Edmund Burke Would Be Proud

Muslim presidents, prime ministers and monarchs from at least 40 Muslim states attempted to address the issue, with 5,000 delegates, at last week's summit of the OIC held in this West African capital.

Despite early resistance, primarily from Iran, the OIC approved its first new charter since 1971, which included an unprecedented mandate to address human rights issues, intervene on behalf of women's rights and combat poverty and social injustice.

"To fly, you need two wings; we now have those wings," said OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, who was re-elected for a five-year term.

President Bush sent U.S. envoy Sada Cumber, a Pakistani-American businessman, to increase dialogue with the Muslim world.

Most Muslim leaders attending the event welcomed what they called a "new U.S. approach" to the Middle East and Islam in general.

The choice of Senegal to host the OIC summit was deliberate.

Africa's block of 27 nations voiced determination to promote Islamic-Christian dialogue and stimulate development in the Muslim world.

I think its notable that Africa's 27-nation bloc was mentioned, in particular, regarding their strong leadership on pushing for reform across the Islamic world - I wonder how much of this progressive attitude could be found to be a direct reflection coming from the unprecedented good will and "planting of seeds" President Bush has undertaken across the African continent over the course of his presidency?