Muslim Reaction

7 Comments

1. 

   Hurria on June 4, 2009 at 6:08 pm

   Only if they are followed up by equally pretty actions.

   • 

     Real History Lisa on June 4, 2009 at 6:26 pm

     A given.

   • 

     Dongi 2 on June 4, 2009 at 6:35 pm

     And, these actions will, no doubt, speak much louder than words.

2. 

   Real History Lisa on June 4, 2009 at 6:26 pm

   E.g.,

   What’s more was his quoting the Koran in the beginning, middle, and end of his speech. It’s obvious that the president is more than just an eloquent speaker, but a careful and thoughtful leader.

   The reference to Koran Islamic history all [through] the speech will make citizens realize that the new administration is more well-informed on this part of the world than the previous [one], and with better knowledge comes more significant change.

   I was skeptical, I was looking for holes, I was ready with fingers on my keyboard to note any mistake (and there were many), but ultimately, President Barack Obama’s speech appealed to me. He struck all the right chords, using all the right verses of the Qur’an and being brutally honest about the lack of democracy in the very country where he was standing and the abuse of the Palestinian issue by leaders to avoid the democracy issue.
   Those around me were not so convinced. “I expected more,” said one of my friends, curled up on the sofa beside me. “You can’t justify the invasion of Afghanistan and spreading chaos and bloodshed for all these years, no matter how `traumatic’ 9/11 was.”

   Interesting set of quotes in that article. Thanks, Boo.

3. 

   Hurria on June 4, 2009 at 7:02 pm

   The always amazing and wonderful Helena Cobban managed to score an on-the-record interview with Khalid Meshaal in Damascus right after Obama’s speech. Here is what he said to her about the speech:

   Of course I listened to the speech. The words are different from those used by Bush. The speech was cleverly written in the way it addressed the Muslim world– using phrases from the Holy Kor’an, and referring to some historical events. And also, in the way it showed respect to the Muslim heritage.

   But I think it’s not enough!

   What’s needed are deeds, actions on the ground, and a change of policies.

   For example, if the Palestinians today don’t find a real change from the situation of siege in Gaza, there’s no point; the speech by itself doesn’t help them. What they’re looking for is an end to the siege and an end to occupation.

   We want to see practical steps by the United States such as ending Israel’s settlement activity, putting an end to Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian and its campaign to Judaize Jerusalem; and end to its demolitions of Palestinian homes; and the removal of the 600 checkpoints that are stifling normal life in the West Bank.

   Rather than sweet words from President Obama on democratization, we’d rather see the United States start to respect the results of democratic elections that have already been held. And rather than talk about democratization and human rights in the Arab world, we’d rather see the removal of General Dayton, who’s building a police state there in the West Bank.

   In the speech, Obama talked about the Palestinian state, but not its borders. He didn’t mention whether it should comprise all the Palestinian land that was occupied in 1967, or just part of it, as Israel demands.

   He made no mention of Jerusalem or the Right of Return.

   Yes, he spoke of an end to settlement activity; but can he really get them to stop?

   Without addressing these issues, the speech remains rhetoric, not so very different from his predecessor’s.

   And, later in the interview…

   We’ll work for the success of any project that ends the occupation, restores Palestinian rights, and achieves the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

   He seems to be saying pretty much what I have been saying. These pretty words are going to do heavy damage unless they are followed up, and quickly, by definitive action that is consistent with the words.

   • 

     Real History Lisa on June 4, 2009 at 8:18 pm

     But words MUST precede action. It never works the other way around.

     I expect Obama will try very hard to fulfill the promise he made.

     I also expect major forces throughout the planet to try their best to thwart such efforts. After all, there’s much less profit in peace than in war, for those in the war-making business.

     So it’s important we show some solidarity behind his words. Sure, demand action. But understand that there is a natural order to things, and so far, we’re moving in the right direction.

     • 

       Hurria on June 4, 2009 at 8:26 pm

       Unfortunately, more often than not all we get is pretty words, or the actions do not fulfill the promise of the words, so please do not blame us for being skeptical.

       It is also worth pointing out that in a number of matters pertaining to the Arab and Muslim worlds, Obama’s actions have not been consistent with the expectations he has created with his words. It’s not surprising, as he IS a politician, but you cannot expect Arabs and Muslims to be as eager as Americans are to depend on any American politician, including a charismatic and honey-tongued one such as Obama.  

       And remember, too, that if/when Obama’s actions do not live up to his words, it is Arabs/Muslims/Palestinians/those who live in the region who will pay the heavy price, as they have for decades. Americans will be relatively unaffected by comparison. So, you all can afford to raise your hands and shout “I believe!”, we cannot.