Obama's Speech: Right Man, Right Place, Right Time
There are times I am struck by how fortunate we are that Barack Obama was elected president on November 4th, 2008. This is one of those times. Having spent the last 30 years of my life working to bridge the divide between the US and the Arab World, I became increasingly concerned, during the past 8 years, as I watched that divide grow into what I feared might develop into an unbridgeable chasm. The damage done by the alternately reckless and neglectful policies of the last Administration had taken an enormous toll.
How could we change direction?
Watching the president addressing the Muslim world from a podium at the University of Cairo, provided an answer.
One must marvel at the sweep of history that brought this man to that place at this moment. I speak here not only of his personal narrative, so quintessentially American, but the breadth of his vision and his determination to face down overwhelming odds in making this brave effort to restore America's image, reclaim our values and restore frayed relationships.
President Obama's speech to the Muslim and Arab world covered a great deal of ground -- evidence of how many problems we must solve in order to heal the deep divide.
Expectations in the Middle East for this speech had been running high, and not without justification. In his short -- and extraordinary -- career, President Obama had displayed a tendency to take on big issues with big speeches. He had been building up to this moment for over a year, since he first announced his intention to travel abroad to speak directly to the Muslim world. He did not disappoint.
It was, by any measure, a "big speech." More like a "State of the Union" address than the Philadelphia "Race speech" or his remarks on abortion at Notre Dame. It was an agenda-setter, a menu designed to address a wide range of problems across a broad region. It was evidence of the massive undertaking that will be required in order to restore our standing.
In the president's opening remarks, he recognized Islam's contributions to the world, and he spoke appreciatively of the role the Muslim community has played in America. And then he shifted to address the many sources of tension that have plagued our relations. He spoke with firmness and clarity of his resolve to continue to confront extremism, end the war in Iraq, close Guantanamo and ban torture. He then turned to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, displaying remarkable sensitivity to the histories of both peoples. And if that wasn't enough, he addressed the need for a nuclear free Middle East, the importance of the rights of women in the region, spoke of democracy, the need for religious pluralism and laid out a partnership agenda for economic development. It was, as I said, a big speech, laying out a menu of big ideas.
In speaking with friends in the Middle East, in the days that followed, I was impressed with how many parts of the speech resonated. Everyone was able take away something -- peace activists were cheered by his remarkable display of understanding of the sufferings and yearnings of both Israelis and Palestinians, and his determination to resolve this conflict. Advocates for democracy and women's rights and religious minorities took heart in his advocacy for equal rights and reform.
What concerned me, though, was listening to some commentators here in the US, either those with a stake in defending the failures of the past, or those who, for reasons of partisan politics, sought to pick around the edges of his speech looking for some advantage. Some expressed concern that Obama wasn't tough enough. I wondered: did they really want him to deliver another "axis of evil" speech? Others waxed indignant at the president's criticism of torture or his attempt to change our discourse with Muslims by using the terms "violent extremism" instead of their preferred "Muslim terrorists." Still others expressed outrage at what they termed his "moral equivalency." In all of their criticisms, however, they missed the point that this president wasn't posturing, talking "at" Muslims, he was working to engage us in a conversation with them.
In this context, it is important to note that the president was also challenging us. Unlike his predecessor, he understands that if we are to repair the divide, then we too must engage. As we seek to have Muslims understand us, it is equally important that we learn more about Islam, its contributions to our collective history, and our relationships with the many parts of the Muslim world.
All of this, as I noted at the outset, made me so thankful that we have Barack Obama in the White House, at this critical juncture in our history. No one else could have delivered that speech in Cairo, and no one else would have had the vision and courage to do so.
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Excellent.
Salaams Dr. Zogby! Thank you for your articulate commentary and, more importantly, thanks to President Obama. Many of us Muslim and non-Muslim alike may have disagreements with portions of Obama's speech. But what is so important about the Cairo address is that the leader of the most powerful nation in the world spoke with real respect to the diverse members of the community(s) of Islam. There was a humanity in his tone and his words--a recognition of the humanity of Muslims that was so long over due. And a real call for a dialogue in which all parties will treat each other with respect and empathy even when they disagree. Gone was the arrogance of the last eight years. My seven-year old son has a teach shirt that says "Future American President." For the first time as a Muslim American I could actually imagine my son aspiring to be President. It is good to know that America can have a President named Barack Hussein Obama. And better to know that he seems to be a real and capable leader.
Assalomo Alaikum, indeed. Peace be upon all of us.
"What concerned me, though, was listening to some commentators here in the US, either those with a stake in defending the failures of the past, or those who, for reasons of partisan politics, sought to pick around the edges of his speech looking for some advantage. Some expressed concern that Obama wasn't tough enough. I wondered: did they really want him to deliver another "axis of evil" speech?"
