Moussa: Negative conception of Islam in the West due to poor awareness of its contribution
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding that the behavior of some Muslims has led to a poor image of Islam in Western society.
He said, "The negative representation by some Muslims, of their religion and their civilization as a retrogressive force, in conflict with modernity and with other cultures has often clouded some western perceptions."
He said the negative perception leads to a lack of recognition of Islam's contribution to civilization.
"This negative representation also ignores the strategic and geopolitical influence of the contemporary Muslim world. It has fomented an unnecessary sense of confrontation both in the West and in the Islamic world, which if left unaddressed can result in dangerous ramifications by unduly influencing public opinion and government policies in the direction of an unnecessary clash," Moussa said.
Moussa added, "To portray Islam as the new enemy after the fall of communism is a fallacy. I believe that time has come for the American people and policy makers to develop a better understanding of Islam and issues related to the Muslim world, be they in the Middle East, Africa or central Asia."
