Lebanon Daily Star editor speaks about relations with Middle East

Rhami George Khouri, executive editor of the Lebanese Daily Star, spoke to 85 Central Florida residents Thursday afternoon at a forum in the Student Union about the communication between the United States and the Middle East. The forum was hosted by UCF's Global Perspectives Office.  

"We must negotiate with Hezbollah, as they have legitimized themselves and also have influence," Khouri said. "They are legitimate because they bring political, charitable and military influence to constituents."

Khouri painted a fair picture of the shortcomings on all sides, such as the fear and the ignorance that has lead to violence.

"A tradition of clash, occupation, fear and resentment between the Middle East and the West hinder communication," Khouri said. "Both sides need to address legitimate concerns peacefully and no side is completely innocent."

Khouri compared the West's view on terrorism to the historical Cold War scare tactics, where propaganda and rhetoric outnumbered actual violent confrontation.  According to Khouri, prejudice, perception and perspective have left a lasting effect where violence has often been the preferred method of resolve amongst all parties, and the limited interaction that has been made, was only made because it was forced in the midst of a crises or conflict.

The forum also examined the need for Americans and others in the West to see both sides and not just make judgments based on Fox News or MSNBC.  Khouri said that in order to have peace the West and the Middle East must be willing to see both sides culturally and politically.   

 "The average person thinks that the United States has acted fairly and can do no wrong, whereas some of the greatest crimes against humanity have been committed by the West," Central Florida attorney and activist for Islamic relations Hazem Bata said.

Khouri explained the difficulties of different perceptions in different worlds and said if there is to be lasting peace, there must be an honest analysis of how the situation got to be where it is today. Western nations refuse to speak to Hezbollah and Hamas though these groups have a great influence within Arab nations. Khouri advocated Hezbollah and Hamas' approach to the West with peaceful talks and both sides do not retaliate against each other.

Toward the end of the forum, audience members were able to ask questions. One question was asked about the solution with new and continued growth on the West Bank. Israel, aligned with the West, has had a strained relationship with other Arab nations. Khouri said Israel's actions are illegal by international law and politically irresponsible, but Israel continues to build as a colonial expansion.

Khouri said there must be a settlement between Zionism, the establishment and advancement of a Jewish national homeland, and Arabism, the advancement of Arab interests and political goals. Without a settlement there will be continued incompatibility causing strained communication.

Another question was asked about the importance of cross-cultural dialogue. Khouri said it is important but will not achieve lasting change as communication issues are not primarily cultural or religious, but political.

"Leaders on both sides must open dialogue with legitimate actors that get support from all people and address all people" senior political science major Ariel Dansky said.

Khouri was incredibly hopeful for the future relations between the West and the Middle East as long as both will be willing to see the promise.

"We need to apply a single standard of law and rights. We can't have different standards based on different countries," he said.