The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Diplomatic to the core

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Friday, Aug 06, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Diplomatic to the core

Expectations were predictably high. It was a big day for the Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology which Barak Obama's special envoy, Rashad Hussain, chose to visit the other day. College authorities did not miss the opportunity to inform him about their institution's achievements.

Students were ready with their questions when Mr. Hussain ended his brief address. But most appeared to be disappointed as the special guest dished out US stated position on many issues.

There were searching questions too, but Mr. Hussain answered them diplomatically.

Why are persons with Arabic names singled out for questioning? “No, that's not correct”, Mr. Hussain said. Why are all Muslims considered terrorists? The answer was again a big no. He was in the same denial mode when quizzed about Muslim prisoners increasing in US jails and the community's difficulty in getting visas. After all this you think US will gain the confidence of Islamic world? “Yes, we have so much in common as human beings”, he remarked.

As the session ended and everyone got up, somebody said loudly “My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist”.

J.S.IFTHEKHAR

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