a constitution calling for the violent deaths of every Jewish man, woman and child in the region.
sbbuilder
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 11:03 a.m.
Talk is cheap. Results are what count. Three months dithering about a critical decision, then proclaiming 'full speed ahead' is disingenuously inconsistent. And by the way, O's approval rating in the Middle East is actually lower than B's. Now why is that?
stunhsif
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 10:57 a.m.
"There's a way to deal with people and other countries. You talk to them. You treat them with respect. You don't threaten them." So professor Cole is telling us that 911 never would have happened if we given these terrorists respect, talked with them, had "tea and crumpets" or perhaps told them, "we are all children of God, can't we just get along", then they would not have carried out their plans? Also, Mr. Ahmadinejad in Iran, the guy who says the holocaust never happened needs to be respected and treated as if he were another Winston Churchill? And Cole doesn't think Iran has aspirations to build nuclear weapons? What kind of wrong headed, dangerous thinking is this? It is very sad to see that our kids are getting their minds filled with this kind of garbage and we are paying BIG BUCKS to boot. This kind of wrong headed thinking is going to give us another 911 situation down the road.