Before the Western world and the Islamic states can resolve their political differences they need to understand each other and appreciate the similarities in their two cultures and respect the differences (Petersen, 2004). The level of misunderstanding is great, much of it based on stereotypes, and this is a stumbling block for political peace between the two. Westerners tend to look at the Islamic world as filled with terrorists out to do as much hard to the West as they can, to destroy its accomplishments and its people and to rule the world. This is simply not true. This is the view of religious extremists but not the average Muslim. The West has forgotten that the Middle East was the birthplace of civilization and of learning. Much of the great knowledge of today came from the Arab world. There is still a lot that the Arab world can contribute, and is contributing to the world as a whole.
On the other hand, many Muslims believe that the Western world is out to control, harm or attack them (Petersen, 2004). The conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine only confirm these fears. This fear and anxiety breeds hatred, and this makes people start classifying others in terms of black and white, and thinking of other countries in terms of being good or evil, dividing the world into "us" and "them." People then stop the search for common ground.
To solve the current problems between the Western world and the Islamic states, there needs to be a total change in the way the two view each other. Both sides need to step back and take another look and start thinking about what the two cultures share in common rather than their differences. They both need to become more tolerant of differences in cultures, religions, customs and beliefs. They both need to recognize that there is no right or wrong in these areas and that one cannot force their values and beliefs on the other. Appreciation of similarities and respect of ...