Obama Calls for New Relationship Between U.S., Muslims Worldwide

President Obama, continuing his approach of conciliation with Muslims worldwide when he indicated an interest in ushering in "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims," quoting from the Quran in the process to emphasize his dedication to this particular issue. Said Obama, speaking to a large crowd in largely-Muslim Cairo, Egypt, "This cycle of suspicion and discord must end." Though Obama added no specific policy items in the speech, he did note that the ties between the U.S. and Israel are unbreakable, at the same time making sure to point out, rather firmly, that Israel and Palestine were both expected to adhere to their obligations as members of the international community.

Emphasizing his role in the would-be peace between Jews and Muslims, Obama noted, "And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear." He also made sure to point out that stereotypes often work insidiously in reverse, saying, "Just as Muslims to not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire."

The speech by Obama was widely broadcast on television and radio stations throughout the Middle East, and there was some indication that the speech was welcomed by area leaders. Said a Hamas spokesperson, "There is a change between the speech of President Obama and previous speeches made by George Bush." For Muslims around the world, it appears that anything differing from former President Bush’s policies will generally be met with appreciation. Reinforcing that point, Mohammad Ali Abtahi, of Iran, noted that the speech represented "compensation to hostile environment which was created during President Bush."