TURKMEN REACTION TO PRESIDENT OBAMA'S JUNE 4, 2009 SPEECH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000919

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS


STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL, ECA, IIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SCUL KMDR KPAO OIIP TX
SUBJECT: TURKMEN REACTION TO PRESIDENT OBAMA'S JUNE 4, 2009 SPEECH
AT CAIRO UNIVERSITY


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Post held a series of roundtable discussions with
alumni of U.S. programs and representatives of local NGOs to
determine local reaction to President Obama's speech. General
consensus was that Americans were more likely to hold stereotypes
about Muslims in general rather than about Turkmen in particular, as
most Americans know nothing of Turkmenistan. Participants felt that
world media is partially to blame as negative events involving
Muslims are more likely to be covered than positive actions and a
false impression is given. Participants stated that Islam in
Turkmenistan is unlike in other parts of the Muslim world and
America's failure to recognize this is one recurring problem.
Participants also stated that current tensions are not caused by
religious differences but by underlying factors, such as
inter-tribal contention, poverty, and corruption, which are ignored
or trivialized. Until these conditions are met they felt that no
real change can be affected. Effects of tribal culture on local
religious practices were also addressed. END SUMMARY.

TURKMEN PERCEPTION OF AMERICAN STEREOTYPES REGARDING TURKMEN


2. (SBU) Participants, including alumni of U.S. programs and NGO
representatives, in a series of roundtable discussions on July 20
and July 21. Discussions were facilitated through post staff and
guided by a series of discussion questions focused on Turkmen
perceptions of Islam, America's response to Islam, and local
reaction to points raised by President Obama. Participants
complained that the majority of Americans had never heard of
Turkmenistan before. They also said when they tell Americans
Turkmenistan's geographic location (bordering Iran and Afghanistan),
individuals automatically inquired about terrorism and Islamic
extremism. Participants objected to be being categorized as
religious extremists and stated that Americans fail to differentiate
between nations and peoples, instead assuming all Muslims are
interchangeable. They also reported being offended by assumption
regarding dress, diet, and treatment of women. The participants
said that while most Americans know about the USSR, they were not
informed about the countries formed after its dissolution.
Attendees stated that following years of Soviet control and enforced
official atheism, Turkmenistan's view of religion is much different
and more shaped by cultural norms, than laws from the Koran.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSLIM IDENTITY TO A TURKMEN


3. (SBU) Participants reported pride in being Muslim, but said it is
not at the forefront of their minds. They stated that Turkmen
practice religion in the home through traditions and ceremonies
passed down through families, but not publicly in the mosques. They
added that outsiders might see the way they live and consider it as
following a Muslim or religious way of life. They, however, do not
view their traditions as "religious." They are following practices
handed down from other generations, often irrespective of religious
significance.

DO TURKMEN BELIEVE OBAMA WILL BE EVEN HANDED WITH THE ISRAELIS AND
THE PALESTINIANS


4. (SBU) Participants stated that Obama is an experienced politician
and he knows what to say, but they do not believe his statements
regarding American neutrality in brokering Israeli Palestinian peace
initiatives. (COMMENT: The assumption that politicians are
inherently dishonest is also a reflection of deeply ingrained
Turkmen cynicism regarding politicians. END COMMENT.) However,
participants also said it is important for leaders to be seen as
fair and unbiased, without taint of a double standard. Participants
said that America is responsible for Israel's creation and still
considers that country the U.S.' offspring, adding that the U.S.
relationship with Israel allows America a level of control and
influence in the region. One man did remark that Israel is the only
democratic piece in a region comprised largely of totalitarian

ASHGABAT 00000919 002 OF 002


regimes. He said Israel attacks only in retaliation, and he agreed
with America's support of Israel because he did not like the
alternatives.

ON WHETHER TURKMEN BELIEVE WESTERN-STYLE DEMOCRACY IS POSSIBLE IN
MUSLIM LANDS


5. (SBU) During the discussion regarding the potential for
democratic governments in Muslim nations participants unanimously
agreed that the potential varied widely from country to country.
They stated that in some nations, Western-style democracy is
possible, especially in the case of Turkey. Participants also
stated that maintaining a transparent government is problematic in
Muslim nations because of tribal structures, not because of
religion. Participants stated that the tribal system -- which
dominates the region -- presents the biggest threat and impediment
to democratic process. Participants felt that attempts at
democratization would be constantly stymied by contention and
internal power struggles, until these systems erode. Participants
felt that democracies cannot flourish until individual mentalities
change.

ON WHETHER IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF UNITY ADDRESSED BY
OBAMA IN HIS SPEECH


6. (SBU) Participants claimed that nations must first abandon
enforced religious practices before it will be possible to achieve
goals of unity that President Obama mentioned in his speech.
Participants felt that countries must establish secular governments
and allow religion to be freely practiced, without government
interference, in order for nations to treat each other as equals.
They said that as long as state religions and tribal clans dominate
the Muslim world, only an armed truce can be achieved. Participants
also noted that President Obama only discussed religions in conflict
with Christianity, and ignored the many other faiths, including
Hinduism and Buddhism, which exist in America.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND A PEACEFUL ANSWER TO EXISTNG RELIGIOUS WARS


7. (SBU) Participants cynically approached the topic of peaceful
answers to existing religious wars because "these fights have always
existed." Participants added that religion is just an excuse for
these longstanding conflicts to perpetuate themselves. Participants
remarked that "we don't really have religious wars, but these wars
are fought over economic, social, and territorial issues. As long
as these issues are in conflict, war will continue, whether under
the guise of religion or some other label." Participants also
claimed some individuals use religious claims to benefit themselves,
to gather influence, power, and wealth. Participants said that
religious wars will end once everyone lives in democratic, secular
nations, but until then, the problems will continue.


8. (SBU) COMMENT: Participants felt strongly that corruption and
tribal based nepotism were the true evils today in Muslim societies.
They stated that while America and the West can make overtures,
hatred and bitterness would continue to rise from the difficult
lives that people lead, as well as corrupt governments in this part
of the world. This hatred is really a reaction to corruption and
lack of freedom at home. Participants felt that determining an
answer to modern religious conflicts will only be possible when all
participating nations offer their citizens equal protections and
freedoms. END COMMENT.

MILES