You said it all. Can't be improved upon. Yes, the detractors are unhappy with President Obama's outreach to the Muslim world. It is long past time that the US Congress also take a new direction, past the "axis of evil." Looks as if that might be finally starting if you & your guests this week on Link TV's Viewpoint are correct. Hope so. Thanks for all your good works for the benefit of better, more humane as well as pragmatic, effective US policy in the region.
Amen!!
He is a God Send....and we, here in America need to realize what an opportunity we have....it is often said that ppl are unable to see what they truly have....but the world see's, and even those of us here in the USA see....which is WHY he is President today!!
WE TRULY ARE BLESSSED!!
Not a God send, but a product of what America can be when we live up to our ideals. So far he has lived up to most everything I have hoped for since I first heard him speak. Yet, I am troubled by the evil forces that would attempt to snuff out anyone who brings people together instead of driving them apart. Every single day I worry for our president's safety.
I too am thankful our president is Obama and not Mccain and sidekick palin, I shudder to think. The divide would grow deeper and wider. Obama is the man we need at this time in history. I pray this sets the world on the course for mutual respect, understanding and peace.
There is much to be thankful for in Barack Obama. He seems to be a man of distinction who came along when we needed him most and he does not disappoint. Every day I am more proud of him and I am more proud of myself that I had the wisdom to sacrifice so much and work so hard to help get him elected. There are so many of us who did.
Thanks for your insight and for a great article Mr. Zogby.
Mr. Zogby, thank you for the best insight on the speech. I was wondering what your take on it would be. Good to know that you felt the same way about it as I did.
Thank you for your article.
I hope that there is a follow-up by notable Imams agreeing with Obama's interpretation of the Koran and of Islam
Agreed. I knew as I listened that the reactionaries among us would holler like stuck pigs that he was selling us out to Al Qaeda. Thanks for a positive assessment and one that resonates with normal people everywhere. We are very lucky indeed to have this man at the helm.
Cheers,
Jack
I'll feel better about the speech when Arab commentators come forward and declare what they can do to bridge the gap between our societies. So far all I have read in the translated Arab press is some grudging thanks that the US has shown sensitivities to the needs of Muslim world.
I thought the speech was not bad, more of a pity speech to the Muslim world "you matter and once upon a time, you contributed things like algebra to the world". If this reduces the nihilistic behavior of the Islamic world, with its celebration of suicide bombers, its refusal to embrace modernity, its misogynistic treatment of women, then it will be a plus.
The most thoughtful commentary on a terrific speech I have read, obviously from a person who understands the region and the enormity of the situation from all sides. It is refreshing to see realism expressed instead of inane talking points from talking heads.
Thank you.
Well, as I read it, Mr. Zogby's one and only concern is that we understand muslims and learn all about them and their religion. Most of all that we respect them. There is nothing that I have heard, yet, from muslims or from Mr. Zogby, after the speech about muslim responsibilities, for their Palestinian brothers and sisters, for the acts of extremists in their midst, and so on. I have always, well since adulthood anyway, known muslims. I knew them from growing up in Amsterdam, which has (had) a large population of Indonesians, a.o. On a personal level I always get along well with muslims. I also met muslims and Middle Eastern people frequently being employed in engineering firms and international banking. Where politics are concerned, where terrorism is concerned, I have an enormous problem with the refusal of the ordinary muslim, and the educated muslim to speak out in the muslim world. This should be an internal dialogue between muslims first. To respect muslims and Islam it is necessary, so it appears to me, that they first respect each other and their own religion. What is done in the name of Islam gives Islam and Allah a black eye and a bloody nose.
Just today I read something published by ther israelproject.org, A few days ago I read more on road90.com and other jewish and Israeli websites. Today I decided to take a look at the histories of Suha Arafat and her late husban Yassir Arafat. It is, to say the least, interesting stuff, and anyone can read it. I just googled it. Take a look. What was interesting to note is that Fatah originated out of an oppositiongroup in..JORDAN and was evicted from JORDAN. Arafat's father was a Gazan (Gaza may well have been still Egyptian at the time, did not get that far yet) and his grandfather was..Egyptian. Syria was at the time in some sort of loose federation with Egypt too. In any case, Mahmood Abbas and the PA gives monthly an allowance of $ 10,000.-- - $ 100,000.-- to Suha Arafat out of...The PA's secret wealth!! (two different amounts are stated). Meanwhile Suha Arafat has remarried to a Tunesian. Arafat's origins, politically, and his continued associations, in one way or another, are with the Muslim brotherhood. Same origins as Al Qaeda. Or, am I reading that incorrectly? Look it up and check it out. In any case, secret fortune, Abbas declared that life in the PA is agreeable and comfortable, and yet, yet..we hear the cries of the poor disenfranchised Palestinians. I believe it, but.. disenfranchised by whom?
