Messages to Obama

Messages to Obama

Once, at the beginning of the 1940’s, the Egyptian poet and Islamic thinker, Abdel Rahman Al Sharkawy, expressed in one of his best poems ‘From an Egyptian father to President Truman’ what every Egyptian thought of the new American president.

Again, and in 2008, people in Egypt desire to send the new American head of state, Barack Obama, a handful of messages, and drive some points home.

The first message was from Dr. Ali Leila, professor of sociology, Ain Shams University. “As a start, Obama, the young charismatic revolutionary, has become the first black president, who, in spite of everything else, will have an eye on American interests.”

“American policies have an undeniable impact not only on the U.S, but on the world in general and the Arab region in particular.” Leila considers, “That is why, America, symbolized by the statue of Liberty and with its political, social and cultural diversity, can be a herald of responsible freedom and democracy to the world, in addition to establishing relations with other peoples pursuant to mutual interests, without any partialities. In this way, the dust that covered America’s true face during the two terms of President Bush shall be removed.”

And this is Dr. Asem El Dosouky, historian and professor of modern history, Hilwan University, who sees that the reckless attitude of the Republicans and their “Bush” was the main reason behind the world’s, America included, standing behind Obama. However, only the American people will benefit from this big event, especially as the Democratic Party is their favorite. As for foreign policy, Dr. Asem continues, there will be the councils of the national security and advisers. “Yet, we expect Obama to realistically and impartially deal with the critical issues in the Middle East and abandon the policy of ‘the carrot or the stick’. Besides, there must be an end to depictions of Muslims and Arabs as terrorists. The means to show their faultless reality are various and to hand.”

“Obama’s election breaks new ground,” Begins Ambassador Abdel Raouf El Reedy, head of the Egyptian council for foreign affairs. “It can mark the start of a policy based on deliberation, law and collaboration, rather than on ‘showing muscles’ and ‘ruthless capitalism’. We, as Arabs, are looking forward to his lending a hand to consolidate peace and solve the complicated matters of a region, in which the state of Israel encroaches upon the neighboring lands and posses weapons of mass destruction.”

While veteran journalist, Salah Eisa, says that Americans only can make demands of their President. And if Arabs want to persuade the world’s superpower of their just and rightful demands, they will have to gather around a democratic and comprehensive national program, through which they can overcome their slips and blunders and consequently consolidate their position. But this does not detract from rejoicing Obama’s victory.

Dr. Hussein Amin, professor of communication, AUC, describes Obama as a statesman, who will make use of diplomacy to solve many problems, the most significant being the international economic crisis that greatly impacted the middle class. With respect to foreign policies, Amin expects that he will end the occupation of Iraq, something that universally can improve the image of America.

Sarah Abdel Nasser, a housewife, showed her positive impression of Obama by saying, “I really looked upon his victory with happiness, possibly for no reason and possibly for the sake of change.” She asks him to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, without taking sides with Israel as is usually the case and to help his people stop forming a direct relationship between Islam and terrorism and disrespecting other peoples’ cultures, colors and creeds. “Only then, we will all deem the USA a superpower, with a civilized impact,” she concluded.

“As for me, I just want Obama to fix the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan before making a hurried departure of his troops, or these countries will suffer under the yoke of endless political and sectarian conflicts.” Ahmed Kandeel, a postgraduate student, Ain Shams University, explained. “The USA, as a democratic and civilized country, has to pay the penalty for what it committed in the countries occupied under false pretexts. This can be by assuming peaceful and reformatory measures.”

On the other hand, Osama El Said, faculty of computer and information technology, has something else to say.” Obama will not be any different. I see him simply sitting in his oval office solving the world’s economic crisis, and then once completed, he will turn to the developing countries and harp on about human rights and “tailored” democracy and impose economic and political hegemony. But I hope that none of this takes place.”

However, Shorouk Rafaat, a university student, believes that Obama’s African and Islamic roots, and also his prudence, will guide him to do what is right, without being influenced by others’ points of views, such as Bush himself.

And Mohamed Adel, GSE student, wishes Obama to do other things. He wants him to focus on the issues of his country, rather than interfering in other countries’ affairs, to immediately bring his troops home from Iraq – as they were there illegitimately from the very beginning – and also to follow diplomacy and dialog instead of wars and force. America, according to Mohamed, has an effective and undeniable role on the international scene. As such, it has to contribute towards developing and enlightening this world.

Another opinion was that of Ahmed Mohsen, manager of communications’ center, Hilwan.”To the best of my knowledge, our hopes may smash on the rocks of reality, but we cannot help it. I hope that under the rule of Obama, America recognizes Palestine and treats Iran, for example, and the other countries of the region, like Israel, in relation to nuclear energy.” “As for Egypt,” he continues, “we still want America to assign a good deal of its subsidiaries and experts’ advice to the education sector.”

“Just consider the restrictions imposed on him as a president.” Marian El Meelgy, public relations official declared. “And forget all about his African and Islamic roots, because if he tried a different line, he may be doomed to assassination. I, for one, think he will get America out of its current economic dilemma and draw back his troops especially if the cost is growing exorbitantly.”

“I take my hat off to this man, whose political ambitions honorably motivated him to be the first black and African rooted president in America. And don’t forget the impartiality with which the elections took place. What I want to tell Obama is that he has a well timed chance to do what can bring good and justice to the world and to be something different from Bush,” commented Ramses Zaky, a pharmacist.