Dubai-UAE: 09 May, 2009 - Pragmatism, hope and mutual respect will mark the relations between the US and the Arab world under the Obama administration for the benefit of both regions, according to Senator Bob Graham, two-term Governor of Florida and a former member of the US Senate for 18 years.

His comments came during a talk titled "From 9/11 to Obama: US Relations with the Muslim World" that was hosted by the Dubai School of Government (DSG), a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world.

Sharing his insights and personal experiences with students, policy makers and other key stakeholders, former Senator Bob Graham's talk featured as part of DSG's "Distinguished Speakers" series.

Senator Bob Graham said: "While the relations between the US and the Arab world have soured in the last eight years, the trend has already begun to reverse with several bold initiatives being undertaken by President Barack Obama, and all of them point in the right direction."

Speaking of terrorism and global threats emanating from organizations that intend to spread violence and hatred, Senator Graham pointed out the US administration is making concerted efforts to pre-empt and prevent further attacks in any part of the world. But the means of doing this will be markedly different from those of the previous administration, he pointed out.

Speaking of President Obama and what the Arab world can expect in terms of US relations, he said: "He is a remarkable person who is very gifted. He is also a pragmatist who does not heavily rely on any ideology to solve problems in the real world. An incrementalist, he is adept at solving problems one by one - setting goals and finding solutions step by step.

"One can expect him to do the right thing when it comes to dealing with the Middle East and other international issues as he has a unique background, being the son of a Muslim father and a Caucasian mother, having been raised in Indonesia and studied in some of the most prestigious American institutions. He is also a student of history, drawing upon some of our most important experiences and blending them into the fabric of contemporary society to weave a coherent pattern of ideas and approach for governance."

Senator Graham added: "I have the unique responsibility of ensuring that my children and grandchildren don't feel intimidated by those who don't look or live like them. There is also a need to ensure that others don't feel intimidated by them, and that we need to respect each other and help one another live with dignity and self respect. Institutions such as the Dubai School of Government that are firmly committed to training young professionals for greater participation in the public sphere will immensely help the overall social progress of this region."

Dr Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, said: "We are privileged to host Senator Bob Graham. His rich experience and insights are inspiring and will continue to motivate professionals in the Arab world to emulate his proficiency in understanding and interpreting geopolitical developments.

"We at the Dubai School of Government constantly focus on efforts to better understand the process of governance and public policy through lectures by eminent leaders such as Senator Graham."

Hafed Al Ghwell, Director of External Affairs and Communication, Dubai School of Government, said: "Senator Graham has rightly pointed out that communication between cultures, exchange of people and constant interaction is required to ensure greater understanding between the US and the Arab world. Ignorance of each other's sensitivities will only create problems and misunderstanding. Positive dialogue is the best way to dispel myths and remove the negative perceptions that may exist in people's minds about each other.

"The Dubai School of Government has established partnerships with several American institutions towards facilitating this exchange of knowledge and ideas, and we believe this will constructively benefit both societies."

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is committed to the creation of knowledge, dissemination of global best practices and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. The school is focused on capacity building and conducts various programmes that seek to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04 329 3290.

-Ends-

About Senator Bob Graham
Senator Bob Graham is the former two-term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, serving three consecutive terms. One of his most important contributions came during his last term, when he was named Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He co-sponsored the bill to create the Director of National Intelligence position and co-chaired the "Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001." Graham later authored 2004's Intelligence Matters, revealing serious faults in the U.S. national security system.

Senator Graham earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1959 and a law degree from Harvard in 1962. He served 12 years in the Florida legislature while working in his family's cattle business and community development businesses. In 1978, he was elected Governor of Florida and served two successful terms. After teaching at Harvard University for the 2005-2006 academic year, the Senator founded the Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. The Center provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet current policy makers and take courses in critical thinking, language learning and studies of world cultures.

About the Dubai School of Government
The Dubai School of Government (DSG) is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Established in 2005 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, DSG aims to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy.

Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government also collaborates with regional and global institutions in its research and training programs. In addition, the School organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.

The School is committed to the creation of knowledge, the dissemination of best practice and the training of policy makers in the Arab world. To achieve this mission, the School is developing strong capabilities to support research and teaching programs including

• applied research in public policy and management;
• master's degrees in public policy and public administration;
• executive education for senior officials and executives; and,
• knowledge forums for scholars and policy makers.

For more information contact:
Selma Nagbou
Outreach Manager
Dubai School of Government
www.dsg.ae
Tel: +971 4 317 5517
Mob: +0971 50 394 8835
Fax: +971 4 329 329 1

Sabith Khan
Associate Account Manager
JiWin Public Relations
Direct: +971 4 433 4157
Mobile: +971 50 922 5118
Fax: +971 4 368 8001
Email: Sabith.Khan@Jiwin.ae
Website: www.jiwin.ae

Mohamed Moussa
Account Manager
JiWin Public Relations
Direct: +971 4 369 2836
Mobile: +971 50 678 7243
Fax: +971 4 368 8001
Email: mohamed.mousa@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2009

 

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