Bush on Islam: Will his views satisfy Muslims?

US President George W Bush has said that terrorism has defiled Islam, which he described as one of the world's great faiths.

Speaking on the Indonesian island of Bali, Mr Bush said: "Americans hold a deep respect for the Islamic faith, which is professed by a growing number of my own citizens."

"We know that Islam is fully compatible with liberty and tolerance and progress because we see the proof in your country and in our own," he said.

Mr Bush declared he was pleased that during his meeting with leaders from five religions there was a general recognition of the importance of religious tolerance.

Many Muslims have previously accused the US President of attacking Islam in his war on terror and in this year's conflict in Iraq.

What do you think of Mr Bush's comments on Islam? Will they be well received by Muslims worldwide? What effect will they have?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Here in America it is not so much Bush himself but the people he has chosen to advise him on policy that scares those of us on the left. The fact that the Christian Right has taken such a prominent role in the Republican party even before Bush became president is a cause for concern.
Ralph Sato, USA

As long as Bush puts a spin on every objective he will never solve the problem Jann, Canada

The disturbing thing about Bush's selective logic is that it reflects so much of what is common in western thinking. "Terrorism is extreme and has defiled Islam" he states, but has no sense that the concept of pre-emptive strike is extremism at best and it has fouled that shining example of democracy he upholds. Americans say they owe Arabs 'nothing' yet they insist they are bestowing the gift of freedom on them, for their own benefit. Others say they don't know and care little what Bush says as long as he forms the policies that keep them safe as if clarity of thought and purpose has little to do with geopolitical strategy and military action. As long as Bush puts a spin on every objective he will never solve the problem. Why? Because he will constantly define the issues according to how he wants Americans to see them, and not as they really are.
Jann, Canada

Bush's lip-service to the Islamic religion has little meaning without tackling the issue which is the genesis of Islamic hurt. This is the injustice meted out to the Palestinians while giving no-holds barred support to Israel. So I believe the platitudes mouthed by Bush will not satisfy Muslims.
Ivor C. D'Souza, Canada

Quite possibly this question should be phrased in reverse - will Muslim views satisfy Bush that there is no further danger from terrorism? I think until terrorism is completely and publicly vilified by Muslim scholars and politicians, and until these authorities take real action to guide their people away from the glorification of martyrdom, there will be no trust between the two worlds. Similarly, Bush must renounce a policy of blind support of Israel.
Jenny Cline, Heidelberg, Germany

I don't care as long as his policies can keep the world safe Richard Palmer, Australia

I don't know and I don't care as long as his policies can keep the world safe. It is better that way.
Richard Palmer, Sydney, NSW, Australia

I don't think that Bush will please the whole Muslim community. Some view him as an imperialist and a promoter of terrorism to the Muslim. They think that he is pro-Israel. However, I admire Bush for the attention that he has given to Asian countries such as the Philippines. He is benevolent in helping our country and his state visit recently has boosted the economy. I hope that the protestors will somehow realize that this man could do something good not only for America but for the world. Fighting terrorism is one of them. It is not the easiest task to do in this chaotic world.
Ersa Arriola, Philippines

The problem stems from the fact we are completely different. Every contributor beneath who refers to the US position on Palestine says look at the way Bush treats Muslims. This is a simplistic and erroneous viewpoint. This may be how he treats Palestinians but it too much to extrapolate that to all Muslims. Muslims see themselves as one nation. All other races / religions see themselves as belonging to a nation state and it is to that state they owe their loyalty. If Muslims were better able to police themselves this would never have happened in the first place. Furthermore, thank you to the one contributor who acknowledged the US role in protecting Muslims in Kosovo & Bosnia. Where were your great & proud Muslim states then?
CA, UK

The enchanting comments on Muslim religion by Bush would not heal or calm the minds of those who were affected by US foreign policy
Zulfi, India

