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Obviously, no single speech can erase the chasm that exists between cultures, or diminish the zeal of holy warriors on either side, but Obama's superb address did more to influence the next generation of Muslim youth than eight years of Bush's selling them Democracy as, "God's gift to mankind." Obama is uniquely qualified to deliver a speech of this magnitude, and approached his massive Muslim audience with two things they never heard from the last administration; humility and respect. Making the speech in Cairo must have been particularly galling to Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden's Dick Cheney, who claims that turf like the Gangsta Disciples. Islamic extremists, who use a great deal of religious symbolism in recruiting, must have freaked-out when they saw the Obama-like hieroglyph in the Great Pyramid at Giza. I know I did. The Pyramid is known to have great mystical powers and astronomical accuracy, and is a recorder of the past and predictor of the future. If Obama is somehow able to jump-start the Arab-Israeli peace talks, this country's Evangelical right, already in a frenzy over his references to the "Holy Koran," will be holding the President down in order to shave his head and search for the sixes.
Regardless of your opinion of the President, it took some courage and finesse to speak those hard truths. Like Daniel in the lion's den, he said the U.S.'s bond with Israel was "unbreakable" in the capitol city of an Arab country, while insisting that Hamas and Hezbollah must reject and rebuke violence. Simultaneously, Obama insisted that Israel cease settlement expansion in the West Bank in preparation for a Palestinian state. He was the first President to use the word "Palestine," and also the first to acknowledge the complicity of the CIA under Eisenhower to topple the democratically elected leader of Iran, Mohammad Mossadegh, in 1953. That was our original beef with Iran, which was more pro-Western than not, when we feared our oil might become more expensive, and so staged a coup, giving them the Shah instead of the people's choice as leader. While some criticize Obama for "apologising," he merely owned up to some unpleasant history that needed to be addressed. The Iranian elections are coming, Ahmadinejad is in political trouble, and their young voters were paying close attention to this speech. Could it tip the balance?
President Obama also represents, as an honest broker, the best chance for peace in the Holy Land that we may yet have seen. The Netanyahu government of Israel will make a lot of groaning noises, but they have the proven alliance of Hillary Clinton to assure their interests are protected, and the persuasiveness of George Mitchell to begin the process. Netanyahu is like Nixon or Ariel Sharon, in that he is bellicose and unyielding right up to the moment he realizes history could record him as a peacemaker, then he's a realist. As a result of the positive reception to Obama's Cairo speech in the Muslim world, the Palestinians may begin to moderate their stance. It's only a beginning, but what an absolute dilemma for Al-Qaeda. When the U.S. is represented by a man who tells his Egyptian audience, "I am a Christian," yet is able to quote from the Koran, who will Osama bin Laden demonize to recruit new suckers? Other than the Republicans, who can hate this man? What a delight to have a leader who understands the benefits of community organizing.
9 comments:
We are being lead by a true leader, and people like him don't come by very often. Maybe one of the greatest speeches given in that he didn't just address his own country or those of his allies, he addressed the entire world. Bigger men have rarely been seen. Not afraid to take on whatever he sees in the way of justice. I trust him. And your point, Randy, about the youth of the Muslim world is pivotal. A world invested with BHK's Golden Rule will be a much more sane and humane place 8 years from now. It's difficult not to respect him, honor his purpose, and, as important, like him.
Randy,
I so appreciated your views on the Cairo speech- Gregg's note as well. We are living in a moment of divine intervention... Obama is the artist as politician, and his sensibility is at once porous and with limitless borders. How bazaar that we sit at this creepy edge of capitalist implosion while being so enlightened by our worldly iconic mutt.
I am also enjoying his effect on the public husband/wife dynamic. Husbands are finding their chivalrous primetime-- revealing their own inner Obama.
This fellow is a different breed of cat, for sure.
The drawing in the pyramid is eerie!! Maybe like the crop circles, and alien glyphs seen from high up. Sputnik, I couldn't agree with you more..... and I'm a guy who usually LIKES to disagree! This guy is the Real Deal!
z
It may be wishful thinking...to believe that Obama can displace Osama in the hearts and minds of the mindless. I really don't believe Al Qaeda (or more importantly, the Taliban) feel any great distress that the President makes a good talk in Cairo.
Certainly, it is a change over the Bush/Cheney philosophy if it speaks non-English, it is a threat to all God fearing, good, basic markins. (that is Americans to those who don't speak Texan). I hope that you are right, Randy but the Muslim world is full of so much hate for Israel and for the US as supporting them that I really have to wonder if the world is going to escape Armageddon begun by Akhmanijedadnakenakeneaneeannaanneenanananoonno. (did I misspell that somehow?)
Bob W
Class of 65
Good one.
"Osama...like the Doobie Brothers...made one CD too many!" Great line Champ! Brilliant! And my good brother Bob W...I ran a Spellcheck! You got the shit head from Iran's name right! A genius as well! To the class of 65! The Peace of the Lord! Father Ferghus Farken
Obama's speech won't make any difference.
The Muslums hate is because of our support of Israel and because of the lifestyle in America. The hate the freely flowing porn, the easy gambling, the ease to divorce, the way we cheat on our spouses and steal whatever we can whenever we can. They hate gay and lesbian lifestyles.
Basically, my liberal friends they hate the things you vote for and promote. You are one of the main reasons they hate us so bad.
And they hate your hypocritical ass as well! Yours Truly! Sireen
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