Global Terrorism Remains

Eight years after 9/11, global terrorism remains a threat for the foreseeable future and countering the eight-year Bush/Cheney legacy and redefining and rebuilding American foreign policy and credibility in the Muslim world a challenge. The political hurdles remain formidable: entrenched authoritarian regimes; militant governments; unstable and fragile political conditions in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, whose populations remain vulnerable daily to acts of violence and terror; a U.S. congress which, like its presidents, has too often supported policies that result in a double standard in the promotion of self-determination and human rights in the Muslim world.

President Barack Obama has clearly indicated that his administration recognizes and is critical of past mistakes and wishes to forge a new way forward. However, like the economy, cleaning up the inherited political/military "mess" from the Bush years will require not only a bold new vision but also a leadership willing to take significant political risks at home as well as abroad. While the president faces many critical issues, in particular turning the American economy around, the first anniversary of the Obama administration will also be a time when many will review U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and ask, "Where are the markers that signal a new way forward?"

This article was previously published by gulfnews.com and is reprinted with permission.

John L. Esposito is professor of religion and international affairs at Georgetown University, founding director of its Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, and author of What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam and Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam.