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Can Obama’s visit to the Middle East change Arab perceptions of the US?
Current version: 03 Jun 2009 | 11:27 | booji
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Yes, because... Provides a promising starting point
Although Obama’s first visit the middle east is unlikely to change opinions on its own it can provide a good start. The visit and speech can provide a good building block for relations with the Arab people. Obama agrees that "There are very real policy issues that have to be worked through that are difficult. Ultimately, it's going to be action and not words that determine the path, the progress from here on out."[1] Obama said to NPR: “I believe that strategically the status quo is unsustainable when it comes to Israel’s security, Over time, in the absence of peace with Palestinians, Israel will continue to be threatened militarily and will have enormous problems on its borders.”[2] The administration understands that this can’t be a short term or half hearted effort as it would be bound to fail.
- ^ Obama embarks on Mid-East mission, BBC News, 3rd June 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8080375.stm
- ^ Jamer Hider, Barak Obama on landmark mission to rebuild ties with the Muslim world, The Times, 3rd June 2009, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6418576.ece
There have been initiatives to improve relations with and understanding by the Muslim world before. Just like there have been false dawns in the Middle East peace process. Clinton’s peace process failed and George Bush’s peace initiative barely got off the ground and was always mistrusted by the Palestinian side[1]
- ^ David Pryce-Jones, False Dawn, National Review, 14th July 2003, http://www.articlearchives.com/international-relations/national-security-foreign/240377-1.html
Modified:
06 Apr 2010
