Encouraging start
June 4, 2009
As generations of diplomats have learned, trying to overcome decades of mistrust between the Muslim world and the Occident in any form is a daunting task. But doing so in a two-hour speech is a very tall order indeed.
Yet going into his speech at Cairo University, US President Barack Obama said he aimed to "seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition."
Obama himself acknowledged the impossibility of quickly solving the problems that have long plagued the tinderbox region: "No single speech can erase years of mistrust," he said.
However he stressed that in order to move relations forward it was necessary to speak openly and honestly.
In his overtly ambitious address, Obama listed many of the ongoing problems facing the region, from Iran's nuclear ambitions to the Palestinian fight for an independent state, to the question of democratic values and institutions, to women's rights in the Muslim world.
Middle East expert Peter Philipp told Deutsche Welle that the broad-ranging speech managed to hit the right tone.
"He did not give any recipes or say how things should be done. He said these are the issues we have to cover ... he implied that the United States and the Muslim world should work together and that there were common interests."
But the question remains as to whether a standing ovation by the Cairo audience - won over by Obama's use of quotes from the Koran, and chants of "Obama, Obama" - may well be more than just a token gesture of support for his thoughts.
Ali al-Dabbagh, an Iraqi government spokesman, said the speech was "historic and important and reflects a positive direction for the new (US) administration."
But in the end, words alone will not do the job, said Mideast expert Philipp: "Now of course Obama will have to deliver. He's made similar remarks before, now he will have to do something about it."
A single speech by a single, charismatic politician may not be enough to overcome centuries of antagonism and mistrust. But as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said, Obama's words may open a "new page" in relations with the Muslim world.
Author: Rob Mudge
Editor: Jennifer Abramsohn