Comment: When religion overshadows governance

A few weeks have passed since General William Boykin, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence, spoke of Islam in Manichaean terms. In short, he used words like "idolatry" and "Satan" to his church group, calling on listeners to rally around his cause.

Under normal circumstances, the personal views of any individual would be just that, but General Boykin is the man in charge of tracking down Osama bin Laden and other "terrorists," and what he says matters.

In fact, it is in the context of the war on terrorism that his views are so pertinent to Gulf states, because his message is primarily addressed to Saudis and other Gulf residents.

General Boykin reportedly boasted to church audiences that his "work" in Somalia, and since then, was God's labour. In his own words: "My God is bigger than His (Somali warlord in Mogadishu). I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol."

The Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence was further quoted saying, "the (terrorists) are after us because we're a Christian nation."

While the United States inscribes "In God We Trust" on its currency, the country is an ethnic puzzle, multi-racial, and largely non-denominational. There is a functioning separation of church and state especially in terms of political life.

Therefore, one man's perceptions do not mean that what General Boykin spewed is official policy. Yet, it is important to assess the reaction his comments elicited.

Boykin's immediate boss, the Secretary of Defence, may have been embarrassed but one wonders what will his official investigation uncover. That the good man suffers from a religious superiority complex or that he may be delusional?

Rumsfeld knows that few Gulf officials will bring the "Boykin" affair during his next whirlwind tour of the region and, should any do - perhaps out of sheer curiosity - he will inform them of the ongoing investigation to determine whether any of the remarks are offensive.

Muted comments

President George W. Bush, for his part, was quick to state that the general's remarks did not "reflect" his views. Still, his comments were muted, to say the least. It is critical to understand why. Although Washington emphasises that the ongoing "war on terrorism" is a non-religious affair, General Boykin has maintained that it was God who placed President Bush in the White House.

Similarly, leading conservative born again Christians believe that they are entrusted with a global mission, of the "good versus evil" kind. In fact, there is now little doubt that the Bush Administration is heavily influenced by extremist Christian fundamentalists of an entirely different kind.

Given that a significant American military presence exists in Iraq and the Gulf region, how should one understand such messages in general, and Boykin's interpretation in particular? Equally important, what can Arabs and Muslims say and do to respond to this major challenge? It is important to accept that General Boykin is sincere in his beliefs.

Monopolising the Lord is hardly knew but the dangers of a religious war must be understood within the context of a clash of civilisations.

This is a key issue and it behooves one and all to reject the clash of civilisations concept as a jaded idea. There is a clash if we want one. There is not one if we dismiss it. Likewise, it may be useful to embark on the education bandwagon, as we owe it to ourselves to enlighten General Boykin and those inclined to support him. How can one answer this Manichaean challenge?

With Eid Al Fitr less than a week away, thousands of American serving in the Gulf will, for the first time in their lives, be exposed to a non-Christian religious celebration.

Many will be surprised and delighted with what they see and hear. It may also be a good idea for as many Gulf residents who can find it in their hearts to send General Boykin, care of the Pentagon, sincere greetings, to wish him and his family health and happiness. Essentially to remind him that God loves all of his children, of all faiths, creed, and colour.

Joseph Kéchichian, author of several books, is an expert on the Gulf and Middle East affairs.