Is the 9/11 Era Over?

As a start, no one can dispute that the events of September 11th, 2001 marked the beginning of hostile relationships between the Islamic world and the West, specifically America. However, it would not make sense to say that this era has come to an end after the historical speech Obama gave at Cairo University last Thursday.

Since the collapse of Manhattan’s two World Trade Center towers, rejoiced by al-Qaeda, the world has witnessed a new “clash of civilizations” that has split the world into two camps. These camps are between good and evil, friends and enemies. The world was thrust into a vicious cycle of antagonism, blood letting and violations on both sides.

Beyond any shadow of a doubt, President George W. Bush and his extremist secretaries and advisers were clearly inclined towards driving a larger wedge between America and the Islamic world. In addition, the practices of al-Qaeda and some Arab and Islamic regimes should not be overlooked. These organizations and regimes could not differentiate between legitimate resistance or havoc, and terror. This aided in adding more fuel to the conflict.

Simultaneously, Israel aided in nurturing the idea of a clash of civilizations between the Islamic world and the West in each and every possible way. The Israeli cabinets during this decade succeeded in consolidating this idea. They benefited from the clash between its archenemy (Islam) and its main ally (the U.S.) and the deep misunderstandings, which are still unable to be surpassed, between these two sides.

On the other hand, Iran saw 9/11 as a fertile and promising chance to expand its regional hegemony. It further sought to make true its dream of leading an Islamic nation based on its “worthiness” and the “weight” it pulls when a conflict erupts! So, Iran used the many who, inattentively or on sheer purpose, fed this attitude.

However, Obama made up his mind to visit the region. He started with Saudi Arabia. This country was included in the list of potential countries to invade, which was prepared by Bush’s “hawks,” due to it being the “source of extremist Islamic thinking.” During the visit, Obama described the Kingdom as the “cradle of Islam” and after meeting with the Saudi monarch for a total of two and a half hours at separate times, Obama affirmed that such a meeting held the purpose of “listening to King Abdullah’s recommendations.”

Then Obama headed to Cairo, which also witnessed hard times during his predecessor’s two terms. During this time it was claimed that Egypt’s “corrupt and unjust” legal and administrative policies were the main reason behind the spread of terrorist thinking and from which emerged a considerable number of terrorists active in the events of 9/11. Above all, the Bush administration described Egypt as the incubator for a “cold peace” aimed at stripping Israel of Arab land gained during various wars and encouraging Arabs to refrain from normalizing relationships with Israel or including it in the region. As a result, a comprehensive peace cannot be achieved.

And after visiting one of Cairo’s ancient mosques, which is historically known as a center for religious tolerance and elevation of jurisdictional meanings and differences among the doctrines of Islam, Obama met with President Mubarak. He described Mubarak to be the “power of good and stability in the Middle East region.” Then he went to Cairo University, which has never ceased, throughout successive centuries, in providing Egypt, the Middle Eastern region and the whole world with science and progress.

So, in considering the explicit and implicit meanings of Obama’s historical speech and making from them a title to the speech, there is no better title than “A New Beginning.” Obama signified to the Islamic world, through this visit and speech, the initiation of a new era in the relationship between America and the Islamic world. That is, between an America that has unprecedented powers and capabilities and an Islamic world that penetrates the every fiber of society in all four corners of the globe with its 1.5 billion Muslims, ideas, principles and values.

Without a doubt, Obama did not apologize for the sinful policies of Bush and his administration. However, he assured us of his willingness to completely change these imprudent policies, to defuse conflicts, to speak the language of common interest and mutual respect, to abandon the talk of hollow victory and good-for-nothing arrogance, and to have the courage of confrontation in place of lies and manipulation.

Even if the Islamic world does not currently enjoy its known might and superiority, it is not fully subjugated or empty-handed. The Islamic world’s lobby does not seek conflict or beat the drums of war against the West and its “foster daughter,” Israel. Nevertheless, the Islamic world includes those who, although indeed a minority, support a clash that would enable them do whatever they like.

In summary, the 9/11 era is over. Or, rather, is about to be over as long as Obama confirms his good intentions and nice gestures through steps that put Israel and Iran on the same level in regards to nuclear nonproliferation. Most importantly, Washington must both firmly and softly intervene by pressuring Israel to grant Palestinians the legitimate right to live within a state that enjoys recognized borders, resources, security and integrity.