The peace-building prince launches new online resource for Muslims and Christians.
A dispatch from one of CT's correspondents in the Middle East:
By Matthew Snyder
Prince El-Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, uncle to Jordan's King Abdullah II, recently launched an internet network aimed at countering the growing tensions between the West and the Arab/Islamic world.
The Electronic Network for Arab West Understanding, or ENAWU project involves the partnership of 12 organizations from across the Middle East and Europe, including the Center for Documentation and Research on Arabic Christianity (CEDRAC, Lebanon) and Prince Hassan's own Arab Thought Forum.
"Noah created an ark for the salvation of humanity," Prince Hassan said. "Can we create an ark for the salvation of our common humanity?"
The Arab world has seen a spike in hostility between Muslims and Christians in recent years. Sectarian violence in Iraq has forced many Iraqi Christians to flee their homeland.
In Egypt, Christian girls often feel pressured to don the hijab, or Islamic headscarf, to avoid harassment. Tensions between Muslim and Christian groups have plagued Lebanon for decades. ENAWU's supporters believe that by providing resources, such as an archive of more than 20,000 articles and reports from Arab media, and encouraging dialog, their project will help to alleviate such tensions.
"The aim is clear," said Father Dr. Samir Khalil, founder and director of CEDRAC. "Understanding the other to arrive at dialog and peace. Understanding does not mean we necessarily agree with the other."
Cornelis Hulsman, editor-in-chief of the Arab West Report and one of ENAWU's directors, strongly emphasized the media watchdog role of the project.
"We have a problem with media reporting that is often selective, biased, and inflammatory," Hulsman said. "We have seen a number of tensions which were directly the consequence of poor reporting and that should be countered."
According to Pakinam Sharqawy, professor of political science at Cairo University, the participation of students will be essential to the success of ENAWU because "dialogue among youth is less politicized, more open ? our youth are more prepared to understand others."
ENAWU is also looking to tap into the contacts and networks of Arab organizations as well as the vast repository of information, and potential participants, on the western shores of the Atlantic.
"We're really hoping to build relations with relevant organizations in the United States," Hulsman said.
In earlier coverage of Prince Hassan, he told CT in an exclusive interview:
I believe in conversation and not in conversion. The study of Christianity or Islam is not just about the ecclesiastical context particular to every faith group. We used to talk with a definite article about "the" monotheistic faiths. Today, I show my respect of the other by talking about monotheistic faiths in the context of a broader partnership for humanity, involving Christians, Muslims, Jews, and nonbelievers for that matter. When you talk about ethics and morality, each faith group has difficulty with the semantics.
Click here for the full interview.
Posted by Tim Morgan on July 12, 2008 11:31PM
Comments
it begins at home and this man is not exactly standing on moral high ground.
Posted by: Sean at July 13, 2008
PTL for this movement toward understanding and reconciliation. Communicating to each other in the spirit of love is vital to understanding and overcoming hostility. Media surveillance is also critical. Please keep me informed of progress. Thank you.
Posted by: Glenna Roukes at July 14, 2008
The problem isn't "misunderstanding". The problem is the resurgence of Islamic supremacism and the increasing violent forms it takes. Hassan should spend less time explaining Islam to us, and more time fighting oppression of Christians by his own nephew's government. Jordan still gives slaps on the wrist for honor killings, and attempts to ratchet up punishment founder on the rocks of Sharia.
Posted by: kozak at July 14, 2008
kozak is correct. it would be more sincere if hbt took on the misunderstandings within his own faith. but then that would get him killed, wouldn't it? far easier and more enjoyable to travel the world on other people's money preaching to people who have already opened their minds.
Posted by: Cary at July 15, 2008
I think more and more Americans are understanding Islam only too well. The reason that there is increasing ill-feeling bet. Christians and Muslims ? Lebanon, 1983, 241 Marines bombed to death; first World Trade Ctr. bombing; 9/11 3,000 plus Americans killed, Darfur,etc., etc. In every country in the world where there is a significant Muslim population, there is violence. There is also the "soft" or "stealth" jihad: Demand the inclusion of shari'a law in Western countries; change your customs, traditions, attitudes to suit Islamic practices; if not, you are bigoted, Islamphobic, etc. The attempts at intimidation go on and on. If anyone wants to know how imams and others, including Osama bin Laden, interpret the Koran, read "The Al Qaeda Reader" - their own words. No misunderstanding there.
Posted by: Teacher Indep at July 18, 2008
I don't know anything about Jordan's politics, but I otherwise agree, to some extent, with everything said above.
Glenna, yes but I think the more important point is that they understand us. But of course I would say that...
kozak and Cary, yes but this is actually a subtle way of changing the culture from the inside out. These youth will hopefully carry the understanding they gain from this project to positions of leadership.
Indep, that's the reason for my 'but' to Glenna.
Posted by: Chris at July 23, 2008
Prince el Hassan bin Talal may very well be the antichrist (BTW - he's president of the club of rome, can legitimately be called Assyrian, and is a direct decendant of muhammed)
Posted by: Kim at August 8, 2008
Prince el Hassan Bin Talal is the most likely candidate to be the AntiChrist. CFR Member, President of the Club of Rome, the Author of the Oslo Accords, Fluent in Hebrew, the Authority over the Temple Mount, Direct descendant to Mohammed, Loved by Jews/Christians/Muslims, Recognized as the "Peace Prince"- awarded countless awards for his Peace efforts, Recognized as one of the Premier "Elitest"in the World Government Movement.
Guys if Daniel's Remaining "Week"is upon us, then this guy is the "little horn". If it isn't then it will be another.
Posted by: m e brooks at October 17, 2008
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