The Middle East Blog, TIME

Hussein: What's In a Name?

Hats off to John McCain for immediately repudiating conservative radio talk show host Bill Cunningham, who seemed to impugn Barrack Obama for his Muslim heritage at a political event on Tuesday. Introducing McCain at a Republican campaign rally with a pep talk, Cunningham attacked Obama as a hack politician and repeatedly referred to him as Barrack Hussein Obama in an obvious effort to draw attention to Obama's Muslim heritage.

Obama has every right to be proud of his Muslim heritage and his middle name. The Prophet Mohammed's grandson was named Hussein, who himself became one of the revered figures in Islam. Throughout history probably millions of newborn Muslim males have been named Hussein, one of the most popular Muslim names after Mohammed.

From the beginning of Obama's presidential campaign, the hate preachers and fear mongers have thrown out his middle name and referred to his Muslim background--Obama's Kenyan father's family was Muslim, but Obama was raised in the U.S. as a Christian. This is done not as gestures of respect for Islam or Obama but in efforts to smear Obama by associating him with terrorists and dictatorships. Look for the smear campaign against Obama to continue until the November general election for president if he defeats Hillary Clinton to become the Democratic Party's candidate.

To their credit, Americans, across the whole country, aren't buying it. The outpouring of support for Obama as a candidate of color in the Democratic primaries is evidence that at heart America is a tolerant democracy that celebrates its multiculturalism. The U.S. is a country that is capable of recognizing prejudice and dealing with it--even if we still have a long ways to go.

McCain not only repudiated Cunningham but took responsibility for Cunningham's conduct. With candidates like Obama and McCain leading the race for president, it's a sign that Islamophobes in the U.S., who had their heyday after 9/11, may be on their way to being marginalized. That will be a good thing for America and for the Middle East.

--By Scott MacLeod/Doha

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Reader Comments (22)

Karen:

Scott - Would you consider naming your first born after Barack Hussien Obama? After it's only a name.

Karen:

You need to go back and re-read Obama-s biography - his mother was an atheist, as well as his father. His step-father was muslim, not Christian. He didn't join the church until much later in life, no doubt because it was a boon and necessity for his political career. Stop trying to tell the American people that there is nothing to fear where Muslims are concerned. Do you remember 9/11 - need I say more?

Malcolm:

If Obama turned out to be a great President, then I would possibly name a child after him. I'd be more likely to select his first name, though, since his middle name's connection to him is rather tenuous. Also, it would be more likely that I would use it as a middle name, since in my family it is more common to name people after relatives. But then, my middle name was derived from Malcolm X.

I remember 9/11 very well, considering that I'm from NY, worked until 2 months earlier next door to the WTC, have a father whose apartment was damaged by debris from the planes, and lost a friend in the second tower. But I wouldn't blame Muslims in general any more than I would harbor resentment against the Japanese people among whom I live for WW II.

jason:

"With candidates like Obama and McCain leading the race for president, it's a sign that Islamophobes in the U.S., who had their heyday after 9/11, may be on their way to being marginalized. That will be a good thing for America and for the Middle East. "
I listened to the tape you present. Basically McCain apologized without even hearing Cunningham. So how do you go from that to your statement "Islamophobes in the U.S., who had their heyday after 9/11, may be on their way to being marginalized". Furthermore, Cunningham was attacking Obama's theme of Lets Talk To Our Enemies. Did not Bush say- we tried talking over and over again and it did not work. While Obama if elected will " be talking " to Iran - they will have already made the atomic bomb under his watch. Will he then talk to the bomb and negotiate it away?????

Ian:

So you want America to live in fear for the rest of time? I am not trying to downplay what happened 7 years ago, but America as a whole needs to move on from that.If America wants to continue to truly be 'the home of the free' then we as a people need to free ourselves of our fear of Muslims and foreigners.

Karen:

Not fearing muslims isn't the same as permitting one to run our country - the United States is, and always has been from the very start, rooted in Christianity. What I have even more of a problem with is the fact that Barack Obama is ashamed of where he has come from and who he was raised by! He states he's not Muslim with such venom as to say - how dare anyone ask if he's muslim? Slap in the muslim's faces as well as his own fathers. Then, he denounces Farrakhan and in doing so, his pastor as well. He seems to be separating himself from a lot of his backers! He wants their support, just doesn't want to be linked to them publicly.

Karen:

Bottom line - The author, Scott, didn't have a clue who Cunningham was, or what he stands for, or the fact that alot of this is just his schtick! I've never cared for him, but he was asked to get the crowd going, and he did just that! He also mentioned things about Hillary Clinton, but did you see them crying about those comments or replaying them? NO - again, unfair critism of those who cross Obama - He has skated through this entire campaign and I think it is because he is black and we don't want to hear the blacks crying like they always do about racism!! I'm so tired of everyone trying to be so politically correct! I love black people, I love white people - I just don't understand why everyone can't treat everyone the same - no one deserves any favors and no one should be getting any favors!! That's what equality is all about after all!

