Obama Speech – Changing Muslim Minds?

There can be no quibbling over the ability of Barack Hussein Obama to deliver a rousing speech.

In his address from Cairo, Egypt the President covered many areas of contention in the world in an apparent attempt to assuage Muslim emotions. Were those just words? A fleeting oration to appease Muslims that will soon fade into history? More important than the flair for tongue wagging is a show of action. Will this rally Muslims and bring about a call for action amongst the faithful to reign in and contain the extremist elements of their Islamic religion?

Doubtful.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
~Barack Obama, Cairo, Egypt – June 4, 2009

Israeli concessions are generally repaid with Hamas rockets being dropped on Jewish homes, busloads of innocent men, women and children being blown to bits by Palestinian suicide bombers along with general and utter contempt from Arab nations.

Many questions, few answers and no change in sight. It seems every U.S. President sees themself as the one that will leave a legacy of Mideast peace. Many have tried, all have failed. Until Arab states lose their hate for Israel and the desire to obliterate them from the face of the earth there will be no peace.

It’s going to take more than good intentions, wishful thinking and the “audacity of hope” to bring about a peaceful change in this region of the world.