tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273177060431017102.post3262031015340692765..comments2022-11-27T19:21:24.353-05:00Comments on RiskingHemlock: Obama's SpeechMatthew Rozsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15367038702735883624noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273177060431017102.post-26305918395320013572009-06-09T16:07:18.972-04:002009-06-09T16:07:18.972-04:00President Obama's landmark speech in Cairo was...President Obama's landmark speech in Cairo was perfectly constructed, well-articulated, and to be quite honest, ballsey. With the grace of a professional tight-rope walker, the president confronted the most controversial issues pertaining to international relations in the Middle East head on. From the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the promotion of democracy and women's rights, he touched upon every relevant topic and never missed a beat. An article in the New York Times' Sunday Week in Review said that this is the most significant step forward in this eight-year-long War on Terror. This is a war best waged with ideology, not military aggression wherever we see fit. Despite the fact that military power will be necessary in the hunt for bin Laden in Afghanistan and Pakistan, we need to win back the hearts and minds of Muslims all around the world. In one speech, Obama refuted every failed aspect of the Bush doctrine.<br /><br />According to the same Times article, "Forceful Words and Fateful Realities" by Rod Nordland, a year ago Osama bin Laden's popularity eclipsed the king of Saudi Arabia, but now 88% of Saudis support their government hunting down members of Al Quaeda within their borders. The speech is an extraordinary step forward in the U.S.' relations with the Middle East and the rest of the world.<br /><br />However, numerous obstacles still stand in the way, especially with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The problem isn't so much the fighting between different camps, but the infighting among each group between those who want a peaceful accord, and those opposed to one. Moderate Israelis are pitted against radical settlers in the West Bank, who compare members of the Israeli army to the Jewish councils who worked closely with the Nazis. Members of the moderate Palestinian party Fatah face a struggle with the radical party Hamas that does not recognize Israel's right to exist. Obama has a big agenda ahead of him, and will have to win the minds of both political leaders and ordinary citizens.<br /><br />Here are links to the two New York Times articles pertaining to the subject:<br /><br />"Forceful Words and Fateful Realities"<br />http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/weekinreview/07nordland.html?ref=weekinreview<br /><br />"The Divisions Among Israelis and Palestinians"<br />http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/weekinreview/07bronner.html?ref=weekinreviewMaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18040740243926133848noreply@blogger.com