He is tolerant of other religions and ethnic groups Jesse Holmes, USA

I am a Democrat living in the western United States. While I dislike our current president, I will give him credit where it is due; he is tolerant of other religions and ethnic groups. He is the first president to give his weekly addresses in both Spanish and English and I tend to believe that much of what he says about Islam describes his actual beliefs.
Jesse Holmes, USA

As a Muslim-American I must say the Muslims only have themselves to blame for allowing things to be as they are. Yes, there is a lot in the world that is unfair, but that is life but it is up to us to change things for the better. And when it comes down to it President Bush and America owe the Arab world nothing. He only has to answer to the American people and God (yes, through his own Christian beliefs but in America we are all free to practice any religion we choose. He has not persecuted me for mine, and I will not bash him for his.
T, USA

I think President Bush is on the right path to reconciliation between the US and countries of Muslim faith. While I may be considered a conservative Christian, I also recognise that people of different faiths are as committed to their belief system as I. I may not agree with various aspects of the Muslim faith; however, I have a genuine respect for their views.
Daniel Araujo, Georgia, USA

His achievements will answer the question Jim, USA

Can the President of the United States be wrong? His achievements will answer the question.
Jim, USA.

Even though Mr Bush came up with a message to the nation to have patience and tolerance, it's not quite practiced. Muslims in America live in fear and distrust of the current regime, which targets Muslims with growing new legislations which give government agencies more then enough power to violate Muslim citizen's civil rights and liberty, promised by the constitution which Mr Bush took oath to uphold.
Ali Mirza, USA

Ali Mirza U.S.A. Do you think you are the only ones having civil liberties taken away from you. In my view, all USA citizens are losing rights everyday - rights we have fought for over hundreds of years. Welcome to the new USA.
Cheryl, USA

He is constantly undermined by the views of his subordinates and supporters. It is hard even for Americans to believe what this President says.
Al Cody, USA

Bush always told and showed his respect for the Islamic religion. His words are simple to understand and straight forward. Terrorist groups are using Islam for their destruction work against human society. The Islamic clergy and mullahs should boycott and issue 'Fatwa' against these terrorist groups. These Islamic Mullahs who have issued fatwa against individuals are not showing same enthusiasm in issuing Fatwa against the terrorist groups like Al-Qaida.
V.V. Srinivasu, India

as long as America supports Israel, the majority of the world's Islamic population will dislike America Malcolm, Australia

It doesn't matter how flattering Bush is with his statements in regard to Muslim's. The fact is, as long as America supports Israel, the majority of the world's Islamic population will dislike America.
Malcolm, Australia

If credibility is trying to make a comeback, actions and not empty words will be needed. The US stance on the Israel - Palestine issue has to be balanced and fair and I'm not even a Muslim.
EC, USA

His recent comments in Bali is a day late Blanshard Meheux, Sierra Leone

President Bush's initial approach in combating terrorism as it relates to Muslims was arrogant and irresponsible. I think him and his administration has come to the realization that this America against Islam crusade is igniting inferno and disdain in the hearts of Muslims all over the world, spewing perpetual hate for America, Americans, its allies and interests around the globe. His recent comments in Bali is a day late to convince Muslims that America thinks highly of them or their religion. It's more like throwing water on a ducks back.
Blanshard Meheux, Sierra Leone

In terms of public diplomacy President Bush's words are likely to gain nods of approval from some Muslims, but in less public terms there is likely to be a strong difference of opinion. Many Muslims see "Islam" as the one future worldwide nation strictly governed under Koran rules, and are opposed to anything less than that. Clearly President Bush cannot be considered in agreement with the creation of Islam, whereas that is the goal of most Muslim extremism.
Robert Morpheal, Canada

In my opinion most of the countries of the world, will not believe Bush until he demonstrates his words with actions. His one-sided and illogical dealings in the Israeli-Palestinian situation contradict his statements on Islam. Also I will blame Muslims for this current condition because the problem with Muslims is that they are not united and because of this reason countries like America(Police Man of World) dares to attack Muslim countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and completely demolish them.
Syed Imran Ali, Melbourne, Australia

