Chan-CP#4

(Ramadan 2013)

            Mohamed and I met this weekend, after sundown.  He let me know that he prefers to meet only after he has had a chance to eat.  I complied, and we met after 10pm.  We took a walk along Tennessee St. and then down onto the FSU campus.  We discussed many things and had an enjoyable time.  Although, I learned that Mohamed is not interested in discussing anything to do with war or politics.  He and I have a lot in common (i.e. we like to watch movies, enjoy music, food, and laugh easily).  However, we are different in the fact that I enjoy discussing the political aspects of the Middle East, having a brother who has fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Mohamed is young, and prefers to discuss sports or food.  I gladly complied, as I am working on a student-based approach and find no need to push any personal agenda.  No harm was done, as we both left the conversation with a spoken mutual respect. 

            Surprisingly though, I learned that Mohamed has never heard of Bin Laden or the Taliban.  In American culture, we are forced to hear about the Taliban frequently, due to the passing of the “Patriot Act” and our current war in Afghanistan.  I am learning that even in a country (Kuwait) that was invaded by an unfriendly military force (Saddam’s Iraq), many of the citizens may prefer to keep their focus on sports and food.  I thought that being in the Middle East would make it impossible not to be involved in political discussions, but I was wrong.  I wonder if he ever thinks about the American Marines who fought in Iraq to keep Saddam from taking over his country.  Or if he knows that Saddam received most of his training and weapons from the American government. 

            But, alas, the political discussions will cease after this one blog.  I promise!