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Monika Evstatieva here...

There are many interesting conversations we have in store for you today...and most certainly tune in to the Barbershop guys. They have brought the heat on, so unlike the rainy day here in DC. But before that, I just wanted to pass the blog over to Niloufer Siddiqui from Pakistan. As part of our special blog series -- The View From Abroad, Niloufer, who just graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, tells us what she thought Obama's speech in Cairo meant to her. Take it away, Niloufer:

Niloufer Siddiqui Courtesy of Niloufer Siddiqui

Thanks, Monika. As its very apt title suggests, President Obama's much-anticipated speech in Cairo has indeed set the stage for a new beginning in relations between the Muslim world and the United States. I was struck by the honest and straightforward tone in which President Obama outlined the multitude of challenges plaguing the region and the rest of the world. By stressing the need for a practical and evenhanded approach to resolving these issues, he shifted the focus from intransigent rhetoric and ideology to one governed by compromise and understanding. To me, it was the little things that made his speech particularly effective, and will continue to resonate with the populace of many Muslim countries -- his addressing the crowd with the greeting Assalam Alaikum, quoting the Holy Quran, acknowledging the suffering of the Palestinian people, and referring to Muslims as themselves the greatest victims of terrorism.


Of course, at the end of the day, President Obama's legacy will be determined not simply by what he says, but what he does. The speech was just the first step -- albeit an importance one -- in repairing this key relationship which has been damaged as a result of misguided and erroneous policies pursued over the last few years. President Obama didn't shy away from his responsibilities, recognizing the need for the U.S. to serve as a key figure in the pursuit of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, to help Iraq forge a better future for its citizens and to enter into a long-term partnership with Pakistan and Afghanistan. Yet, as he rightly pointed out, each country, each group has responsibilities to which they must live up to as well.

President Obama came across as genuine but measured, concerned but hopeful. He neither apologized for, nor denied, the past, rather acknowledging it while asking us all to turn the page and focus on the future. It is important that each side recognize the mistakes made in the past, not to dwell on them but to learn from them. Perhaps then we can go one step further to permanently shelving all thoughts of a clash of civilizations.

Thank you, Niloufer.
OK, folks I am going back to my production chair.

Blog to you soon.

categories: More on Politics & Policy

8:39 - June 5, 2009

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