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A new beginning
Ground-breaking. This is one word which can sum up the global reaction to US President Barack Obama’s speech to the Muslim world delivered at a packed auditorium on the sprawling campus of Cairo University yesterday. Before the speech, even Obama had requested expectations to be tempered with reality; but when the speech was finally delivered, expectations were running high. Both in style and content, the speech touched many hearts – the Islamic greeting expressed in Arabic, quotes from the Holy Quran and Bible; and his call for a new beginning with the Muslim world was packed with candour and respect and even arch US foes admitted that they have detected signs of change in the attitude of the superpower. A speech which has been crafted to repair America’s tainted image in the Islamic world has achieved its purpose, at least in terms of the good will it generated. After eight years of open conflict between the West and Islam, in which the dialogue was reduced to name-calling and accusations of terrorism, Obama spoke with passion and eloquence about the need to heal the wounds.
Both critics and allies have dissected in detail every word which Obama uttered for its meaning and message. Among the plus points, his audience would love his emphasis on the Palestinians; his toughest message was reserved for Jewish settlers on the West Bank, whose communities he termed illegitimate and he added that Jerusalem, claimed by Israel as its capital, should be a home for Jews and Christians and Muslims. He spoke about the rights of Muslims in the United States, which is considered an important topic; and with regard to Iran, the tone was significantly more positive than before, compared with the previous US administration. The conciliatory tone and candour with which it was delivered will definitely deprive the extremists among Muslims of a chance to whip up anti-US feelings; and groups like Al Qaeda will find it difficult to entice new recruits into their perverted ideology.
Critics of the speech are saying it lacks in specifics, as Obama has outlined no initiative for peace in the Middle East and no plan of action. They are also suspicious about its long-term impact, especially in the face of the huge pressure the US president will face from hawks at home. But Obama is right in not announcing a Mideast peace formula because the path ahead continues to be treacherous and it’s wise not to make promises one can’t keep. But one thing is certain; Obama has set the bar high and his every word and action will be watched keenly. He has delivered enough words and promises – it’s time for some action, and more of it, to realise his objectives.
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