It's now been ten days since Barack Obama's speech in Cairo. I've finally taken the time out to read the transcript - you can read it here. Obama focused on "a new beginning" between the U.S. and the Muslim world. He concentrated on seven key issues...
1. Violent Extremism: Obama stated that the U.S. is "not at war with Islam" and that the war in Afghanistan is a "necessity" while the Iraq War was one of "choice." I'm very concerned with his basic criteria for success in Afghanistan that "we would bring every [troop] home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can." To me, this is an unachievable goal - especially, considering our policy to be at war in these countries.
2. Israel and Palestine: Obama called for a two-state solution with an independent Palestine living alongside Israel in peace. He called America's bond with Israel "unbreakable" and based upon "cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied." Well, that makes it clear to me! This is the basis for our alliance with Israel? Despite the special relationship with Israel, Obama did call for Israel to put a stop to settlements in the West Bank. This placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a precarious position which he addressed in a speech this weekend (more below).
3. Nuclear Weapons: Obama, the leader of the country with the largest military budget and most nuclear weapons in the world, dreamed of a world with no nuclear weapons. He acknowledged Iran's right to pursue nuclear energy, stated that "no single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons," but said that Iran cannot have nukes (while not explicitly saying those words).
4. Democracy: Here Obama stated that "no system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other." Nice words, but I am skeptical that we will follow through on that.
5. Religious Freedom: Kumbaya stuff.
6. Women's Rights: More kumbaya.
7. Economic Development and Opportunity.
Overall, I thought it was a good speech, but will likely lead to undelivered promises. American relations with the Muslim world has been filled with tension for decades. One speech will not make a difference, but could lead to a new beginning. Obama addressed some of the issues which have led to the tension (such as our participation in the 1953 coup d'etat in Iran), but did not go so far as an outright apology. He also reiterated our commitment to the continuation of policies which have contributed to the tension. We will watch this as it unfolds with great interest.
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As noted, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an important speech this weekend which addressed the way forward in Israeli-Palestinian relations juxtaposed against Obama's speech in Cairo. The full text can be read here. Netanyahu, generally considered more hawkish towards and less supportive of the Palestinians, stated he would support a Palestinian state. However, there were a lot of conditions which are unlikely. A summary can be read here.
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The special session is underway in the Indiana legislature with the key goal of passing a budget. I will try to follow this more closely over the coming weeks.
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