In recent years, critics have charged that America's foreign policy apparatus has lacked the knowledge and training in religions of the world to understand and act appropriately and effectively when dealing with worldwide concerns. This critique makes perfect sense and is well justified. From diplomatic engagement to military interaction, US efforts since 2001 have at times misinterpreted, wrongly anticipated, or simply lacked proper concern for the religious underpinnings holding together – or tearing apart – other cultures.
This is not merely a matter of being nice to our neighbors (not that there's anything wrong with that). A new book by Thomas Farr, World of Faith and Freedom (reviewed here by Dallas Morning News' William McKenzie), argues that our national interest is at stake in our ability to understand the relationship between religion and societies around the world.
It is in that context – the need for enhanced religious literacy and awareness – that I read the State Department's news of a new Office of the United States Special Representative to Muslim Communities.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has asked Farah Pandith to head the new Office of the United States Special Representative to Muslim Communities. Special Representative Farah Pandith and her staff (S/SRMC) will be responsible for executing the Administration’s efforts to engage with Muslims around the world on a people-to-people and organizational level.
