A
Key Opportunity: Muslims influencing foreign policy through NGOs
Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi
[click on any picture for a larger version]
On Friday, May 19, 2000 the US Department of State hosted
its annual foreign policy conference for the leaders of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). A
hand-selected group of over 500 leaders and officers in the non-profit
sector were in attendance, including representatives of the Islamic
Supreme Council of America and American Muslim Assistance.
Speakers on behalf of the US Department of State included
Under Secretaries Evelyn Lieberman of Public Affairs, Frank Loy of Global
Affairs, Julia Taft of Refugees and Migration, as well as Thomas Pickering
of Political Affairs. Deputy
Administrator Ms. Harriett Babbitt represented the US Agency for
International Development (USAID). The
Secretary of State Madeline Albright also made a presentation at the
luncheon, which was held in the Delegate Room at the department’s
headquarters in Washington, DC.
-
“Having previously been on the periphery, NGOs are now an integral part of the effective implementation of US goals overseas.” (Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering)
NGOs an integral part of foreign policy
The general theme of the event was to underscore the
importance of NGOs in achieving the goals and purposes of US foreign
policy. Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering pointed out that,
“having previously been on the periphery, NGOs are now an integral part
of the effective implementation of US goals overseas”. For example, NGOs
working toward humanitarian aid are vital to American food distribution
around the world. The USAID
funds hundreds of private charitable organizations with millions of
dollars to efficiently distribute foodstuffs, medicine, and healthcare to
countries in need.
As Muslims, it is important for us to recognize how much
of this humanitarian assistance is allocated to our community.
The USAID budget for Kosova alone was 660 million dollars.
Similar funds are also dedicated to Islamic countries such as
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Africa, Indonesia, Bosnia, and Central Asia.
Senate aims to cut funding for foreign policy –
Americans disinterested
However,
as the Counselor of the Department of State Wendy Sherman carefully
pointed out, the Senate wants to cut funding for US foreign policy. This
would not only directly reduce the amount of aid these countries receive,
but it also undermines our ability to help in future areas of conflict.
-
If the budget cuts that have been suggested in the Senate are passed, Americans will not be sending sufficient assistance to areas of strife such as Sierra Leon, Kosova, or Nigeria.
As a minority community in the US, which has a significant
interest in funding charitable endeavors overseas, we must encourage our
legislators not to decrease the budget for foreign aid.
If the budget cuts that have been suggested in the Senate are
passed, Americans will not be sending sufficient assistance to areas of
strife such as Sierra Leon, Kosova, or Nigeria.
We need to contact our representatives and let them know their
constituents are concerned about what happens to the Muslim people around
the world and that America should continue its charitable projects in
those countries. 
NGOs relied upon for key information
The Under Secretary for Global Affairs, Mr. Frank Loy, gave the lunch address in the delegate room where the Secretary, Ms. Madeline Albright, later joined him on the podium. Mr. Loy discussed the valuable contribution of the think tank community and its commitment of resources and information to the US government. “Research institutes in this country provide us with information we either do not have the resources to generate or are unable to because of a lack of expertise. One organization that provides such a resource is the Islamic Supreme Council of America.” He emphasized the importance of building a relationship with the Muslim community and working together toward a better understanding of one another.
Overall, the event was a tremendous success. The presence of Islamic organizations among the non-governmental organizations that inform foreign policy acknowledges the vital role Muslims will play in America’s future. Unfortunately, several Muslim organizations that accepted invitations to attend did not send their representatives. This lack of participation only serves to decrease community awareness of the issues presented. Furthermore, it gives the government the impression that we do not find such occasions valuable enough for our constituents. If we want to steadily increase the acknowledgement of Muslim voting power and participation, we must ensure our presence is felt at such events.
Did you know?
§
The largest numbers of victims reported with the HIV virus
are in India.
§
In the Balkans, President Clinton has asked for the budget
allowance to permit a peacekeeping force in the region.
If the budget is denied, the Kosovars may be left at the mercy of
the Serbs once again.
§
The Population, Migration, and Refugee Office in the U.S.
Department of State is the leading contributor to refugee replacement
around the world. The first priority for resettlement are the most
vulnerable communities including refugees from Afghanistan, victims of
torture from Iraq or Iran, and displaced persons of Bosnia, all of which
are Muslim peoples! 85,000 of
those refugees were brought to America for resettlement.
§
No US government employees are permitted to operate in
Afghanistan, however US AID still provides thousands of dollars to NGOs
that distribute food, education, and healthcare in that country.
§ Only one cent of every U.S. dollar allocated for the federal government budget is dedicated to foreign policy initiatives.