Nathan W.:

Karen: Obama is not Muslim. He never was Muslim. He is a member of a Christian church in Chicago. Every media outlet in America, including Fox News, has investigated the claim and found it to be absolutely incorrect. It's not the fact that people are asking if he's Muslim; it's that people are trying to make him Muslim in order to scare away voters like yourself. It's a dirty fear tactic of the likes seen in Communist Russia, not in a democratic US.

He describes his mother as detached from religion, yet "in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I have ever known." He describes his Kenyan father as "raised a Muslim," but a "confirmed atheist" by the time his parents met, and his Indonesian stepfather as "a man who saw religion as not particularly useful."

He joined the Trinity United Church of Christ in 1988. He wasn't elected to the Illinois Senate until 1996, a full 8 years after he joined the church. I'd say thats hardly "because it was a boon and necessity for his political career". Atheists and Muslims don't join Christian churches.

Also, you seem to be contradicting yourself. You decry and reject racism in your last post but then you claim all Muslims are dangerous. 9/11 was the brain child of a twisted extremist who happened to be Muslim. It's not right to implicate all Muslims for the attack. It's not right, it's not tolerant, it's not democratic, and it's not what this country teaches. This country was built by the hands of a hundred different ethnicities and religions, and by pushing a fear of Muslims, you are insulting the principles of this great country.

Nathan W.:

And I agree with you Scott -- McCain did the right thing by apologizing and rejecting that kind of speech.

"The U.S. is a country that is capable of recognizing prejudice and dealing with it".

Capable? Yes. Quick? No. But at least we are capable of recognizing prejudice and neutralizing it, and, in my opinion, it is America greatest strength. It will keep us together when other countries would fracture.

BlueDusk:

This is for all those who were being offensive in their comments towards Islam,
If a group of people attacked the US in 9/11 in the name of Islam that doesn’t mean that Islam accepts this or allows it. The Islam population is more than 1,200,000,000 of the whole population living on earth and you people can not say that you do not want to deal with them or live with this FACT.

BlueDusk:

Many non Muslim people have two reactions towards Islam. The first is “Islam = Terror” the second is “Muslim = no problem” but when does each reaction comes, well the first is when they want to say that a person is bad. The second reaction comes when they are closing $$ deals. How many of you people know that the US government also European countries are trying to attract Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) to invest in their companies and let them close deals worth billions of dollars in order to cover loses.

BlueDusk:

. An example is the last economic crisis the US is undergoing today. People, the US is doing its best to attract the Biggest SWFs and get them to invest Billions in many companies as support to the economy since printing money is not helping and it is allowing the Dollar to depreciate against the Euro. The only way is to get more money from outside the states to invest inside. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (More than $800 billion), Kuwait Investment Authority (more than $200 Billion), Qatar Investment Authority (More than $70 Billion each week adds a new $1 Billion) not mentioning Saudi Arabia and others. All this money can invest in the US and all the money comes from GCC with Muslim Leaders and citizens.

BlueDusk:

Why don’t you fight against them and not allow them invest in the US since they are Muslim. Ahhh! I think I know the reason; it is because in this case it’s on your side. It’s funny, some people only know how to attack others without having to do a small study before even saying a word. Look at the US “I am not offensive but will say a fact that most of you cannot deny” the US is full of racist and religiousts “if this is the right word” most of the US citizens think “Oh! He is black, Yellow, white” or “Oh! He is Muslim, Jew, Christian” what is going on with you people you are living on earth a diversified planet in race, religion and others. You should try to live with that and when you want to attack who attacked you then go find the right person or group, in other words “It’s not Islam who attacked US but its Bin Laden and his group and they do not represent Allah on earth but they think that they are doing the right thing”

BlueDusk:

How many American soldiers died in the war of US on Iraq? How many died in Afghanistan?
“God bless the whole earth and may he protect it from wars” say this instead of saying May god Bless the US. If Bin laden made a wrong thing then he is to blame and not all Islam. Hussein is just a name no matter who it represents it does not mean each Hussein in the world is a terrorist, read about Hussein the grand child of the prophet and then judge him “he died betrayed”
Thank you for the time spent reading my long comment; again I was clarifying and not being offensive

BlueDusk:

I totaly appologize for writing alot but I wanted to prove a point thanks to the Time magazine for allowing this :)

Sherif:

Jason:
"Did not Bush say- we tried talking over and over again and it did not work."

It's not what you say,it's how you say it!(And who says it!)
Are you suggesting we fight Iran?Or bomb them?
Islamophobes have alot of hate to humanity,they love wars,it helps the economy!

"While Obama will " be talking " to Iran - they will have the bomb under his watch. Will he then talk and negotiate it away????? "

One of 2:
1-Use the bomb on Israel.(stupid,only a gain for Hezb Allah,its more of a status)
2-Negotiate a great deal for their people!And we'll wait till someone in office decides to find another enemy to go after.

Capt. America 01752:

Obviously there is nothing in the name. The man is on his way to winning the Democratic nomination. On top of that he is a black man, so if there were any excuses needed we would have them, but he is winning so good for him.