Why just because Bush attacked Iraq and Afghanistan - two countries that have majority Muslim populations it is seen as an attack on Islam? The Taliban gave refuge and support to the perpetrators of the greatest act of terrorism in history, whilst Iraq was ruled by an evil dictator who did not hide the fact that he wished to obtain nuclear weapons, had gassed his own people and Iranians and had invaded a neighbouring country. How is this an attack on Islam? I think what Bush said is right. Islam is not evil - in fact quite the opposite. I think that unfortunately for the majority of Muslim nations they are run by kings and dictators who use fundamentalist rage against the US, Israel and the West to divert attention away from the fact that their countries are run without the endorsement of the population.
James, London, UK

The actions of George W. Bush speak far louder than his words. Many members of the Islamic faith in the USA have been ridiculed and harassed by the government under the leadership of President Bush in the USA. His views probably will not and probably should not satisfy Muslims until his actions match his words.
Norman E. Harper, USA

What surprises me is that people from a Muslim background can live a free life in Western countries but Christians do not have the same freedom or rights in Muslim countries. How does that work then?
J West, UK

the chess player's view is constrained and his mind is lost Xu Yu, China

There is a saying in China: The people standby watching the chess game can see clearly what is going on, while the chess player's view is constrained and his mind is lost. With the amount of propaganda flowing around in US under the cover of news of the 'greatest democracy', of the 'freedom and justice' loving country, it's no wonder most Americans don't understand what is going on. America right now reminds me of 17th century China, arrogant and ignorant. That's precisely how China fell.
Xu Yu, China

All political leaders who spend more on military and defence then on education and health services, and who use the word 'god' in every speech (no matter what language) should not speak about respect, democracy and liberty.
Leen, Belgium

As a Muslim living in the UK I feel I have the privilege of being able to see a Western and Islamic view of the world today. Mr. Bush's speech in Bali will do little to satisfy Muslims around the world that he is genuine. The policies and actions of his government have cemented what a lot of Muslims feel is the USA's desire to suppress Islam and to control the Middle East. The policies that come out of the US administration are not about freedom, liberty and democracy for all. This is simply a way of branding and selling US policy. Of course, we have to return to the Israeli/Palestinian issue, only to see there, that freedom and liberty is something that is not something that will be bestowed upon the Palestinians. Were the US to be unbiased in it's handling of this issue, they would win a lot more support from the Muslim world. It is a shame that those within the administration and indeed the pro-Christian and pro-Jewish lobby do not see the benefit in bring resolution to the current conflict - peace and prosperity for all.
Zahoor Khan, UK

Bush's words will have no effect, because his administration continues to specifically target Muslims for arrests, detentions and deportations for the slightest visa infractions. Muslims in the U.S. and the world will never have the respect or the safety they deserve as long as this administration remains in power.
Patrick Donovan, United States

Actions speak louder than words. Bush has many words but it is a well known fact that he is very short on actions when it comes to being fair to the Muslim world. Some of us Christians feel so embarrassed by his unevenness.
Roland Brade, Herne Bay, England

Many Americans buy into this out of fear Matt Moore, USA

No, it is very obvious to the international community that the Bush Administration has been deceptively telling the American people that they are under threat from Muslims to drum up support for his war waging. Many Americans buy into this out of fear. His administration teaches intolerance
Matt Moore, USA

I am a Malaysian who had the benefit of living both in Malaysia and in USA. I think that Islam is only tolerant to a certain extent. In Malaysia for example, the government does not allow non-Muslim religious literature to be written in the local Malay language. Furthermore, it is hard to build new churches because the construction/building permits are not usually approved. I could say with a certain degree of certainty that if 911 happened in Malaysia instead of the US and if the terrorists were Christians, all Christians would have been massacred quickly.
Thomas, Malaysia

America cleared of all infidels is all that will satisfy some Muslims, like it or not. The Muslims who attacked America on 9/11 did so because of their beliefs. America owes no apology and no explanations.
Nate, USA

