I just finished reading the text of the speech President Obama gave in Cairo today. Overall impression: a good speech, sensitively written with his audience in mind. Only negative impression: when Obama begins listing the specific issues, all of which are important, he at times starts to list various things America has done or is doing in a way that seems more like either a campaign speech or State of the Union address.
Some things that struck me:
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and western countries but also to human rights.
All this has bred more fear and more mistrust. So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings. [...]
Now, part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian. But my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk.
As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam at places like Al-Azhar that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities...
More, after the jump:
More, from the speech:
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. [...]
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire.We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal. And we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words, within our borders and around the world.
We are shaped by every culture. Drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept, E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
There's much, much more, of course; I'm just highlighting a few of the initial, tone-setting passages that caught my eye on first reading. I think the president was clearly striving for balance, showing both his own Muslim roots and the various ties Islam has had in the past and continues to have in America, while mentioning some of the things that make America unique: our birth and history, our committment to rights, our notions of free speech and freedom of religion, and our love of democracy.
On that last point, President Obama said:
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years. And much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear. No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people.
Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people, the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.
Part of me likes this, but part of me wonders how various Islamic leaders will take it--is there, perhaps, going to be an impression that Obama is still speaking from a background and framework that exalts democracy and sees it as preferable, from a human rights perspective, to other forms of government?
There's way too much more to discuss it all--I found the section on religious freedom interesting, for example, but was unsure whether the rather brief section on the Israeli-Palestinian situation broke new ground; certainly Obama stressed America's ties with Israel, but quickly moved along to the notion that America doesn't get to say, alone, who has nuclear weapons, and finished up with a reference to Iran's quest for nuclear power.
I'd really like to hear from people who read or heard the speech and have observations to share about it. I'm particularly interested in hearing from Obama supporters: was this the speech you wanted him to give? Any major high or low notes? Anything addressed you wish he'd left out, or missing that you wish he'd addressed? And how do you think the Middle East nations will receive it?
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Erin - happy to see you posted this.
Re: Al-Azhar etc - I am a bit fuzzy today - serious cold medicine intake - but was it not from Al-Azhar and general contact with the Arabic world that we got advanced math - and Plato?
I was happy with the speech. Smart move to open with a bit of arabic and the quotes from the Koran. I like the way he speaks on issues - as if he thinks we are all intelligent. My major thoughts are what a relief to think we might be taking the first steps towards eliminating the threat of continued terrorism and Islamic-US tensions. What a relief to hear a US President speak honestly about some of these issues. His statements on democracy were such a welcome departure from our previous Pres.
The real problem here will be getting Israel to the table and willing to make some compromises as well as the same for Hamas. And dealing with the Israeli lobby here in the US. I do pray he is up to that challenge. It would be nice to have peace. He has to continue in this vein - he has made several openings to the Islamic governments and people - but he has to follow up with action. This is a good start - the journey is beginning - let us hope it can continue.
Most Americans have little idea how much the U.S. has involved itself in supporting and/or overthrowing Middle Eastern governments as it met our perceived needs. Much of this was done during the Cold War, using these nations as proxies. More recently it has involved keeping access to oil.
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a constant irritant. It is often used a proxy battle by all sides involved in the ME. Internal conflicts within both israel and the Palestinians have been just as important in prolonging the conflict as the external actors.
Given the historical context, I think it was important to acknowledge the past, but openly state that we respect those of islamic faith, and will work towards a resolution of our conflicts. Both sides are harmed by our mutual antipathy. I think a stated intention to work towards an honest reset is a good idea, a necessary one. The follow up will be key. I think you can see it already already in the grumbling about how Obama's administration is not making private deals after publicly condemning the actions of various ME actors.
Steve
I think Obama's message was a good one. The extremists will not accept it, but I hope your average person in the Middle East will. He did well by greeting them with As Salaam Aleikum, a greeting which commends the greeted to God and wishes him peace. In recognizing the legitimacy of Al Azhar and in admitting that democracy (or any government) should not be imposed, Obama might be heard and understood. He accepts that one speech is not going to build a bridge. But the comment about leaving Iraq to Iraqis will cause a few grins in downtown Baghdad and Mosul and Tikrit.
This quote on democracy demonstrates the incisive mind so many people respect: "So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion. You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party."
This tops even that: "It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is one rule that lies at the heart of every religion, that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
This truth transcends nations and peoples, a belief that isn't new, that isn't black or white or brown, that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew... It's a faith in other people. And it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. The holy Quran tells us: "Mankind, we have created you male and female. And we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.""
The case against the extremists will be a little harder to sell, because the extremists frame us as the bad guys, with constant images of little children suffering after bomb attacks. But there's hope.
The extremists literally have nothing to offer, and I think with time people in Muslim countries will realize it in time. Islamic extremists claim they will restore just rule to countries under their control, but have demonstrated very little ability to do that. They are running out of ammunition, figuratively speaking. Their agenda is all negative: get rid of the Westerners, with unclear visions for what comes after that.
On the other hand, some of their grievances have merit. It is wrong for children to be killed in war, I don't care who is responsible. Proper counterinsurgency techniques (SECURING rather than destroying the local populace for a start) followed by disengagement are the route to peace. (If the enemy is amenable of course!)
I am an Obama supporter. I think the entire speech was excellent. I will mention two things from his 55 minute speech that needs to be heard rather than just read.
#1 - Continuing his mother's work and life passion
"That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams."
#2 - I liked the way he threaded the speech with the religion of Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
"Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer."
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
... [the speech ending]
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you."
Steven Walman said the last sentence is a common Muslim phrase.
Louis Farrakhan: "If you look at Barack Obama’s [diverse] audiences and look at the effect of his words, those people are being transformed from what they were. This young man is the hope of the entire world that America will change and be a better place."
Here I've tried to collect all notable tributes paid to Barack Obama by peers:
http://www.tributespaid.com/category/b/barack-obama
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