Introduction:
The session focused on the necessity of shared values in the global fight against terrorism. David Ignatius, a columnist for The Washington Post, moderated the discussion.

Shared Values:
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed concern about the threat of terrorism to world peace and the risk of losing civil liberties in the war against it. The panel aimed to identify common ground in the fight against terrorism and discuss differences and concerns.

Clear Definition of War against Terrorism:
A clearer and sharper definition of the phrase “war against terrorism” was seen as crucial for achieving victory.

Next Steps and Strategy:
The panel sought to explore the future direction of the war against terrorism and the strategies being considered by experts.

Panelists:
John Ashcroft, Attorney General of the United States. Alexander Downer, Foreign Minister of Australia. Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo and author of “A Japan That Can Say No.” His Royal Highness Prince Turki al-Faisal al-Saud, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia.

Request for Panelists’ Input:
David Ignatius invited each panelist to share their perspectives on the topic.

Format of Exchange vs. Format of Imposition:
The world should operate on the principle of exchange, where ideas are shared and debated, rather than imposition, where ideas are forced upon others. Terrorism is a global threat that transcends borders and requires cooperation among nations to combat it effectively.

Value of Exchange:
The primary value that should unite nations is the promotion of values through exchange, not imposition. Resisting those who seek to impose their values is sometimes necessary, but it should be the exception rather than the norm.

Universality of Human Dignity:
Human dignity is universal and should not be devalued based on ethnicity or beliefs. Extremists who claim superiority or devalue others based on their ethnicity or beliefs contribute to the challenge of combating terrorism.

Protecting Freedom and Liberty:
Nations should work together to protect the format of exchange and freedom, where people subscribe to ideas based on merit. Organizations like the UN, OAS, EU, G8, and others play a crucial role in safeguarding shared values and promoting liberty.

Understanding Terrorism:
Terrorism, particularly the Al-Qaeda and Jamar Islamiyah variants, aims to impose an extremist form of Islam on Islamic countries. They seek to overthrow regimes in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, and establish Taliban-style rule throughout the Islamic world. Weakening Western influence in the Islamic world is part of their strategy.

Perception of Terrorism:
Terrorists aim to destroy democratic regimes and establish extremist Islamic regimes. Terrorists’ actions target Westerners and Muslims alike. There is a need for cooperative and constructive responses from all nations.

Problems of Perception:
Some in the Islamic world view the war against terrorism as a war against Islam. Some in the West view Islam negatively due to terrorism. These perceptions hinder cooperation and understanding.

Bridging the Gaps:
Western nations need to demonstrate their support for Islamic countries against extremist activities. Islamic leaders and communities need to engage in dialogue with Western leaders and communities. Shared values and common objectives should be emphasized to foster understanding.

Addressing Terrorism in Iraq:
Terrorism in Iraq involves not only Saddam Hussein’s factions but also ordinary citizens with their own weapons. Targets of terrorism include Americans, Allied forces, Japanese Self-Defense Force, Caucasians, Christians, Red Cross personnel, United Nations personnel, and certain groups within the Islamic community.

Motive of Terrorism:
Terrorism aims to create chaos and disorder, not just in specific regions but potentially worldwide. Sometimes terrorists may lack clear political goals or a vision for an alternative government.

Impact on Ordinary People:
Terrorism disrupts the lives of ordinary people and creates fear and uncertainty. It is unacceptable in modern society.

View on Immoral Women:
Some extreme individuals believe that immoral women should not be educated or even killed.

Stand Against Disorder:
All people should unite against any movement that promotes disorder and confusion, regardless of cultural differences.

Professor Huntington’s Perspective:
Terrorism is not necessarily a conflict between Islamic and Christian civilizations. The world is shrinking, and the gap between rich and poor is growing.

The Growing Gap:
The disparity between the rich and poor has become more visible due to media communication, fueling reactionary sentiments and the potential for terrorist acts. Terrorist actions, while aiming to shorten the wealth gap, often exacerbate the problem.

Cooperative Efforts:
Collaboration and risk-sharing can foster a sense of unity and urgency in addressing the issue of terrorism. Japan’s assistance in Iraq’s rehabilitation serves as a model for bridging the gap between rich and poor nations.

Understanding Terrorism:
Terrorism transcends national, religious, and ideological boundaries, aiming to achieve political goals. Terrorists exploit people’s struggles and ideals to advance their own agendas. Al-Qaeda’s appropriation of Islam to justify violence against non-Muslims exemplifies this tactic.