Bush is Anti-Islam but that is ok because ever since he started this latest crusade, more and more people around the world have studied Islam and decided to convert. So for every Muslim person Bush is able to kill in his wars, there is the same amount embracing Islam for the first time. Sorry George, but it looks like extermination will not work. Ha! Also to all those Americans on this page, before you ask us Muslims to stand up against our extremists, maybe you should take a stand against your extremists that have the power to bring the whole world into destruction.
Kareema, Australia

To Kareema of Australia: You're quite right about our responsibility to confront extremists in our midst. If you are commenting out of principle against hypocrisy, I would agree with you. However, confronting extremism is NOT a quid pro quo commitment. It is a moral obligation of all people to take responsibility for themselves and their community. Moreover, an opportunity to peacefully confront our leaders is fast approach...the elections are next year!
Guy, USA

Through his policy and actions, Bush has proven that he does not respect the Islamic faith. He and the rest of the neo-cons with their religious right backing have, in fact, made Islam the face of terrorism, which simply is not truth. Subsequently, most Americans have associated terror with the Islamic faith and have ignored the terrorism of the Bush administration as well as other terrorist organizations. Bush has attacked the Islamic faith and distorted the American viewpoint on Muslim peoples. Simple words will not satisfy me, nor will they satisfy the rest of the world.
Joey, USA

Bush has been very careful from the beginning on the War on Terror not to alienate Muslims in America Mike Daly, USA

Muslim's have to acknowledge that it was Islamic extremists that attacked the US on 9/11. So the War on Terror will be waged against Muslim extremists. President Bush has been very careful from the beginning on the War on Terror not to alienate Muslims in America. However, most of the Muslim world is uninformed and fed information by corrupt leadership. So I doubt any American President will satisfy Muslims.
Mike Daly, USA

Who cares what George Bush's position on Islam is? I'm certain he is speaking honestly, but it really doesn't matter what his personal beliefs are. America's extremely tolerant and supportive position on religious freedom and diversity are crystal clear. Just ask any Muslim in America.
Jason, USA

I guess the bigger questions is "would the rest of the world be innocent enough to believe what the usual formal statements of us state officials try to convey". Or would the rest of the world rather judge a man's word upon his deeds?
Mansoor, Pakistan

Bush's words flatter Islam, but his deeds defile it Ragheed, Aden, Yemen

Translated from BBC Arabic.com: These statements were only made for media consumption. We must judge by deeds not by words. Today Bush is praising Islam, shortly after one of his generals attacked it. Bush's words flatter Islam, but his deeds defile it. You only have to read General William Boykin's statements to realise what this extremist right wing administration is planning.
Ragheed, Aden, Yemen

Translated from BBC Arabic.com: Bush praised Islam because he is the leader of a free nation. But I wonder, can Muslim leaders praise Christianity?
Waleed Amin, Miami, USA

Translated from BBC Arabic.com: What Bush said reminds me of the old proverb: "I hear your words and I believe you, then I see your deeds and I am amazed." American and European actions must be dealt with carefully.
Abdul Kareem, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Muslims have forgotten the American intervention in Kosovo and Bosnia, which was in their favour Yaseen, Egypt

Translated from BBC Arabic.com: If anyone is to blame for the bad image of Muslims around the world, it is the Muslims themselves and no one else. If Muslims had a better understanding of the world order, and were more rational, they could have achieved their interests through relations with big nations like the USA, and religion would not have stood as a barrier. Muslims have forgotten the American intervention in Kosovo and Bosnia, which was in their favour.
Yaseen, Egypt

Translated from BBC Arabic.com: I don't think Bush was saying the truth, because he once said that he is leading a crusade. I think his sole aim is to win Muslim votes in the next presidential elections, and after it's over things will go back to where they were.
Ahmed, Moscow, Russia

Bush should stop his lip service and repent by his actions Anthony Thanasayan, Malaysia

No. It won't satisfy anyone because everyone can see that Bush is being hypocritical in respecting Islam and Muslims. If he did, America wouldn't be in Iraq and Israel wouldn't be able to continue to commit atrocities to Palestinian. Bush should stop his lip service and repent by his actions.
Anthony Thanasayan, Malaysia

