Those were indeed soothing words coming eloquently from the mouth of US President Barack Obama in Cairo on Thursday. And of course they were comforting because they come after eight years of George W. Bush who launched his crusade on “terror” - which many interpreted as a war on Islam - in the process invading two Muslim nations.
“I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition,” Obama told his audience at Cairo University.
The US president did not forget to say that this new beginning requires solving the root causes that led relations to sour, starting with the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US to the ensuing US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, promising in the process a US withdrawal from the two countries.
The highlight of the speech for many was talk about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the root cause of other problems and the main cause for mistrust between Arabs and Muslims on the one hand, and the West on the other. Failure to find a just and durable solution to this conflict means failure to successfully tackle other problems, particularly that of extremism.
Treading carefully not to upset a historical balance, Obama mentioned the “unbreakable bond” with Israel and the suffering of the persecuted Jews over 60 years ago.
But in one fell swoop, he also talked about the need to create an independent Palestine that would end the undeniable suffering of Muslim and Christian Palestinians.
“For more than 60 years they’ve endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza and neighbouring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations - large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own.”
It is encouraging to hear such frank words, from an American president no less.
But the way towards statehood is hard and comes with obligations. The Palestinians, Obama said, have to forego violence, develop the capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of the people; Hamas was enjoined to “end violence, recognise past agreements and 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.”
After many years and misguided US presidents, Obama goes back to international legitimacy and calls the settlements what they are: unlawful.
Other issues were highlighted in the speech - nuclear weapons, the right to access peaceful nuclear power responsibly or, better yet, a nuclear-free world; democracy and human rights, which give governments legitimacy; religious freedom, with no coercion or imposition; women’s rights and gender equality; and economic development and opportunity.
They were all masterfully elaborated on, but throughout, Obama stressed the need for humanity to work together to secure progress, to “reimagine the world”, make it a right place to live in.
