The Stop the Clash campaign challenges the growing belief that fundamental divides between the "West" and "Islam" (whatever they actually mean...) make conflict inevitable.
But there is nothing inevitable about this false "clash" and it's up to us to stand up for the truth. Here are some facts and figures, beginning with the ones in our video:
81% of Europeans and 87% of Americans want Middle East peace.
(Eurobarometer, Gallup) 65% of Egyptians and 74% of Jordanians want democracy. (The Great Divide: How Westerns and Muslims View Each Other; Pew Research Centre)
62% of Palestinians and 67% of Israelis want real Middle East peace talks, although each side remains deeply skeptical of the other's sincerity and commitment to genuine negotiations.
As people's fears are stirred up, there are some signs of people moving further apart. The Pew Research Centre carried out research into attitudes between Muslims, Westerners and Muslims living in Western countries. They found some opinions that were cause for concern. For example, in Nigeria, 73% of non-Muslims now see Muslims as violent, with 67% in India and 60% in Spain sharing that point of view. In the US, the number is 45%.
Muslims also see people in Western countries as violent - nearly three-quarters of Nigerian and Egyptian Muslims believe people in western countries are violent, along with 81% in Jordan and 70% in Turkey.
But there were also reasons to be optimistic, reflected in the figures quoted in our video and in other places affected by the "clash". For instance, in 2006, the number of people in Jordan viewing suicide attacks as often or sometimes justified was down nearly 30% from 57% in May 2005.
More recently, a survey carried out by Globescan had other findings about relations between Islam and the West. In 24 out of 27 countries, the majority view was that the source of tension between Islam and the West arises from "conflicts about political power and interests" - about 52% overall. Only 29% thought it was down to religious or cultural differences. 56% percent said that common ground can be found between Islam and the West. A majority believed this in 25 of 27 countries asked.
Our leaders would like us to believe that the clash between Islam and the West is a certainty. But these statistics tell a different story - that in fact, even in the places where relationships between people are strained by decades of violence and conflict, a majority still know that peace is possible and are willing to speak up for it. By signing the Avaaz petition and asking your friends and family to do the same, you can increase the pressure for peace in a way that world leaders can't ignore.
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Comments (4)
Dear Paul, Galit, Fitri, Hannah, Ricken, Graziela, Jeremy, Lee-Sean, You say all that I feel and your video reflects exactly the images in my mind. I believe if you look at our campaign ARMS AGAINST WAR - you will see that the sameness runs through us - the need for unity, the need for mutual humanitarian purpose, the sameness of all who aren't politicians. In my opinion, the 'us & them' in all world scenarios at all times is not between religions, cultures, races, opinions etc. but between powers who desire more power and manipulate 'the people' for this purpose. Fear is a mighty tool.
Aside from running the campaign (that deliberately requires no money, time or place), I am a writer. A recent essay published on Counter Punch says all that I feel and the reasons behind our campaign, if you have the time to read it.... it is at http://www.counterpunch.org/louise03032007.html
Please, if you can, consider joining us in our campaign - all we ask is that you wear a simple, free, home-made white fabric armband at all times to signify the statement "I want an end to the war in Iraq"...Of course there are other causes, other issues - but I want a starting point with my fellow man, a point where we can all say that whatever else we are and we feel - this is ONE thing (the first thing) we can all say in unity. Once we have that and we recognise our sameness - then we will begin to see clearly. http://www.armsagainstwar.info
...although the quality of our little video is no where near your exceptional piece of insightful and wise production, you will note that our aim, ideas and contrasts are similar - as are we :)
I will spend some time on your site, and I know it will be time well spent in the company of minds I already respect and admire after the video - you are exceptional, thank you and I wish you outstanding success, loud voice and the achievement of your goals - it is essential.
Namaste,
Tina Louise
Posted by Tina Louise | 03/ 6/07
Posted on 03/ 6/07
I don't want to sign your petition. Allthough I 'm all for peacetalks in the middle east. My objections are about the way you present the conflict. Like Israel and Palestina are equal responsible for the problems in the region. According to history, Israel is the occupier and Palestina the occupied partner in this conflict. To stop this conflict , first the occupation has to come to an end. I find it very strange that even in this representation by you, apparently a organisation that wants peace the blame for the conflict is shared equal between both parties. Because of this I can't sign your petition. Because it would mean blaming a people who are not to blame for defending themselves.
Posted by ina hartgers | 03/ 7/07
Posted on 03/ 7/07
I agree with ina.
Posted by Abd Al-Rahman | 03/19/07
Posted on 03/19/07
Peace people
We love you
Posted by HelloWorld | 04/28/07
Posted on 04/28/07