I don't think it will matter what President Bush says or does. The Arab world seems to teach that the West is corrupt and that Islam is the "one true faith" and it follows that only an Islamic Arab can be trusted. I have read on several Islamic pages that there is no peace to be had until Israel is gone and because Bush supports an Israeli nation he is Islam's enemy. Of course, this isn't held as truth by all Muslims, but many do adhere to this. I happen to think he is being honest this time, because he doesn't gain anything from being dishonest. I can speak from what I have seen here in the US, and that is that we have freedom to practice any religion. Temples are not being destroyed here, and people are not being killed for having a different religion. It works for us, maybe other nations should give it a try.
Glen, US

One may not like George Bush, but one has to admit that Saddam Hussein killed many more Muslims than Bush ever will Omar Radwan, USA

If we Muslims are to be angry at anyone, George Bush should be low on the list. We should be angrier at the many Muslim leaders who steal from us and deny us our basic rights. One may not like George Bush, but one has to admit that Saddam Hussein killed many more Muslims than Bush ever will. Before we can blame others, we must first clean our own house...starting with our bad leaders.
Omar Radwan, Houston, Texas, USA

I am sure the majority of the world, will not believe Bush until he demonstrates his words with actions. His one-sided and illogical dealings in the Israeli-Palestinian situation contradict his statements on Islam. Until he starts making real demands on the Israelis and not just empty promises to the Palestinians, he will continue to look like a hypocrite.
April Eckhart, USA

George Bush being "received well" by Muslims?! Ha! Not after the Holy War remarks made by his right-wing nutcase friend Jerry "Blowhard" Boykin and not after Rumsfield referred to our "friends" on the ground in Iraq as a bunch of "woolly headed Arab lovers". None of these comments were condemned by Bush at the time. Yet somehow what he says to the press in a contrived fashion is supposed to be convincing. Actions speak louder than words. Do you believe what you see or what you hear?
Theresa, USA

I believe the correct response to the statement is either doublespeak, see "1984" by George Orwell or "Actions speak louder than lying presidents." It is true that there are those of us who know that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all share core beliefs. Those core beliefs being tolerance, love and compassion. It is a shame that these three core beliefs are not more widely practiced. If they were, we would have this "war on terror", doublespeak for crusade. We wouldn't have extremists trying to convert people by killing them. Remember, Mr. Bush, that one of the founding tenants of all three religions is "Thou shalt not kill."
Doug Fisher, USA

USA is one of the most secular countries and has a good account on human rights issues Sachin, India

Both Mr. Bush and his US government policies are double standard. However I believe all the decisions and policies taken by Mr. Bush are to satisfy pro-US capitalism and not inspired by pro-Christianity or anti-Islamic intentions. Everybody knows that USA is one of the most secular countries and has a good account on human rights issues.
Sachin, India

If I were Muslim, I would not believe anything President Bush said. If he really had a deep respect for Islam, he would allow for those he sent to Guantamino Bay in Cuba access to legal council. There is no record for why these people (mostly Muslims) were sent there. After WW II even Nazi party members had access to legal council.
Don Smeed, U.S.

As he is human he will certainly make mistakes Pat, US

I believe his comments on Islam are sincere. I think they will be accepted by those who seek peace and attacked by those who do not. I believe Bush to be a man who daily gets on his knees before God to seek wisdom and guidance to do what's right and best. What's right and best is rarely what's most popular. People will always pick out or twist or attack according to what serves their own purposes, and they certainly will and already do that with Bush. As he is human he will certainly make mistakes. Our faith should be in God and not man anyway.
Pat, US

The attitude of "peace on our terms with no compromise" will be our undoing JL, USA

My question is, why does Bush even have to make statements like he did on his trip to Indonesia? It is due to the fact that this language is a shift for him. He panders to the right wing conservative constituency here in the US and they have no place for Islam. I just hope the rest of the world does not judge those of us as Americans who do not agree with his views in the same light. As for the comment about Bush appealing to moderate minorities. He doesn't consider any minorities moderately. The attitude of "peace on our terms with no compromise" will be our undoing.
JL, USA