Defining Terrorism:
The lack of a global consensus on the definition of terrorism hampers effective international cooperation. Despite regional agreements, a unified definition remains elusive. Prince Turki emphasizes the need for a United Nations Convention to establish a common understanding of terrorism.

Missed Opportunity:
Prince Turki laments the missed opportunity after 9/11 for the U.S. to rally the world community against terrorism. A united front could have provided a blank check for combating terrorism.

Shared Values:
Condemning terrorism and protecting innocent lives are shared values among nations. Cooperation and information exchange are crucial in combating terrorism.

Terrorism as a Cult:
Prince Turki identifies terrorist groups as cults centered around charismatic leaders and demanding self-sacrifice. Al-Qaeda’s cult-like structure exemplifies this phenomenon.

Combating Terrorism:
Countering terrorist ideology is essential, alongside legal action against terrorists. A counter-ideology must offer an alternative to the practices instilled in cult members.

International Convention:
Prince Turki advocates for a global convention that defines terrorism and guides international efforts to combat it.

Addressing Concerns:
Attorney General Ashcroft responds to concerns about the Bush administration’s divergence from shared international values. He emphasizes the U.S. commitment to international cooperation and the importance of building bridges.

America’s Non-Aggressive Stance:
John Ashcroft believes the United States is not an aggressor but rather a nation that seeks peace and respects freedom. He points to the U.S.’s history of defending freedom and reinforcing it for individuals it has joined forces with.

Post-World War II Revitalization of Europe:
After World War II, the U.S. aimed to revitalize Europe through substantial commitments like the Marshall Plan. This demonstrates the U.S.’s interest in promoting freedom and prosperity rather than dominating other nations.

U.S. Presence in Iraq:
Ashcroft discusses the U.S. presence in Iraq, emphasizing that the intention is to allow the Iraqi people to govern themselves with self-determination by mid-2004. He highlights the U.S.’s commitment to human dignity and freedom as the driving force behind its actions in Iraq.

Responding to Saddam Hussein:
Ashcroft explains the U.S. intervention in Iraq as a response to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait and his disregard for the ceasefire conditions. The U.S. aimed to liberate Kuwait and prevent Hussein from using serious weapons against humanity both within and outside Iraq.

Absence of Imperial Ambitions:
Ashcroft argues that if the U.S. were an aggressor seeking an empire, its influence in Europe and Kuwait would be significantly different based on its past actions. He emphasizes that the U.S. seeks liberation, self-determination, and self-governance, as seen in its plans for Iraq and its commitment to preventing the proliferation of terrorism.

Prince Turki’s Perspective:
Prince Turki affirmed that there is no mistrust between Saudi Arabia and the United States in sharing intelligence on terrorism. He highlighted the existence of a joint committee between Saudi Arabia and the United States since 1997 for sharing intelligence on terrorism, including information on al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, and other terrorist activities. He emphasized close cooperation between the two countries in tracking financial resources of terrorist organizations.

Prince Turki’s Concerns:
Prince Turki expressed concern that the perception of Israeli colonization in Palestine and the suffering of Palestinians are being used by terrorist organizations to justify their actions. He criticized the use of suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism against innocent people in the name of Palestinian rights. He emphasized that terrorism thrives on the perception of injustice and expropriation of rights, and the situation in Palestine is a prime example.

Attorney General Ashcroft’s Response:
Attorney General Ashcroft acknowledged the close working relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States in combating terrorism. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation and information exchange between the two countries. Ashcroft mentioned the United States’ commitment to improving its capacity for intelligence sharing and preventing terror, seeking cooperation from freedom-loving allies worldwide.

Governor Ishihara’s Perspective:
Governor Ishihara commended the Bush administration for naming Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as troublemaking states. He highlighted the danger posed by North Korea, citing its involvement in supplying Scud missile components to Iraq and the abduction of Japanese citizens. Ishihara criticized the Japanese Communist and Social Democratic parties for their past relations with North Korea and their denial of the abduction cases. He advocated for economic sanctions against North Korea by the Japanese government, emphasizing the need for legal measures to address North Korea’s occupation of buildings in Japan.

Addressing the Muslim World:
Faisal Abdul Raouf expresses concern over the growing divide between the United States and the Muslim world, emphasizing the need for a vision that resonates with Muslim aspirations and values. He urges the United States to articulate a clear vision that addresses the concerns and interests of the Muslim world to win the war against terrorism.

