Allison Addicott

Taj by flickr user Satyaki

As we discuss the continual conversation about US-Muslim domestic and foreign policy, on Saturday February 13 the White House announced the appointment of Rashad Hussain to serve as “Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.”  The OIC was created in Rabat, Morocco over 30 years ago in 1969 to address in a constructive manner the pressing issues facing Islam at the global level.  The OIC consists of 56 member states, and maintains a permanent mission to the UN in Geneva.  It seeks to promote a better world based on cultural diversity, mutual respect, understanding, tolerance, solidarity and cooperation in conformity with Islamic values and teachings.

In his speech to the OIC, President Obama described Hussain as, “an accomplished lawyer and close and trusted member of the White House staff.”  During a direct-by-video address to the Doha, Qatar gathering for the US-Islamic World Forum, President Obama outlined the partnerships and programs generated since putting forth a new wave of goals in Cairo during June of last year. The  government’s ability to address both current and long term issues  - in the attempt to foster an “improvement in the daily lives” of those in Muslim communities worldwide he describes as the result of  a series of global “listening sessions” – ranging from technology to public health and business.

Attempting to highlight the administrations’s comprehensive approach to problems facing US-Muslim relations Obama spoke about shared global concerns: “living with dignity, education, health, security, and offering our children a better future.” Taking a diplomatic tone he stated, “Yet, you also know that the United States and Muslims around the world have often slipped into a cycle of misunderstanding and mistrust that can lead to conflict rather than cooperation.” With that, he pointed to:

1.) Responsibly ending the war in Iraq;

2.) Forging partnerships to isolate extremists, “reducing corruption,” trying to create an opportunity for development in Afghanistan and beyond;

3.) With regard to Israel and Palestine: construction of a “two-state solution” recognizing both Israeli and Palestinian concerns.

Hussain himself penned the opening paragraphs of the White House announcement, and said that he, “Is honored and humbled to be asked to serve as Special Envoy” and is “committed to deepening the partnerships outlined” in Cairo.

Jason vanBoom, a leader in the Northern California Islamic community, offered this statement regarding the appointment of Hussain, “The appointment of Rashad Hussain is an important step in promoting world peace and national security. Just like WWII was won through an international coalition, our struggle against extremism and terror requires allies. Rashad’s bio shows that he has a deep understanding of law and philosophy as they relate to Western-Islamic relations. He can be an important bridge figure.  His appointment is also helpful on the domestic front. It shows that America’s diversity is an asset in helping our nation engage with the rest of the world.”

Allison Addicott writes about globalization, politics, and religion.  Her writing appears at The Washington Times Communities under the Faith:The Flip Side logo…also at the DailyKos,Raised primarily in California, she has also lived in Washington DC, Honolulu, Paris, and briefly in Tokyo. You can learn more about her in her Bio.

“Taj” by flickr user Satyaki