Something has gone wrong when there is a forum to debate the power of a man's words. If he was a man who backed up his speeches, we would not ask this in the first place. I am pretty tired of this guy -- people say this and that about what he has been. The truth is, he is just not all that smart and has been created by a political family and is a puppet on Rove's hand. Loving this country does not mean taking the political Prozac route and not dealing with what is. My American roots go way back and I still feel that Bush is an entirely average (at best) man. So his words mean nothing -- he has a track record of proving nothing while saying a lot. That said, while today's comments don't mean much, we still do not deserve to get attacked by political jihad cowardice parading as religion.
J. Todd, USA

Bush has never been honest and his words mean nothing indeed. What he says and what he really believes are two different things, that is evident now from the 9-11 affair and the Iraq war. His axis of evil theory mentioned 20 countries, 19 of which were Muslim, the 20th was North Korea. So how can we believe that he is not waging a crusade against Islam?
Shahana Ahmed, Kenya

Will his views satisfy Muslims? Will Muslim views in Palestine satisfy him?
Jimmy, Malaysia

Mr. Bush is right in saying that Islam is fully compatible with liberty and tolerance. Look at Malaysia; a mixture of a majority Muslim and large minority of other religions and race. Look at Singapore; a sizeable Muslim minority among a Chinese majority. Both countries' Muslims are fully capable of tolerance and progress, resulting in high economic progress in both countries. The idea is stop being cynical about Bush and put in our due effort to promote religious harmony.
Wayne, Singapore

He may be selling, but I'm not buying Wambura, Kenya

I should like to hear him say these words, not before a predominantly Muslim audience, but at home, to his strongest supporters, the religious right. Only then will they signify policy, because there will be something at stake. Otherwise, he may be selling, but I'm not buying.
Wambura, Kenya

Perched above the US, we've had ample opportunity to see how GWB acts. The quote at the head of this item is clearly not his own words, and I'm frankly amazed that anyone on his team could form such an apparently conciliatory phrase. I think the actions of the Bush camp speak far louder that these words, though; see the appointment of hyper-Christian Gen. Boykin to a position of great authority in the Mid-East theatre.
Ernst, Canada

Of course they won't. Most Muslims already have branded him anti-Islam, due to his support on Israel. It is just sad that Islamic terrorist groups really do nothing more than cause a cancer to the world of Islam. I am surprised that there isn't more done by Muslims against these hard-line extremist groups. Or are they blind to the fact that all they are doing is creating more of a black eye on a very peaceful religion.
EJ, United States

By his criticism of Islamic leaders who speak against Israel and Judaism, yet not rebuking or even commenting on the horrific comments made by his own Generals shows more about his faith and beliefs than any of his photo-op speeches. Actions, not words, are what we need.
Winter, USA

Bush is a fundamentalist Christian, thus he can only see Islam in its own fundamentalism Diren Yardimli, Istanbul, Turkey

Bush and Islam! Yes, as long as it's about crusades and jihads. Muslims have long ago learned what Bush's opinions are about Islam, thanks to his all too honest slips. Bush is a fundamentalist Christian, thus he can only see Islam in its own fundamentalism. When did the "War of Religions" erupt again? Was it not after Bush came to power?
Diren Yardimli, Istanbul, Turkey

To Diren from Istanbul. While I completely agree with you about Bush, Muslims also need to rein in those in their own camp who are bent on jihad. Sadly, it seems that jihad has come to mean fighting for the destruction of those deemed to be infidels.
Roger, USA

To Diren from Turkey. We are really going to have a talking point on this. Bush is not this anti-Islam man who is trying to destroy Islam. The US has given the lives of their men and women in freeing Iraq where the majority were not allowed to practice their religion with out fear. Yes Bin-Laden in 1996 claimed his war against the US and Christians and Jews alike. The one issue everyone goes back to is Israel. The Islamic world must get over it. There are bigger issues in their own borders they should be worrying about. Like basic human rights that all of them could sign a treaty on.
Patrick, USA

