As soon as Barack Obama rose to the top of the field of Democratic
presidential contenders, he developed a "Muslim problem" based on false
accusations that he is, or once was, a Muslim.
There is little doubt that these accusations will be raised again, however
unfairly, when Obama squares off against John McCain, the Republican
presidential candidate, in November's election.
But if we were to assume that Obama overcomes this and other obstacles to
win his historic bid for the White House, a far more serious Muslim problem
awaits "President" Obama: A majority of the world's 1.4 billion Muslims have
an utter lack of trust in the US.
Senator Obama's experience of living in a Muslim country (Indonesia, where
he attended school during his childhood), along with his relative
youthfulness and message of hope, have the potential to heal this rift,
however.
He has the merits which can energise young Muslims in the same way he has
inspired millions of young Americans.
Comprehensive changes required
But this potential will not easily be realised, partially because of the
ill-advised policies of the Bush administration and their impact on the
Muslim world. ...