Egypt's new president, Mohammed Morsi, says the United States must fundamentally change its approach to the Arab world. On the eve of his visit to the United Nations, Morsi told the New York Times America must show greater respect for the Arab world and its values and help build a Palestinian state.
Shouldn't it be the other way around? We have enriched the Arab world with the purchase of their oil, but they have not used their wealth to elevate their people. We have helped many of them oust dictators. President Obama has apologized repeatedly for everything to Quran burnings almost to the existence of our country. None of it works because the problem isn't us -- it's them.
The Arab and Muslim world has a matter of policy and theology of the destruction of Israel and subordination of America to sharia law. They are behind terrorist attacks all over the world that have killed thousands. Their people murder children in the name of their God.
So just who should be understanding and respectful? It isn't America. It's the Arab and Muslim world.
In New York, I'm Cal Thomas.
Publication date: September 25, 2012