President George W. Bush's comments may seem like a change in policy, or heart. But, we should remember that his actions and reactions, in conjunction with his Western and other coalition and moderate allies, are against the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 tragedy and those trying to or have replicated similar acts; not against the Islamic religion that have similar, historical and aboriginal roots with Judeo-Christian religion and doctrines. After all, many Muslim nations still are recipients of US' foreign aid, which comes in form of cash, military, economic or development grants, although Israel's largesse receives more publicity, because of Middle East politics and propaganda. Taking President Bush by his words and testimonies by the Arab-Muslim world may be a first step in bridging the cultural, sectarian and ideological gulf between the United States (western allies) and their Islamic counterparts, other than using confrontation, which breeds conflicts and further misunderstandings.
Igonikon Jack, USA

How can Bush talk about "deep respect for the Islamic faith" when he clearly has no respect for the suffering of innocent Muslims around the world. Suffering which is brought upon Muslims largely by the US and its foreign policy. How can the US continue to justify its biased support to Israel? Or its continuous invasion of Muslim lands, they are already looking at new Muslim targets, will it be Iran or Syria next? Actions always speak louder than words.
Razwan, UK

Not in the least bit. Hollow words from a hollow person will not do anything to make matters better. Actions speak louder than words and the actions of the US president do not justify the comments he made in Bali. Anyone can say anything: Isn't that what the US accuses other Muslim leaders (particularly Arafat) of doing.
Ahmad, USA

To Ahmad of USA. President Bush is an honest man. He is no more required to speak Arabic or Urdu, than any other of the thousands of languages out there, to get his message through to that specific ethnic group. He is clear that homicide bombings are morally wrong and cannot be defended on any merit. He is more wanted by the majority of Americans than say, Saddam, or Arafat, or the Ayatollah's are in their respective countries, not that the people in those countries are always allowed to have a different opinion like we do in here in the USA.
John, USA

To John of USA: I honestly don't expect the president to speak Arabic or Urdu. You stated he strives for diversity, etc. He may be an honest person, but as a President, his honest is in question as are his policies. His statement about homicide bombings being immoral is in line with what I and most of the Muslim community believes. However just making a statement does not inspire trust. If he were to back up those statements instead of laying the blame on one side (hopefully you believe it takes two to tango) then perhaps we would have faith in him.
Ahmad, USA

One of the most important things Bush can do to combat terror is express to the Muslim world that the US is not waging a war on Islam. However, unless the administration takes a more fair-minded and constructive approach to the Middle East, it will be hard for the world's Muslims not to take his comments with a grain of salt.
Max Kretchmer, USA

One thing people do not realise is that President Bush has always appealed to moderate ethnic minorities - as he did when he was governor of Texas, he embraces diversity. He strives to speak a different language which speaks to his interest in different cultures. His comments are exactly how he feels. Perhaps Muslims should compare leaders past and present and determine who has done the most for their standard of living, not a cult of personality type who drains their wealth or isolates their country.
John, USA

To John of USA. I am a Muslim and living in the US. You state that "Muslims" should compare Bush with past and present leaders. I have and that's why it's hard to buy into the president's statements. He has lied to the public; fabricated a reason to go to war and then fabricated more reasons to justify it; has been a biased mediator in the so called "Road Map", etc. Incidentally I don't recall him speaking Arabic or Urdu, so the minority he panders to is definitely not us. Perhaps it is not the Muslims who need to compare him to leaders past and present: We have and have found him wanting.
Ahmad, USA

If Bush was a fair broker for the Road map everyone would believe him. Right now his undying support for Israel and not compelling Israel to impose UN regulations undermines people's faith in his words. Deeds and not just words will prove if he is to be believed or not.
Riaz Khan, Mumbai, India

Actions speak louder than words and his actions have certainly not been sympathetic to Muslims. Take his stance on Israel for instance - one sided all the time.
YK, UK