The views of Sept. 11 from the Arab World are as varied as the people themselves, said host lecturer and UB alumnus Dr. Bader Dweik, in part two of the six-part lecture series, "Perspectives on September 11 and Its Aftermath," last Wednesday in the Student Union Theater.
Dweik, a UB alum and now a professor of English linguistics at Al-Zaytoonah University in Jordan, discussed the reactions of the governments and people of Arab nations to the "evil, catastrophic horror of 9/11," calling for understanding, awareness and equality in pursuit of peace.
Although Arab governments, regardless of their political relations with the United States, were united in immediate condemnation of the attacks, the Arab people of the world were not, and are not, all of the same mind. Dweik identified five groups of thought he has witnessed and researched.
The first group is characterized by total denial of Arab involvement in the attacks. It is inconceivable, this group argues, that Arab people, even Arab armies, could have executed such a complicated plot. Instead, they believe Israel was behind the attacks and a subsequent cover-up.
The inordinate number of people who did not show up to work at the World Trade Centers Sept. 11 and the companies that sold large amounts of stock prior to the attack give rise to their conclusion. Further speculation that over 4,000 Jews working in the towers received warnings of the impending hijacking adds to the theory.
Aisha Al-Khaldi, in attendance at the lecture, said she had heard of the Jewish conspiracy theory from friends in the Middle East.
"I'm not saying I believe it wholeheartedly, but if you just look at the details without already deciding that it's ridiculous, then why not?" asked Al-Khaldi.
Dweik does not subscribe to the theory, but admitted that in the Arab world it is "most people's position, educated or not."
Another group is one Dweik describes as "Friends of America," a large segment of the educated Arab populace, primarily those who have studied in America or have family in the United States. "They are shocked, angered and dismayed at the loss of life."
A third, a politically motivated group who has long been outraged by America's foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly by the United States' support of Israel, exhibits little sympathy. This group, Dweik said, believes "America tasted what their F-16s have caused in other parts of the world."
Even less sympathetic are Islamic radicals and supporters of Osama bin Laden who view fighting "the Great Satan," America, as their God-given duty.
Dweik emphasized that despite the sentiments of extremists, the attacks are, nonetheless, in opposition to the true teachings of the Quran.
"Extremists use the interpretation of the Quran for their political agenda," he said. "The religion of Islam is not a religion of war or terror, but of love and equality. The teaching of Islam is clear, 'to kill an innocent person is as if you kill the whole humanity.'"
There are, fifthly, those who have neither positive nor negative feelings about the issue. "Their main concern," Dweik said, "is their own lives, struggling to live and make enough to survive."
The way to peace, Dweik insisted, is to develop a "one world mentality." He said the United States "must deal fairly with all peoples."
"We cannot fight terror by killing other innocent people," Dweik said. "But all people need to fight terrorism. Get to know and understand your country's foreign policies. Lovers of peace should hold hands and work for peace."
Dweik, a U.S. citizen, received his master's degree from SUNY Fredonia and his Ph.D. in linguistics from UB. He is a former Fulbright Scholar.
The series, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Council on International Studies and Programs and by the Office of the Vice Provost for International Education. The next lecture in the series, hosted by Dr. Saleem Kidwal from New Delhi, India, will present "The Kashmir Issue in International Politics." The lecture will be held Thursday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. in 330 Student Union.
