We do not know exactly why Tariq Ramadan cannot set foot in the United States. But given what we do know, that policy is a disaster.
Ramadan was ready to assume a position at Notre Dame University in 2004 when the State Department revoked his visa under the "ideological exclusion" provision of the Patriot Act, without citing any specific offenses.
Last fall a U.S. official linked the visa denial to contributions Ramadan made to a charity with links to Hamas over the period 1998-2002. From Ramadan's perspective, the non-visa is a response to his outspoken criticism of U.S. policy in the Middle East.
If we are serious about West-Islamic dialogue, Tariq Ramadan is someone we need to engage. Before we can agree or disagree we have to listen.
Now a fellow at St. Antony's College, Oxford, Ramadan has emerged as Europe's most visible Muslim intellectuals. In books, articles, lectures and interviews he creatively addresses the challenges facing Islam and Muslims in Atlantic democracies, insisting on a critical engagement with core Western values and institutions -- not their rejection.
Ramadan is, by his own admission, an outspoken critic of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians. But he is also on record against suicide bombing and anti-semitism. In 2005 Tony Blair appointed him to a government commission to combat extremism.
Shutting Ramadan out of the U.S. not only subverts West-Islamic dialogue when it is vitally needed. It also plays into the hands of extremists with a warped view of the U.S. bent on an anti-Muslim crusade.
Today through Thursday, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University is sponsoring three satellite conversations with Ramadan on "Islam-West Relations."
In an era of global communications, ideas do not stop at the water's edge.
Tom Banchoff is Associate Professor of Government and Director of Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. Click here for more information on the conversations with Ramadan.
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