Obama reaches out to Muslim world
- Source: The Global Times
- [00:57 June 04 2009]
- Comments
US President Barack Obama’s visit to the Middle East, during which he will deliver an important speech on American-Muslim relations in Egypt, is expected to represent a crucial step by his administration towards reconciling with the Middle East and erasing the anti-Americanism that sprang up in the region during the Bush administration.
Obama’s move towards reconciling with Muslims seems genuine. The international community, China included, is hailing the move, which will hopefully help move forward peace in the Middle East.
It is also wise, because American elites’ arrogance towards and intolerance of Islamic culture have made US-Muslim tension one of the most dangerous “clashes of civilizations” to the US’ national interest and world peace.
After the September 11th terror attacks, the American invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan stoked tension between the US and the Islamic world. The two wars have killed more than 60,000 people and left 4.5 million civilians homeless. As a result, the US’ reputation suffered in Islamic countries.
Now, no one else is more suited to the task of resetting American-Muslim relations than Obama.
His determination to change the US, multicultural heritage, and charisma may profoundly turn the tide of American public opinion towards Islamic culture, as well as alter Muslims’ perception of America.
However, Obama’s policy on the Middle East will not scrap the US’ basic strategy, which is shaped by America’s domestic politics. How far Obama can go in realizing his Middle East policy depends on how he will be impacted by the many different interest groups competing for influence in Washington. Obama needs skill and capability to balance these different interests and succeed in moving US-Muslim relations forward.
Since he took office, Obama has repeatedly supported a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reluctant to accept this solution and to change his defiant stance on controversial Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas.
Previously, the US’ support of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict alienated many Muslims. Now, how effective Obama is in getting Israel to make concessions will play a key role in winning the trust of the Muslim world. Making a strong push for a two-state solution is a good opening.
Positive gestures are a start, but ultimately, real breakthroughs in the US’ relationship with the Middle East will require substantive actions.