Importance of Effective Communication:
John Ashcroft acknowledges the need to improve the United States’ ability to communicate its values to people around the world, particularly to the Islamic faith. He emphasizes the importance of communicating ideas and values that promote human dignity, freedom of belief, and respect for all faiths. Ashcroft highlights the role of individuals in the United States who can testify to the freedom and respect accorded to people of all faiths, showcasing the United States’ commitment to religious freedom.

Role of Business Leaders in Interfaith Dialogue:
Sigmund, an advocate for interface activity and interfaith dialogue, stresses the importance of engaging business leaders in these efforts. He emphasizes the influence of business leaders in universities, media, and other influential areas. Sigmund urges business leaders to become involved in interfaith dialogue and support initiatives that promote understanding and cooperation among different faiths.

Broadening Interfaith Dialogue:
Alexander Downer acknowledges the value of interfaith dialogue but emphasizes the need to broaden its reach beyond elitist circles. He calls for finding ways to engage the mainstreams of societies, particularly Islamic societies, in interfaith dialogue. Downer highlights the challenge of using the media as a vehicle for promoting dialogue due to its focus on infotainment rather than factual information.

Question: Why did the U.S. administration not aggressively pursue bringing the world together after 9/11?

Ashcroft’s Response:
Ashcroft claims that the United States did seek to enlist the world in the fight against terrorism. The Justice Department, led by Ashcroft, actively sought assistance from other countries. The FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement agencies worked with international partners to investigate and prevent terrorist activities. Ashcroft asserts that the U.S. offered assistance to countries affected by terrorism.

Additional Points:
Ashcroft disagrees with the premise that the U.S. went it alone in its response to 9/11. The U.S. actively sought cooperation and assistance from other countries. The Justice Department and its agencies worked with international partners to combat terrorism. The U.S. provided assistance to countries affected by terrorism.

Defining Moment: 9-11 and Its Impact:
John Ashcroft emphasized 9-11 as a defining moment that significantly altered the United States and the world. The need for collaboration and mutual assistance in combating terrorism was recognized.

International Cooperation and Assistance:
Ashcroft highlighted the US’s efforts to provide assistance to other countries affected by terrorism, including experts and resources. Alexander Downer emphasized the broad international support for counterterrorism efforts.

Addressing Misperceptions:
Downer clarified that the US did seek United Nations resolutions on terrorism and acknowledged the global support for liberating Iraq.

Condemnation of Suicide Bombings:
H.R.H. Prince Turki al Faisal al Saud strongly denounced suicide bombings, stating they harm both the victims and the cause they claim to serve.

Selective Engagement with Religious Groups:
Downer explained his approach to engaging with religious groups, prioritizing those promoting peace, dialogue, and cooperation. He clarified his unwillingness to engage with terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda.

Chasm of Understanding and Implementation Gap:
Jamil Mruwi raised concerns about the gap between the US’s stated goals of democracy and its actions in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. He pointed out the perceived incompetence, inconsistency, and bureaucratic challenges in the implementation of US policies.

The Complexity of Establishing Freedom:
Establishing freedom amidst terror and achieving smooth-running government bureaucracies are difficult tasks. The United States has always faced challenges in translating ideals into reality, but these challenges don’t deter the pursuit of those ideals.

The Importance of International Collaboration:
The United States is grateful for the assistance of dozens of nations in the fight against terrorism. The United States recognizes its need for assistance in pursuing its objectives and appreciates the help of the world community.

Historical Parallels:
The reestablishment of freedom in Europe after World War II faced inefficiencies and difficulties, but persistence led to its success. The vision of a forum like this one being held in Iraq someday symbolizes the potential for freedom to flourish even in war-torn regions.

The Role of Patience, Assistance, and Resolve:
Achieving freedom requires patience, assistance, resolve, determination, and persistence. The United States is not destined to stand on the sidelines when freedom is at stake, and humanity as a whole should not either.

The Global Fight Against Terrorism:
The war against terror aims to replace the rule of terror with the rule of law. The United States seeks help from the entire world community in this fight.

Key Takeaways from the Session:
Attorney General Ashcroft emphasized the need for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Foreign Minister Downer highlighted the commonality of the fight and the disproportionate impact of terrorism on Muslims. Governor Ishihara’s personal experience in Washington on 9/11 resonated with the audience. Prince Turki’s directness in answering questions, particularly about suicide bombing, left a lasting impression.