It is obvious that President Obama’s speech Thursday in Cairo will have a significantly greater impact on the relationship between the West and the Muslim world than the fact that the hostile Muslim Party of Geert Wilders will soon occupy four of the 736 seats in the European Parliament. Elections distort perspectives and it is good to realize this after the smoke from the excitement has cleared.
Obama’s speech was one of the “yes, we can” variety that we have come to know. Well structured, inspiring, affirming the belief that problems are solvable and the world is feasible, nuanced, full of giving and taking, and especially brave.
But let’s be honest, words are just words. If the acts and behaviors that would be a logical consequence of the lines in his speech are not executed, the skepticism about the well-chosen words will continue to dominate the Muslim world. That means that Obama will need to address the sources of tension in the Middle East that he openly and honestly referenced.
It is the first time an American president has demanded that Israel end the founding of the controversial settlements. What will he do if Israel continues? He talked about Palestine and immediately said that he will pursue a Palestinian state, with all the patience and dedication that is required. He underlined the “humiliation” of the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel.
It is hopeful that Obama, at the outset of his term, is using his prestige to fight this battle. And we also know that Obama will not stop pursuing this. Last Thursday, in addition to the remarkable results of the elections, indeed something else happened. Wonderful!
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