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Bill Clinton links extremism, lack of opportunity during Dubai speech

Former US president gives speech at the American University in Dubai

Former US president Bill Clinton
  • Former US president Bill Clinton gives a speach at the American University of Dubai.
  • Image Credit: Oliver Clarke/Gulf News
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Dubai: Former US president Bill Clinton on Wednesday drew a link between extremism and lack of opportunity in the Middle East, telling students at the American University in Dubai (AUD) that suicide bombers are driven by a feeling they have more to gain in the afterlife than now.

Clinton told a packed basketball stadium at the American University in Dubai that people are driven to blow themselves up because they "believe they have more to gain in the next world than this one" and that "tomorrow is going to be just like yesterday."

"They believe that change is not possible through reasoned, common efforts," he said. "They believe that, absent some cataclysmic and destructive event, that tomorrow is going to be just like yesterday."

The former president and husband to the current US Secretary of State said this feeling is the biggest danger "in the Middle East and in the difficulties that the Palestinians and the Israelis are having today."

"If we keep going on where the Palestinians are absolutely convinced that tomorrow is going to be just like yesterday, it can have calamitous consequences not just for them, but for all the rest of you as well," he said.

In the talk, the former president praised the American-style university for offering young women the same chances as young men, drawing enthusiastic applause when he said such equality was "key to the future of the Middle East."

Clinton also highlighted the need promote education, equality and economic opportunity in fighting extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying "we cannot shoot our way out of the world's instability". 

Do you think such visits from high profile people would benefit students? Which other activities do you suggest would encourage university students to perform better? Post your comments by clicking on the link below

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  1. Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity, but the tone of the message will not be changed. All comments go through a review process and some may not be published. Make sure your message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. Comments will only be accepted if all fields are filled out correctly.
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  1. Added 13:32 November 5, 2009

    Learning is key today, and leaders representing the world exchanging their experiences with today's and tomorrow's generations is worth while and encouraging, Nothing is perfect but a community, country or our world at large can participate positively to a brighter future together only. Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan their leaders should also share their experiences to understand the case from all dimensions which will help us i.e. Tomorrow's leaders effectively avoid or handle such a situation which is the biggest challenge of the century.

    Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 12:15 November 5, 2009

    Yes. It will help. We can always learn a lot from people greater than us. An experience to see them or hear them is a great value addition to our lives.

    Manikantan S , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates

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