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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