The Financial Times reports that Saudis were glued to their television sets when Obama gave his speech in Cairo yesterday.
But even Saudi Islamists expressed their satisfaction after Mr Obama spoke on Thursday.
“It is a beautiful speech in general,” said Mohsen al-Awaji, an activist. “He talked about peace in Islam and we are saying yes, Islam is a religion of peace towards those who are peaceful with us but a religion of war for those who are fighting us.”
This was a great opportunity to open a new chapter in US-Muslim relations, he added. “I hope everyone, especially radical Muslims, will use this opportunity to mend fences with the US.”
And that was one of the core objectives of the speech. Words must be followed by actions, but Obama offered a new beginning to all who are willing to attempt it. Making jihad against the United States is not the way to respond to such an overture. If even one radical is dissuaded from taking up arms against the United States then Obama’s speech was worthwhile.
Save one person, save the world – isn’t that how it goes?
I saw the whole speech yesterday and was really impressed by it. It seemed in a way so banal, as if these things shouldn’t have even had to be said. They’re so obvious to me. But they were words an American President has never spoken before.
I thought he was very even-handed, and think most fair-minded people without a visceral stake in any particular side would agree.
I can’t help but think he might have saved a few people from being blown up on a bus. I loved when he said that’s how you surrender moral authority. I couldn’t agree more.
As I said, he made the progressive argument for peace.
I was particularly thrilled to see him acknowledge the US’s role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government. I can’t think of another time a US President has volunteered something damning like that (even regarding something 50 yeas in the past) in front of a foreign audience. Our foreign policy has for so long been premised on our absolute moral prerogative. This is what change sounds like!
On the other hand, I wonder what the realpolitik will be when it comes to the militant intransigence of Israeli settlers. Those folks have no interest in compromise, no interest in working with the other side (or even their own government). It’s great that Obama is taking a harder line with the Israeli government, but the settlers will be a real road block to a two-state solution.
Frankly, I almost choked on my coffee when he said it. That and when he said “Palestine.” Not “Palestinians,” PALESTINE. Wow. I couldn’t quite believe it…I still can’t.
On a related–but disturbing–note have you seen this video? (Gosh, it’s been so long until I can’t even remember how to embed anymore! I feel really silly.) I don’t quite know what to make of it. Yes, it’s ignorance on acid, but are these the rantings of drunk, self-indulgent idiot 20somethings or is this really representative?
I know alcohol loosens the tongue but damn–I’ve been that drunk before and managed not to slur anyone.