January 12, 2004

President Bill Clinton urged the audience on the last day of the conference to judge America's attitude and actions toward the Muslim world comprehensively, taking into account all aspects of this complex relationship, and touched upon ways that the divide between the US and the Muslim world could be bridged. He also touched on the need for more introspection within the Muslim community.

MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati highlighted the vital role American Muslims can play in U.S. policy-making and as a moderating influence on Muslim affairs world-wide.

Communications Director Sarah Eltantawi discussed the need to build institutions that accommodate a wider spectrum of Muslims, both in terms of ethnic makeup, philosophical orientations to the faith, and political opinions.

MPAC Board Member Omar Ricci discussed the need for American Muslims to conceive of and empower American Muslims beyond the immigrant communities, particularly African Americans.

Brookings Institute officials such as Ambassador Martin Indyk, Director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy and Professor Shibley Telhami, were pleased with the participation of the American Muslim community at the conference, and looked forward to more substantive participation in policy issues in the future.