<

Bridging the Gap Between Muslim World and the West
Thursday, September 5, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

"In the long run, the way to defeat extremism is to demonstrate that the values that we call 'Western' are indeed universal; to demonstrate that the benefits we enjoy -- the benefits of a free and prosperous and open society - - are available to all Muslims. Never has our stake in Turkey been greater."

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
Al Qaeda not only hijacked airliners for terrorist purposes, the terrorist group is trying to hijack Islam, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said Sept. 5.

Wolfowitz spoke at the Brookings Institution here about the need to build on the common ground between East and West. He said he is convinced the vast majority of Muslims in the world have no use for terrorism. The United States must encourage these people as it works to bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the West, he said.

The deputy secretary said he's encouraged by the strides Turkey and Indonesia have made in the past year.

Turkey is a key NATO ally and is seeking admission into the European Union. The country is the historical crossroad between East and West, and it is a secular state with a Muslim majority. Wolfowitz said changes in Turkey, which include more press freedom and more minority rights, are a mobilization in support of Europe.

Turkey also supports the war on international terrorism. The Turks were among the first to offer support to the United States following the terror attacks of Sept. 11. The Turks are in command of the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul to the end of the year and have other forces in Afghanistan.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan