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The speech was praised by [[ulema|Muslim clerics]] in [[Indonesia]],{{Who|date=June 2009}} who said it reflected America's good intentions towards Muslims. Salahuddin Wahid, an influential Indonesian cleric, hoped that it would not be just words, but rather followed by "concrete steps".<ref>{{cite news|title=Indonesian Muslim clerics praise Obama's speech|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/05/content_11492366.htm}}</ref> The fact that Obama never mentioned the word "terrorism" or "terror" was positively interpreted by many in the Muslim street, given that many of them see a '[[war on terror]]' interchangeably as a '[[war on Islam]]'. [[American conservatives]] also picked up on this and argued that it weakened Obama's overall message.<ref name=cooper>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0906/04/acd.02.html Transcript]. ''[[Anderson Cooper 360]]''. Broadcast June 4, 2009. Reviewed June 18, 2009.</ref>{{verify source}}
The speech was praised by [[ulema|Muslim clerics]] in [[Indonesia]],{{Who|date=June 2009}} who said it reflected America's good intentions towards Muslims. Salahuddin Wahid, an influential Indonesian cleric, hoped that it would not be just words, but rather followed by "concrete steps".<ref>{{cite news|title=Indonesian Muslim clerics praise Obama's speech|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/05/content_11492366.htm}}</ref> The fact that Obama never mentioned the word "terrorism" or "terror" was positively interpreted by many in the Muslim street, given that many of them see a '[[war on terror]]' interchangeably as a '[[war on Islam]]'. [[American conservatives]] also picked up on this and argued that it weakened Obama's overall message.<ref name=cooper>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0906/04/acd.02.html Transcript]. ''[[Anderson Cooper 360]]''. Broadcast June 4, 2009. Reviewed June 18, 2009.</ref>{{verify source}}


[[Rami George Khouri|Rami Khouri]], the editor of ''[[The Daily Star]]'' and director of the Issam Fares Institute at the [[American University of Beirut]], argued that Obama gave "a lot of good, positive vibes" but, ultimately, it "was only rhetoric". He referred to what he say as the hypocrisy of Obama praising human rights after meeting with Egyptian and Saudi leaders who have suppressed those same rights. He stated that the Muslim world is still waiting for Obama's words to "translate" into real policy.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=June 18, 2009|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june09/speechanlys_06-04.html|title=Obama's Speech Could Mark Shift in U.S.-Muslim Relations|publisher=[[News Hour with Jim Lehrer]]|date= June 4, 2009}}</ref>
[[Rami George Khouri|Rami Khouri]], the editor of ''[[The Daily Star]]'' and director of the Issam Fares Institute at the [[American University of Beirut]], argued that Obama gave "a lot of good, positive vibes" but, ultimately, it "was only rhetoric". He referred to what he say as the hypocrisy of Obama praising human rights after meeting with Egyptian and Saudi leaders who have suppressed those same rights. He stated that the Muslim world is still waiting for Obama's words to "translate" into real policy. [[Al Jazeera]] [[bureau chief]] Abderrahim Foukara made similiar remarks, saying that "he talked about Palestinians killing Israelis, but he didn't talk a lot about Israelis killing Palestinians, especially in the context of the latest Israeli war on Gaza". Foukara also said, "he's come to us with his message of peace, but there are U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and there are civilians being killed there by American forces".<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=June 18, 2009|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june09/speechanlys_06-04.html|title=Obama's Speech Could Mark Shift in U.S.-Muslim Relations|publisher=[[News Hour with Jim Lehrer]]|date= June 4, 2009}}</ref>


==Political effects==
==Political effects==

Revision as of 00:21, 20 June 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama speaking at Cairo University on 4 June 2009

On June 4, 2009, United States President Barack Obama delivered a speech entitled "A New Beginning" from the Major Reception Hall at Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt.[1] Al-Azhar University co-hosted the event. The speech honors a promise Obama made during his presidential campaign to give a major address to Muslims from a Muslim capital during his first few months as president.[2]

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has indicated that Egypt was chosen because "it is a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world."[3] Egypt is considered a key player in the Middle East peace process as well as a major recipient of American military and economic aid. Reuters reporter Ross Colvin reported that the speech would attempt to mend the United States' relations with the Muslim world, which he wrote were "severely damaged" during the presidency of George W. Bush.[2]

Background

Expectations

There was initially some speculation about the speech. Some[who?] thought Obama would unveil in detail his highly anticipated plans for future Middle East policy. In April and May 2009, the U.S. President had met in succession King Abdullah II of Jordan,[4] Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas to elaborate a peace plan in the Middle East. Arguments and ideas were exchanged during these three meetings, but few details were given about Obama's plan on the Middle East.

Since taking office, Obama stated his support for the creation of a Palestinian State and announced that he would engage in negotiations with Iran. He also declared he opposed Israeli settlements and wanted to revive peace talks. In an interview to Al Arabiya, few days after his inauguration, Obama declared: "my job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy."[5]

Context and preparation

The speech occurred just after Obama met the representatives of both Israel and the Palestinian Authorities. He had previously met King Abdullah on April 21 and Israeli President Shimon Peres on May 5.[6]

President Obama talking with Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on 28 May 2009.

On May 19 2009, he met Netanyahu at the White House, where they discussed the Israeli-Palestine conflict and Israel's settlements in the West Bank. The meeting was a failure, no agreement was reached on these issues. While Obama said a two state solution was a priority, Benyamin Netanyahu refused to support the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu claimed the right of Israel to continue settlements, whereas the President had warned that the colonization should be stopped. Obama also asked Netanyahu not to launch military operations against Iran;[7] he had previously announced that he would engage discussions with that country.

Obama also met Mahmoud Abbas on 28 May. Obama declared he was favorable to the creation of a Palestinian State. Mahmoud Abbas gave his counterpart a report containing ideas for the expected Obama plan on Middle East. Obama said he would take this into account to elaborate his plan.[8]

Before Egypt was announced as the speech venue, there was speculation by the media about the location of the address. Jakarta, Rabat, Amman, Cairo, and Istanbul were all considered likely choices.[9] Mohammed Habib, the deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition group, dismissed Obama's trip and said it would be "useless unless it is preceded by real change in the policies of the U.S. administration toward the Arab and Islamic world."[10]

Cairo University spokeswoman Galila Mukhtar told The New York Times that "we are very proud to host the president of the United States,"[11] with spokesman Sami Abdel Aziz adding that the speech would be delivered in the Major Reception Hall. Renovations took place at the college and some final exams were postponed.

Obama's tour

U.S. President Barack Obama at Cairo University

Obama met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at the king’s ranch outside Riyadh on his way to Cairo. They discussed peace and economics. Obama stayed overnight at the ranch. While there, the president continued to prepare his speech to be given at Cairo University the next day.[12]

On 4 June, before delivering the speech, Obama led talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at Koubbeh Palace. The U.S. President said about the talks: "We discussed the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. We discussed how we can move forward in a constructive way that brings about peace and prosperity for all people in the region".[13] He said the US was committed to working in partnership with countries in the Middle East. The President later visited the Sultan Hassan Mosque, before going to Cairo University.

After the speech, Obama continued his tour with a visit to Buchenwald concentration camp to pay homage to the victims of the Holocaust. He met German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Dresden on June 5.

Speech

Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Wikimedia Commons has media related to A New Beginning.

Obama's speech called for improved mutual understanding and relations between the Islamic world and the West and said both should do more to confront violent extremism.[14] However, it was Obama's call for peace between Israel and Palestinians that cut the highest profile. Obama reaffirmed America's alliance with Israel, calling their mutual bond "unbreakable", but also described Palestinian statelessness as "intolerable" and recognizing their aspirations for statehood and dignity as legitimate—just as legitimate as Israel's desire for a Jewish homeland.[14]

Obama's speech was divided into seven parts: violent extremism, the Israeli/Palestinian dispute, nuclear weapons (with a reference to Iran), democracy, religious freedom, rights of women, and economic development.

The president opened his speech seeking a common ground between Muslims and the United States. He quoted from the Quran, "Be conscious of God and always speak the truth".[15] Obama described Muslims' contributions to Western civilization, including the invention of algebra and Islamic architecture. He described his own personal experiences with Islam, including having Muslim family members, growing up in Indonesia, a majority-Muslim country and hearing "the call of the azaan", and working "in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith." He also listed several of the United States' connections to Islam, including Morocco being the first country to recognize the United States, American Muslim sportsmen (such as Muhammad Ali) and civil rights leaders (such as Malcolm X), the Bangladeshi American architect-engineer Fazlur Khan who designed the Sears Tower,[16] the election of Keith Ellison as the U.S.'s first Muslim congressman, and the presence of over 1,200 mosques in the U.S.

On the subject of the Iraq War, Obama stated, "Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible." He also promised to "remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012."

During the "nuclear weapons" portion of the speech, Obama stated, "In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government." It was the first official acknowledgement by the United States government of its involvement in the 1953 Iranian coup d'état.[17]

About democracy, Obama stated that, though "America does not presume to know what is best for everyone", "I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose." He called such freedoms "human rights".

On economic development, Obama described several new funds, scholarship programs and partnerships to support education, technological development and better health care in Muslim-majority countries.

Reaction

The speech was highly anticipated and generally acclaimed by the Muslim world. However, some Muslims criticized it, both before and after it was delivered.

Pre-speech

On 3 June, Al-Qaeda released a video in which Osama Bin Laden strongly criticized Obama's foreign policy in the Middle East. He said that Barack Obama "has followed the steps of his predecessor in antagonising Muslims ... and laying the foundation for long wars." He also added that "Obama and his administration have sowed new seeds of hatred against America."[18] One day before, a video of Al-Qaeda number two Ayman al-Zawahiri was posted to extremist websites, in which the leader criticized Obama's policy, declaring "his bloody messages were received and are still being received by Muslims, and they will not be concealed by public relations campaigns or by farcical visits or elegant words."[19]

President Obama was also criticized by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who delivered a speech to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini a few hours before Barack Obama's speech. Ayatollah Khamenei commented on the pending U.S. President's speech declaring: "The nations of this part of the world... deeply hate America. Even if they give sweet and beautiful [speeches] to the Muslim nation that will not create change. Action is needed."[20]

Post-speech

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas described the speech as "clear and frank... an innovative political step." Hamas Spokesman Fawzi Barhum also welcomed the speech, saying "It had many contradictions, all the while reflecting tangible change".[21] Amr Moussa, head of the Arab League, hailed the speech, saying it "was balanced and offered a new vision of rapprochement regarding relations with Islamic states." [22] Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the speech was "direct, significant and brave appeal in which President Obama elucidated his vision and important universal principles, which he wishes to share with the Muslim world", and Israeli President Shimon Peres said the speech was "full of vision, a brave speech demanding a commitment to hard work on all sides involved in the promotion of the peace process in the Middle East...The idea of peace was born in the Middle East as the basis of the three monotheistic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – and the sons of Abraham must join hands in order to take on this challenge together, a sustainable peace in the Middle East."[23]

According to journalist Richard Spencer, most commentators in the Arab press welcomed Obama's speech, hoping it would lay the ground for concrete action. [24] Christiane Amanpour of CNN has also described the Muslim world's reaction as very favorable and supportive.[25]

From Brussels, Javier Solana, European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy chief, praised the speech saying "It was a remarkable speech, a speech that without any doubt is going to open a new page in the relation with the Arab-Muslim world and I hope in the problems we have in so many theatres in the region."[22] United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke of "the opening of a new chapter in relations between the United States and the Islamic world."[21] The Vatican also welcomed the speech, saying it "went beyond political formulas, evoking concrete common interests in the name of a common humanity" [26]

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman praised and backed the speech saying, "We feel encouraged by President Obama’s remarks on Palestine and Israel. It has been a long standing demand of Pakistan that the two-nation theory is the only way forward out of the Middle East crisis,". He further went on to say, "We see this visit as a very positive step on the part of US because over the years there has been proverbial chasm between the Western and Islamic world. So this visit will be useful in bridging gaps between the Muslim and the Western world."[27]

The speech was praised by Muslim clerics in Indonesia,[who?] who said it reflected America's good intentions towards Muslims. Salahuddin Wahid, an influential Indonesian cleric, hoped that it would not be just words, but rather followed by "concrete steps".[28] The fact that Obama never mentioned the word "terrorism" or "terror" was positively interpreted by many in the Muslim street, given that many of them see a 'war on terror' interchangeably as a 'war on Islam'. American conservatives also picked up on this and argued that it weakened Obama's overall message.[25][verification needed]

Rami Khouri, the editor of The Daily Star and director of the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, argued that Obama gave "a lot of good, positive vibes" but, ultimately, it "was only rhetoric". He referred to what he say as the hypocrisy of Obama praising human rights after meeting with Egyptian and Saudi leaders who have suppressed those same rights. He stated that the Muslim world is still waiting for Obama's words to "translate" into real policy. Al Jazeera bureau chief Abderrahim Foukara made similiar remarks, saying that "he talked about Palestinians killing Israelis, but he didn't talk a lot about Israelis killing Palestinians, especially in the context of the latest Israeli war on Gaza". Foukara also said, "he's come to us with his message of peace, but there are U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and there are civilians being killed there by American forces".[29]

Political effects

Following the speech, Essam Derbala, a leader of the Egyptian Islamist group al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya, called for Taliban and Al-Qaeda to halt attacks on U.S. civilians and to consider the "opening" offered by Obama. He added that the organizations should also open up to talks with the United States. Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood dismissed the speech as being a public relations effort.[30]

Three days after the speech, a strengthening of the pro-western coalition in the Lebanese general election with a loss for Hezbollah was perceived by some foreign policy analysts to be at least in part due to Obama's speech.[31] Several others stated that the speech played only a minor role compared to domestic events such as a last-minute appeal by Lebanon's Maronite patriarch asking Christians to vote against Hezbollah. For example, Lydia Khalil of the Council on Foreign Relations commented that "[i]t is too soon to tell what the ultimate Obama effect will be."[32]

On June 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed, for the first time, a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians; the speech was widely seen as a response to Obama's speech.[33] Netanyahu said he would only allow such a solution if Jerusalem were to remain united and the capital of Israel, the Palestinians would eliminate their army, and Palestinians would give up their demand for a right of return. He also stated that existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank will expand while their permanent status is up to further negotiation. The overture was quickly rejected by Palestinian leaders, such as Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, who called the speech "racist".[33]

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the speech may have played some role in the June 2009 Iranian Presidental election between hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his moderate rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, spurring on reformist public opinion. The paper also stated that the Obama administration would probably be loathe to talk about this publicly in fear of sparking a Iranian backlash.[32]

References

  1. ^ Jesse Lee (June 3, 2009). "The President in the Middle East". White House. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
  2. ^ a b Colvin, Ross (2009-05-08). "Obama to reach out to Muslims in Egypt speech". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
  3. ^ Office of the Press Secretary (2009-05-08). "Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs". Whitehouse.gov. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
  4. ^ Office of the Press Secretary (April 21, 2009). "The President and King Abdullah on Peace in the Middle East". White House.
  5. ^ Macon Phillips (27 January 2009). "President to Muslim World: "Americans are not your enemy"". White House.
  6. ^ Office of the Press Secretary (May 5, 2009). "Readout on President Obama's Meeting with President Shimon Peres of Israel". White House.
  7. ^ Office of the Press Secretary (May 18, 2009). "Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel". White House.
  8. ^ Jesse Lee (28 May 2009). "Meeting with Abbas". White House. Retrieved 2 June 2009.
  9. ^ Ghosh, Bobby (2009-03-24). "Behind Obama's Speech to the Muslim World". TIME. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  10. ^ Sinan, Omar (2009-05-09). "Muslim Brotherhood: Obama's Egypt trip 'useless'". Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
  11. ^ Slackman, Michael (2009-05-27). "An Ill-Kept Secret: The Site of Obama's Egypt Speech". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-05-29. {{cite news}}: Text "An Ill-Kept Secret: The Site of Obama’s Egypt Speech" ignored (help)
  12. ^ Christi Parsons and Mark Silva (June 4, 2009). "Apparent Osama bin Laden tape coincides with Obama visit". Los Angeles Times.
  13. ^ "Barack Obama begins key Egypt speech". BBC News. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
  14. ^ a b Zeleny, Jeff (June 4, 2009). "Addressing Muslim World, Obama Pushes Mideast Peace". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-05. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Reynolds, Paul (2009-06-04). "Obama speech: An analysis". BBC. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  16. ^ Sears Tower designer singled out, Chicago Sun-Times, June 5, 2009
  17. ^ Obama admits US involvement in 1953 Iran coup, AFP, June 4, 2009
  18. ^ "Bin Laden pours scorn on Obama charm offensive". Agence France Presse. France 24. 3 June 2009.
  19. ^ "Al Qaeda number two hits out at Obama's 'bloody messages'". Agence France Presse. France 24. 2 June 2009.
  20. ^ "Barack Obama set for keynote Egypt speech". BBC News. BBC. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
  21. ^ a b Fri Jun 5, 1:25 am ET. "Obama speech widely hailed but foes still sceptical - Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2009-06-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ a b "Reaction: Obama's Cairo speech". BBC News. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  23. ^ Israel says shares Obama's hopes for peace, Yedioth Ahronoth, Attila Somfalvi , June 4, 2009
  24. ^ Spencer, Richard (2009-05-06). "Barack Obama's speech to Muslim world welcomed by the press". Telegraph. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  25. ^ a b Transcript. Anderson Cooper 360. Broadcast June 4, 2009. Reviewed June 18, 2009.
  26. ^ "CNS STORY: Vatican media welcome Obama's speech in Cairo as step toward peace". Catholicnews.com. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  27. ^ "Pakistan backs Obama's Middle East approach". Thenews.jang.com.pk. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  28. ^ "Indonesian Muslim clerics praise Obama's speech".
  29. ^ "Obama's Speech Could Mark Shift in U.S.-Muslim Relations". News Hour with Jim Lehrer. June 4, 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2009.
  30. ^ "Islamist urges al Qaeda to open up to Obama's offer". Reuters. June 6, 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2009.
  31. ^ Slackman, Michael (2009-06-08). "Hopeful Signs for U.S. in Lebanon Vote". Middle East - News Analysis. The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-17. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ a b Stannard, Matthew B. (June 13, 2009). "Iran election scrutinized for 'Obama effect'". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved June 18, 2009. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ a b Federman, Josef (June 14, 2009). "Netanyahu endorses Palestinian independence". Associated Press. Retrieved June 18, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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