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The US is also a country where it's normal for a news anchor to ask a newly-elected Muslim representative "please convince me that you aren't working for the enemy" and for people to attack a Presidential candidate because his name sounds Muslim, both widely broadcast around the world.
I think that it would be unfair to judge the US according to FOX news.
Each nation has its own xenophobes and right wingers. The US is simply free enough that they get on TV. If Obama wants to sue, he would. Only that would give him more PR troubles. I think that he infact gains by having this issue discussed - because funny enough - many people think this way, and getting a chance to answer those claims is important.
I think it is great that someone asks him what values he holds and what happens when his faith, and US western values will clash. Is the BBC brave enough to ask that of UK muslims?
Not to say I support FOX libeling Obama to be a terrorist.
But the question of his values is important.
Many Muslims feel the US is at war with them. Hell, many Americans seem to think this. So yes, the US is an entirely unrespected peacekeeper in Muslim nations. Put US troups into a Muslim country, violence will increase, as they'll see it as provocation. Add to that the ties to Israel and it seems relatively obvious why Muslim countries don't like the US, and wouldn't appreciate US forces in their countries.
That is in a great deal due to a long delegitimization process made by local muslim leaders, when they see fit. This is part of the cultural trend that should be eradicated.
My point isn't that the USA is in a great political position right now.
The EU is neutral enough, and may seem great and much better equipped to handle this. But you forget that reality is set by interests and not casual diplomacy.
The EU is hesitant and 'meaningless'. It has a tendency to be afraid of "rocking the boat" and a love for long winded debates. Which is the last thing that the middle east needs right now.
Of course Iran, Syria and Hamas would prefer the EU. Not because they are "impartial". But because the EU has no teeth. Nor does it have any serious demands of them. You can see every demand the EU made towards Hamas or Iran become gradually weakened and softened. So of course they are going to love the EU.
Just because the US has made some popular moves before, it is currently burning all bridges with the Muslim world. Are you arguing that the US is seen as a credible peacekeeping in Iraq? Or that if the US were to send troups to Iran to keep the peace or prevent nuclear proliferation that the Iranians would respect them as peacekeepers?
The US is making moves - be they popular or not.
The EU does nothing of importance. There's no reason why should anyone seek its help.
For Syria - will the EU force Israel to give up the golan heights?
For Israel - will the EU oversee a future Syrian promise to disarm Hezbullah?
On the Palestinian front:
For the Pals - will the EU put peace keepers on Gaza streets?
Can they make Israel to deliver eastern Jerusalem?
For the Israelis - Can the EU really guard and support the Palestinian secular government? Can they really demand Hamas to recognize Israel?
As for Iran - there no need for anyone to 'keep the peace' and if you think that EU observers will be welcome - you are delusional.
Iran is bent on doing what it can to achieve nuclear status.
It prefers dealing with the EU since it is easier to manipulate. The iranians have no interest to 'supervise' themselves, and they will stand against anyone who will demand that. The EU simply does a worse job enforcing.
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