09/13/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10126

U.S.-MUSLIM FRIENDSHIP

The war against global terrorism is not a war between the West and Islam. It is a war against extremists who are trying to hijack one of the world’s great religions. In the words of President George W. Bush, "The face of terror is not the true face of Islam. Islam is a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world. It's a faith based upon love, not hate."

As the world paused to remember the anniversary of the September 11^th attacks, President Bush pledged friendship with the world's Arabs and Muslims, and praised American Muslims for their contributions to America's success. "They're proud of our country, they're proud of our military, they're proud of our allies for working together to free Afghanistan," said Mr. Bush. "Americans of Muslim faith share the same grief that we all share from what happened to our country. . .they're just as proud of America as I am proud of America. . .they love our country as much as I love our country."

The United States treasures its friendships with Muslims and Arabs around the world. Six times in the last eleven years –- in Kuwait, northern Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan -- Americans put their lives at risk to help defend people from the ravages of war and war-induced famine. On each occasion, the people the U.S. were defending were predominantly Muslim.

One year ago, the people of Afghanistan lived under oppression. Their country was a haven for terror. As President Bush said, "Today, they're. . .building a better future. And we are proud to continue to stand by them, and to stand with them."

Diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. Americans believe that no religion or ethnic group should be persecuted or discriminated against because of the murderous acts of a few. As President Bush said, "In order for us to reject the evil done to America on September the 11th, we must reject bigotry in all its forms. Bigotry is not a part of our soul. It's not going to be a part of our future. In our war against terror, we must never lose sight of the values that make our country so strong -- the values of respect and tolerance."