Let us get each a clear and exact view what Mr. Obama said. Also, let us be on the outlook for those who hear, or publish, something other than what we hear or read. His speech is published in a number of sources, but, if you are curious how one specific group projects it, look at what that group is saying, how they interpret it, and if it is correct. If not, and it is important to you, ask for an explanation. I am not taking any sides here. Let us circumvent the *inane talking heads* (studioh), or the explanations of the experts. We can all read and hear for ourselves. If it is the case, moreover, that the islamic world has nihilistic behavior, and misogynistic treatment of women, let us not forget that orthodox jewish women also have retrictions placed on them, in dress especially, and that American women, generally earn about three quarters of what men earn, still, in spite of new legislation instated by Mr. Obama. I heard every single day when I was growing up (my parents) a number of sayings, such as *make this world a better place, start with yourself*. The Dutch and jewish side of my parentage was full of that. Here are two more. The best skippers stand on land. He who digs a grave for another, falls in it.
"No one else could have delivered that speech in Cairo, and no one else would have had the vision and courage to do so." And I add 'someone without duplicity and subterfuge tendencies.'
Thanks, Dr. Zogby. I have been waiting for your analysis of the President's Cairo speech.
I did not hear the speech, however, I am curious when Mr. Zogby says that Obama " recognized Islam's contributions to the world." I have been wracking my brain trying to think of any contributions that the Muslim world has made to civilization in the last 150 years. Oh, I forgot, the use of airliners as guided missiles and the use of suicide bombers as surface to surface explosives. Most of the problems with the Middle East result from the extreme backwardness of the Arab culture, the abscence of a civil society and the lack of personal freedom. We are beating our heads against a wall until the Muslim world reforms itself.
Oh, this is priceless! "I didn't hear the speech, so I don't know what I'm talking about"! Hahaha!
OK, here's your homework - go listen to the speech and hear what he said, then get back to us.
As for your specious "150 years" remark, I assume you're referring to all the blessing the colonial powers have visited upon the third world in that time frame?
Essentially the contribution of the Muslim world to the west is everything. There would be no America without the Muslim world. The boats, the compass, the sails, the gun powder, the maps to name a few would have never existed for Columbus to make his voyage to America to begin with. There is a reason that Spain was in a position to travel to the new world. That reason was Islam given Spain was a backward dark age mess prior to their arrival. You have to read.
I agree with you Benton & also would say progress in Europe was greatly increased by the following:
(1) influx of wealth plundered from the Aztecs in Mexico & Incas in Peru (2) slave trading & institutionalized slavery on large plantations in the New World. Of course, gold, silver have been prized, stolen by many & slavery practiced in many societies, but the Europeans were prodigious in their practice of the same, resulting in the great colonial empires of the 19th century.
For a lighter reading in novel form but with excellent research and narrative, try reading "The Walking Drum" by Louis LaMour. It's the story of merchant caravans traveling across Europe all the way to Russia and south to Constantinople. Read of the mile long lighted bazaars in Cordoba, of the great libraries of Islam, of the honor paid to scholars and poets and to the arts. Islamic countries were clean and bathing often at a time when Europeans were still living in huts with their pigs and bragged about not bathing. Islamic countries had great libraries when in Europe books were rare and people were condemned as heretics for reading them. It's a fascinating book that teaches much of what the Islamic world was like in the 1200's and compares that with the European world. The violence of the Europeans attacking the Islamic world on the basis of extremist religion----what were the Crusades if not Jihad----did much to tear down and destroy a beautiful culture because they didn't worship God the way Christians wanted them to. It's a great book full of life and color and texture. Highly recommended.
The speech was broad; soaring and inspiring. Our only hope that his vision can be acheived is that the narrow, parochial minds of some here, in congress, in the population can be broached, broadened. Otherwise his speech will remain just that; a promising, beautiful speech.
Hopefully, Dr. Zogby, voices like yours will be heeded.
Wrong man, wrong place, wrong time....Mr. Obama let's get refocused on the economy....
And what do you suppose will happen to the economy if we don't reach some understanding with the Muslim and Arab world? I thought I heard Iraq was a billion a week. Now let's do some math...
Cheers, Jack
If The President is the wrong man at the wrong time for you, how can he possibly work on the economy for you?
Your post shows an amazing amount of closed-mindedness.
In a global economy, multitasking is critical.
If Obama's speech helps us end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan sooner, it will certainly help our economy.
A war that cost a trillion dollars IS about the economy. And unless we bridge the gaps and learn to respect each other, this won't be the end of it. Very short sighted. It's kind of like saying let's get on with eating but insisting that we not do any planting, cultivating or harvesting.
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
