WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- Better communications could go a long way toward stemming anti-Americanism in the Muslim world, a top think tank said Thursday.
In the report, "A New Beginning: Strategies for a More Fruitful Dialogue with the Muslim World," authors Craig Charney and Nicole Yakatan of Charney Research said change will require "listening more, a humbler tone, and focusing on bilateral aid and partnership, while tolerating disagreement on controversial policy issues."
The report, which relied on focus groups in Egypt, Indonesia and Morocco, was published by the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations. It said public perception of U.S. policy spilled over toward its people.
"Perceptions matter: most Muslims do not hate America for 'who we are' or 'what we do,' but for what they perceive we do," the authors said.
They added instead of trying to persuade the Muslim world of U.S. evenhandedness in the Middle East, Washington should publicize its development aid to the region.
