<\/p>\n
This is a fine speech: eloquent, engaging, addressing key issues with clarity. Clearly a political address. Compulsory reading for those concerned with communicating. For example,<\/p>\n
‘I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.’<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world, Cairo 2 June 2009 is available as the full text of the speech<\/a><\/span> and as an interactive video and transcript<\/a><\/span>. A helpful summary<\/a><\/span> report.<\/p>\n
While I disagree with some of the comparisons made and not made, and the lack of strong reference in the speech to curtailed human rights in so many Islamic States, I realise this is an initial effort at diplomacy and so I shall keep my peace at this time. Let me refer you to some political reports.<\/p>\n
A very good analysis including Osama bin Laden’s reaction is in Forceful Words and Fateful Realities<\/a><\/span>, by Rod Nordland who concludes,<\/p>\n
‘His (President Obama’s) Cairo speech may not succeed in changing the Middle East, but it will at least have persuaded many skeptical Muslims that he cared.’<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To what extent the speech succeeded may be gauged from the varied reactions from Iraqis<\/a><\/span> in Baghdad, Karbala, Falluja, Najaf, Kurdistan, and other cities. Further Mideast, Islamic world reactions to Cairo speech<\/a><\/span> from Radio Free Europe<\/p>\n
Time will tell of the effectiveness of the speech but at the very least President Obama is having a go at peace making, and for that I am grateful and prayerful. As Jesus of Nazareth said, ‘Blessed are the peace makers.’<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This is a fine speech: eloquent, engaging, addressing key issues with clarity. Clearly a political address. Compulsory reading for those concerned with communicating. For example, ‘I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims … Continue reading