Obama Talks to the Muslim World


The recent pattern for American Presidents is to start work on Middle East Peace with 6 months left in your term. I guess they hope they can make the big breakthrough that will give cover to the rest of their term in office. Last night Barack Obama gave his first full interview not to CNN or Fox, but to Saudi station Al Arabiya. He made it his first focus to say to the Muslim world, we're not your enemy. We're ready to engage. Yes, Israel is our ally and will continue to be our ally, but that doesn't mean we can't talk. Indeed, this time around will listen first, before dictating terms.

This interview, part of which I watched last night on CNN, is amazing and reassuring. It demonstrates his commitment to get engaged right from the beginning. Sending George Mitchell into the region is also a good sign.

Now, the road ahead is difficult, and full of land mines. There are those on every side that want to undermine progress.

I don't know if a 2 state solution is going to work, but if it is, now is the time to get started on it. Obama stated regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue:

“Ultimately, we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what’s best for them. They’re going to have to make some decisions,” Mr. Obama said. “But I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people. And that, instead, it’s time to return to the negotiating table.”


He told Iran that we're willing to talk -- but stop meddling at the same time.

Now we watch for reaction! But my reaction is: this is good!!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Manipulating comments. To the American people Obama says he is not Muslim so he can manipulate the vote. To the Muslim's, "I have relatives who are Muslim" as he attempts to manipulate peace. And talking to terrorist and saying that "we are not their enemy" fully knowing that the Muslim's goal is to kill as many Westerners as possible. I don't know. I feel less safe than ever before.
Robert Cornwall said…
To say that one has Muslim relatives doesn't mean that one is a Muslim -- and that one is not a Christian. By profession of faith he is a Christian. But, by ancestry, he has Muslim relatives.

But, as for your charge that by saying to nearly a billion Muslims, we're not your enemies, that this is a bad thing, is simply ludicrous. It is not the intent of Muslims worldwide to kill every Westerner. Your statement is not only incendiary, it's dangerous and wrong.

Of course, if your desire is to see a world wide conflagration, one that will bring about a certain theological result, then well that's your prerogative. But, as far as I'm concerned it is wrong and dangerous.
Anonymous said…
from the article -

"I can't be optimistic until I see something tangible," said Hatem al-Kurdi, 35, a Gaza City engineer who saw parts of the interview. "Anyone can say nice words, but you have to follow with actions."

That goes both ways there Muhammed...why does America have to be the one to make amends with everyone?? Why can't the rest of the world be mature and responsible for a change!!! They're just as frigging guilty as anyone else, and if Mobama has his way, we'll be bowing to those losers too....pathetic!
John said…
Anonymous,

You said: "That goes both ways there Muhammed...why does America have to be the one to make amends with everyone?? Why can't the rest of the world be mature and responsible for a change!!! They're just as frigging guilty as anyone else, and if Mobama has his way, we'll be bowing to those losers too....pathetic!"

OK. So then let's talk. This is a Christian blog. Do you claim to be Christian? Are you in touch with your faith? I ask because to communicate with you I need to know where you are coming from.

John
Anonymous said…
This was one of the best moves I have seen. Instead of trying to just kill terrorists, Obama works to undercut their message!

He mentioned that the U.S. was not born as a colonial power and as recently as 20 years ago had good relations with the Muslim world which we could have again. I only wish he had mentioned two aspects of our history which are not widely known in either the U.S. or the Arab or Muslim worlds: 1)The first nation to recognize the USA after we declared our independence from the UK was neither France nor Germany, but MOROCCO, a Muslim country. 2)The Treaty of Tripoli, negotiated by George Washington and ratified while Adams was president, forged with Islamic nations for common defense against the Barbari pirates. The Treaty specifically denies that America is a Christian country and affirms that America has anti-Islamic bias. Even in the 18th C., this language passed the U.S. Senate without any controversy.

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