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And now, a 'new' America
Prepare for a new America! This was the message that Reverend Jesse Jackson, a star of the Democratic Party, tried to convey to participants in the first World Policy Forum, held in the French lakeside resort of Evian last week.
- By Amir Taheri, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:50 October 14, 2008
- Image Credit: Illustration by Nino Jose Heredia/Gulf News
Prepare for a new America! This was the message that Reverend Jesse Jackson, a star of the Democratic Party, tried to convey to participants in the first World Policy Forum, held in the French lakeside resort of Evian last week.
To start with, the American people, having discovered the dangers of 'unbridled capitalism', have started to feel the need for an economic system that is not run like a casino.
Jackson's damning remarks about 'casino capitalism' may have sounded out of place in Evian, a city that owes its prosperity on its famous casino. However, many European politicians and analysts who have always favoured the so-called 'social market' model over the American model of free enterprise welcomed it.
Jackson also promised 'fundamental changes' in American foreign policy. The US had to "heal wounds" it has caused to other nations, revive its alliances, and apologise for the "arrogance of the Bush administration".
The most important change in US policy would occur in the Middle East where "decades of putting Israel's interests first" would come to an end. Jackson believes that although "Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades" are still strong, they are destined lose a great deal of their influence when Senator Barack Obama enters the White House.
"Obama is about change," Jackson told us in a wide-ranging conversation. "And the change that Obama is promises is not limited to what we do in America itself. It is a change of the way America looks at the world and its place in it."
Family matters
Jackson says he is neither a confidant nor an adviser to the Democratic presidential nominee. "I am just a supporter," he says before adding that Obama was, nonetheless, "a neighbour or, better still, a member of the family." Jackson's son has been a close friend of the junior Senator from Illinois for years. And, Jackson's daughter went to school with Obama's wife Michelle.
"We helped him start his career," Jackson says. "And then we were always there to help him move ahead. He is the continuation of our struggle for justice not only for the blacks but also for all those who have been wronged."
Jackson believes that African-Americans have always fought for something "much bigger" than equal rights for themselves.
"Africa has always been about justice and equality," he says. "The first ship that brought the African slaves to the New World brought with a people who were devoted to justice and equality."
Will Obama's election close the chapter of black grievances linked to memories of slavery? The reverend takes a deep breath and waits a long time before responding. "No, that chapter won't be closed," he says. "However, Obama's victory will be a huge step in the direction we have wanted for decades."
Jackson rejects any suggestion that Obama might have been influenced by Marxist ideas in his youth. "I see no evidence of that. Obama's thirst for equality is rooted in black culture."
But could one regard Obama as a typical American black, bearing in mind that he is not a descendant of slaves? Jackson's answer is an empathic yes. "You don't need to be a descendant of slaves to experience the oppression, the injustice and the ugly racism in our society," he says. "Obama experienced the same environment as all American blacks did. It was nonsense to suggest that he was somehow not black enough to feel the pain."
Wasn't he worried about the 'Bradley effect', according to which voters may claim they would favour a black candidate but end up not voting for him?
"I don't think this is how things will turn out," he says. "We have a collapsing economy and a war that we have lost in Iraq. In Afghanistan, we face a resurgent Taliban. New threats loom in Pakistan. Black Americans are not alone in wanting change. Today, most Americans want change, and know that only Barack can deliver what they want."
Jackson feels Americans have lost confidence in their institutions. "We have lost confidence in our president, our Congress, our banking system, our Wall Street and our legal system to protect our individual freedoms," he asserts. "I don't see how we can regain confidence in all those institutions without a radical change of direction."
Jackson's most surprising position concerns Iraq. He is passionate in denouncing the toppling of Saddam Hussain as "an illegal and unjust act". However, he says he is sure the US "will have to remain in Iraq for a very long time".
But, what about Obama's promise to withdraw from Iraq by 2010?
Jackson believes that the senator's position would have to evolve "reflecting realities on the ground." He says the US should not seek "permanent bases" in Iraq or use Iraqi territory as a launching pad for attacks on other countries. "We should work with our allies in Iraq to consolidate democratic institutions there," he says. "We must help the Iraqis decide and shape their future in accordance with their own culture and faith."
On Iran, he supports Obama's idea of opening a direct dialogue. "We got to talk to tell them what we want and hear what they want," Jackson says. "Nothing is gained by not talking to others."
Jackson is especially critical of President George W Bush's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. "Bush was so afraid of a snafu and of upsetting Israel that he gave the whole thing a miss," Jackson says. "Barack [Obama] will change that" because as long as the Palestinians have not seen justice the Middle East will "remain a source of danger to us all".
"Barack [Obama] is determined to repair our relations with the Muslims," Jackson says. "Thanks to his background and ecumenical approach, he knows how Muslims feel while remaining committed to his own faith."
Amir Taheri is an Iranian writer based in Europe.
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