Let me just start with the video of the full Obama speech in Cairo, Egypt.
Impressive speech. Obama is an excellent speaker. He is well educated and clever. He knows how to reach people and make them trust him. He genuinely shows understanding of people.
Obama used Arabic words and phrases from the Quran in his speech to connect with his audience. He spoke of common interests between America and the Muslim world. He also spoke of Islamic contributions to the world and similarities between the Muslim world and America.
Obama assured Muslims that America is not at war with Islam and never will be. And we must not be bound by the past of fear and mistrust. We must move forward.
Obama addressed seven issues. The first issue being dealing with extremists. Specifically the huge trauma after September 11 and how some reactions after it were understandable and some were against American beliefs. That the war in Afghanistan was one of necessity, unlike the one in Iraq that was one of choice. Obama made no mention of the reasons behind the extremists and the root causes that drive them to such. Or perhaps he did as the next issue is that.
The second issue is Palestine and Israel. He spoke of refugees in the West Bank and Gaza, without mention of those in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and around the world, which tends to give the impression that he opposes the right of return for Palestinians. He stressed that he will pursue the two state solution which will require both sides of the conflict as well as the Arab countries to work towards. He also addressed rockets being fired at innocents and buses blown up without mention of the attacks Israel commits on Palestinians, occupation, harassment, prisoners and so on, what you can call the reasons for the violence that comes from the Palestinian side. However he did mention one of the reasons and that is settlements that must stop. And further that the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the lack of opportunity in the West Bank do not benefit Israel or it’s security.
Obama stated that “we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs”. I found this statement to be important. America has always been very open with Israel, while keeping the Arab world in the dark. What the Arab leaders were told was told to Israel prior and received the Israeli stamp of approval. What the Israeli leaders were told was always kept secret. Obama is in the very least admitting of this biased behavior. Finally he spoke of a secure Israel and a secure Palestine.
The third issue was the shared interest on rights and responsibilities of nuclear weapons. Specifically Iran. The U.S. and Iran had a thorny past, but Obama would like for them to be not trapped in that past and work for the future. The goal is to stop a nuclear arms race in the Middle East while acknowledging that there are some whom have them without mention of whom, which is Israel. Obama went on further to say we must work towards a nuclear weapon free world and that Iran should have the right to peaceful nuclear energy so long as it complies with the nuclear proliferation treaty.
The fourth issue was of democracy and the controversy about it’s promotion particularly in recent years and specifically Iraq. Obama stated that “no system of government can or should be imposed on any nation by any other”. Obama calls for free elections and human rights and governments that protects these rights are more successful and aligned with America. He further stated that some advocate for democracy only when they are out of power and once they are in power are ruthless in suppressing rights of others. Was this a little message to Hosni Mubarak?
The fifth issue was of religious freedom. Obama stated that Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance and mentioned respect and tolerance about all people in the Arab world including Maronites in Lebanon, Coptics in Egypt and the fault lines between Muslims. He also mentioned an example of the U.S. rules that make it hard for Muslims to perform one of their religious duties of charity (zakat).
The sixth issue was that of women’s rights. Obama rejects the view some have in the west that a woman who covers hear head is less equal but he opposes women being denied an education equating it to denying equality. Obama was clear not to imply that this is a Muslim issue but rather a world issue including in America. Obama is confident “our daughters can contribute just as much as our sons” and respects a women’s choice of the traditional role so long as it is her choice.
And finally the seventh issue was economic development and opportunity. Countries in the Gulf can’t rely on oil wealth alone and must work towards education and innovation, which will be the “new currency of the 21st century”. He used Japan as an example of an economy that grew while still keeping it’s distinct culture and traditions. Dubai was also mentioned as such but that is questionable and a whole other story.
Obama’s speech was important and is a great effort at diplomacy that is respectful to the Muslims and the rest of the world unlike his predecessor whom stated “you are either with us or against us”. Obama is seeking to work with the world to solve conflicts. While it is merely a speech that Obama admits is not going to solve anything but it is a step in the right direction to address the issues and to turn the page.
Finally I am still left with the question, are we great fools? Can this speech just fool us into believing there will be change? Only time will tell but at least we can try to work towards these issues even if Obama or whoever else was just fooling us and never intended for us to do so. However I believe that Obama is genuinely working for change, equality and understanding.
I now leave you with an important quote from President Barak Hussein Obama’s inaugural address to Israel.
“… and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
