Obama Speaks to Muslim World in Cairo

Obama speaks to Muslim world in Cairo

President Obama makes a much-anticipated speech in Egypt this week.

But, will it make any difference in US-Middle East relations?

Obama will also visit Saudi Arabia, France and Germany on his overseas tour. But it’s his address at Cairo University that’s drawing the most attention.

A commentator in the Daily News of Egypt wrote an open letter to Obama saying that country is pleased he chose it.

But, he also pointed out Obama shouldn’t overlook the long relationship between the two countries:

“Therefore, Mr. President, I cannot imagine that Egypt will function as a mere podium from which to address the Arab and Muslim world, rather it should be one of the main targets of your speech.” (Daily News Egypt)

CNN’s Zane Verjee calls the trip the Obama administration’s “next big ad campaign in the Muslim world.”

At the same time, she says Obama is playing down its importance.

“President Obama is really lowering expectations of that speech in Cairo what he’s saying is that one speech is not going to save all the problems in the Middle East. What he wants to say is that dialogue is really important between the two sides and what he is really saying is that the West needs to learn more about the Islamic world.” (CNN)

In contrast, a commentator in the Times of London writes it doesn’t matter what Obama says in Egypt.

That’s because of what he calls the administration’s “one-size-fits-all” Islamic foreign policy that:

“…encourages Islamists and ruling despots, discourages the forces of reform and change and, ultimately, could produce greater resentment of the United States among peoples thirsting for freedom, human rights and decent governance.” (Times of London)

For a reporter with the Washington Post’s foreign news service, it’s the paradox of making a speech on a campus and in a country that both limit speech and political freedoms that stands out:

“To be sure, privately run newspapers and television stations routinely offer criticism of the government…But the government has drawn the line at opposition activism and organizing.” (Washington Post)

In his report, ABC’s Lara Setrakian focuses on Egyptians’ anticipation to Obama’s visit.

Obama shop they keep saying. Tourist trinkets saying tourist trinkets liken him to King Tut. His face is all over newsstands.” (ABC)