Comment on news article by Koenig R, “US takes steps to use science to improve ties to Muslim world”, 2009, Science, Vol 326, 13 Nov, p920-921.
An interesting policy step by the USA was announced last month with the naming three prominent scientists as special envoys to assess and develop scientific partnerships with Muslim-majority countries. These scientists include Egyptian-born chemistry Nobel Prize winner Ahmed H. Zewail, Algerian-born former director of the NIH Elias Zerhouni, and former president of the US National Academy of Sciences and current editor-in-chief of the journal Science Bruce Alberts. This policy announcement is seen as an effort to increase the role of science in diplomacy.
I think this is a step in the right direction to improve global relationships. If you think about the “languages” that are universally understood and common to all of humanity, it could possibly come down to two “languages” – that of music and science (we could also include sport). All beings living on this Earth live within and obey the laws of science no matter what their ethnicity, cultural beliefs, language spoken, or geographic location. If we look at universities in most of the Western world we see science and technology faculties with staff members from all over the world be they Oriental, Indian, Latino, European, African, etc. Scientific collaboration between academics and researchers all over the world already happens without political mandate, such is the nature and workings of the scientific community. I think it is positive that the US is seriously looking at improving its relationship with Muslim-majority countries through the use of scientific collaborations. With scientific collaboration between any cultures maybe they can work together to solve common scientific, technological, humanitarian, and health problems and forget about the relatively small differences between them.
It’s also interesting that there is a statement by Elias Zerhouni about the lack of science trained politicians and diplomats. I’ve always thought that if a society was to advance itself in terms of providing good health services, better living standards, and working public infrastructure there should be scientists and engineers in positions of decision-making in every level of government, including the top echelons of government, who understand the problem-solving process, have design thinking, have vision and creativity, and understand the practicalities of tackling the tough issues facing our natural world (e.g. alternative energy, urban overcrowding, disease spread). However, if only it could be so easy to get rid of all the personal agendas, power-grabbing, short-sightedness, and politicking in government and international relations, and focus on the real problems facing all peoples in all cultures and societies, then that would be a great dream becoming reality. I follow with interest to see if this step towards more scientific collaborations can help bring better cooperation and understanding between the USA and other countries.
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