The name and how it sounds may remind us of some nutbag losers that exist in the world but it is obvious that we do not hold it against Barrack.

Sherif:

"The name and how it sounds may remind us of some nutbag losers that exist in the world but it is obvious that we do not hold it against Barrack."

Why do hate and disrespect all Arabs?Is it because of how you were raised?Or is it because of your intelligence again?
Just remember the Japaneese,but I don't think your liking need to be reminded.

"On top of that he is a black man"
On top of that?Unbeleivable!Let me guess,you're Caucasian?!Republican?
I am positive you will be very honored when an African American rule the country.Freedom of speach!

Capt. America 01752:

Sherif. Actually you sound like the typical racist.


First I said his name reminds us of some nutbag losers. Why is that wrong? It was a bunch of nutbag Arabs that flew planes into our buildings. That strap bombs on their bodies to blow up innocent people (every day I might add).

So you did not understand my comment "On top of that he is a black man". Why I said that is I was pointing out that regardless of his name a black man has never got the democratic nomination.

So, take a person with an Arabic name. Would anyone have though in America today that he could be close to being President.
Now take a black man and ask the same question.
Now take black man with an Arabic name. I made the comment because it shows how far we in America have come to put racism behind us that a person with an Arabic name, and on top of that a black man could be winning a Democratic election for President.

And to answer your question I am a registered Republican. Yes I am "Caucasian"

The truth, the only Democrat I ever voted for for President was Clinton in his second term. Until now, I voted for Barack Hussien Obama. I do not want another politics as usual President and I believe its time for major changes.

And as for hating all Arabs. Far from it, and yes I did mail in a check for Yousef so he could come to America and get treatment for his burns. When my nephew was stationed in Iraq and he asked that when we sent him packages that we send a small toy so he could give it to an Iraqi kid I did.

But does that mean that I love all Arabs, far from it. I have a right to be angry, just as you hate the Israelis


Sherif:

"But does that mean that I love all Arabs, far from it. I have a right to be angry, just as you hate the Israelis "

I don't hate the Israelis,I hate the zionist Israelis,and their backers.You should learn the same,hate the radicals,and not all Arabs!

So for you,same goes for : ALL:Germans,Japaneese,Italians,Koreans,Persians,and everyone we've had a war with?And all muslims?

Here is the quetsion:Did you give the kid his toy because you felt bad for him?Or your nephew expected it from you? You hate these people remember?They kidnapp and behead,yada yada yada!

If we have left racism behind us,nobody would mention the word"Black" anywhere associated with Husein Obama!

He will invite his muslim relatives from Kenya to come over and have a piece of the pie!

Capt. America 01752:

Israelis,and their backers.You should learn the same,hate the radicals,and not all Arabs!

Actually Sherif you have said that "Israel" was stolen and should be given back. You also said it was ok for suicide bombers to kill soldiers.....what ever. Like I said, you and I will never agree.

"I hate the zionist Israelis,and their backers."

In your eyes anyone that is not an Arab is a backer.......


I gave the kids toys because they are kids and need toys as much as they need food. I always buy toys for underprivileged kids at xmas time. And yes, most of then are minorities, but you will not accept that because you want me to be racist, it makes it easy to hate that way, right?.


See Sherif, you have said to me several times that I should learn about other people, I should travel and learn of their cultures, I think the way I do because that's the way I was raised. I have to tell ya Sherif, when you say that, and other people say those kind of things in response to the kind of comments I make. Its all BS. You have no legitimate response so you try to put me on the defensive and say I do not know things. When in reality, you have no factual response.

Sherif, what you and people of the Middle East seem to be taking a life time to learn is that they/you are wrong. The world does not work in a way that terrorist get the policy changes to come about by murder. All these groups that support terrorism lack the brain power to negotiate, all they can do is send brain washed simpletons to there deaths so they can have the self satisfaction of knowing they are responsible for killing a people they do not like. Did blowing up civilians at a check point in Israel ever bring about peace? No, and everyone knows it never will. That's what we all pretend not to know, Hamas will never stop killing Israelis and Israelis will never stop retaliating. OR vice versa, does it really matter who is to blame at this point

" He will invite his muslim relatives from Kenya to come over and have a piece of the pie!"

They can have all the pie they can eat, its the American way.

Sherif, I can only ask you to do one thing and if you can do it you will probably find some inner peace. So try this:

Do not hate me because you are not like me..........


Enough said...peace to you and yours, and have a good day.

brg8:

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About The Middle East Blog

Tim McGirk

Tim McGirk, TIME's Jerusalem Bureau Chief, arrived in the Middle East after covering Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Read more


Scott MacLeod

Scott MacLeod, TIME's Cairo Bureau Chief since 1998, has covered the Middle East and Africa for the magazine for 22 years. Read more


Andrew Lee Butters

Andrew Lee Butters moved to Beirut in 2003, and began working for TIME in Iraq during the Fallujah uprising of 2004. Read more


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