Obama’s Eloquence Is Not Enough

“I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world…. Expectations rooted in hope – the hope that real change is possible.” There is no doubt that the speech given by Barack Obama on Wednesday at the United Nations tribunal will go down in history. With the sparkling eloquence that he is known for, the American president became the herald of “a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”

At the same time, the international community is starting to understand the evidence: the most convincing speeches do not lead to change; the best intentions are not enough. This is proven by the difficulties Obama encountered with a situation he had believed he could easily come to grips with: that of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One good idea was to take care of the problem at the beginning of his mandate, and not at the end, as did Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, his predecessors, who were unable to resolve it. The bad idea, without a doubt, was his willingness to get involved without making sure he gave himself the means to succeed.

In this instance, the American president demanded that Israel end all efforts to colonize the occupied Palestinian territories. Indeed, why not? Colonization is the cancer that is eating away at the situation, and its suspension would bring Israel in line with international law.

Alas! The American, although surrounded by the finest experts, had not anticipated the predictable Israeli response – a negative one – from an evolving government coalition, which places colonization at the heart of its plans. The Israeli “no” to Obama was only more resounding; the humiliating defeat of the American president fed Arab skepticism. Those who, almost paradoxically, are waiting for the Messiah, have found a leader who is cowardly, willing to wave a carrot without daring to grab the baton.

It is far too early to conclude that Barack Obama is beginning a presidency that will unavoidably lead to disappointment. But, he will need, with this situation as with others, to show a more consistent desire to succeed.

[Editor’s note: quotes may be worded based on translated material].