[Al-Ahram, Egypt]

Tishreen, Syria

To Succeed, Obama Must Stop Protecting 'Israeli Butchers'

In the opinion of the Syrian regime, how successful was President Obama's trip to Turkey in convincing Muslims that a new era in America's relations with the Islamic World has begun? According to this article by Rasha Issa of Syria's strictly-controlled, government-run Tishreen newspaper, the U.S. president set the right tone, but tangible success will require him to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian crisis by coming down hard on Israel:

"The most vital ingredients will be America's recognition that using the military option to resolve these problems has failed, in addition to supporting the peace process, lifting U.S. military and diplomatic protection of Israel's butchers, and avoiding the formulas dictated by them."

By Rasha Issa

Translated By James Jacobson

April 9, 2009

Syria - Tishreen - Home Page (Arabic)

By way of Turkey, Obama has tried to open a new window for dialogue and cooperation with Muslims, beginning with the Palestinian Authority. He knew how to go about it: by emphasizing a two-state solution [to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis] and re-energizing the peace process in the region, he stirred the emotions of his listeners.

However, Washington's red line when it comes to Israel was strongly present in Obama’s speech, which resulted in a lowering of expectations, particularly when Obama erected a rhetorical wall to protect “his Jewish friends,” skirting the root causes of the region's difficulties by using “embellished” language to say: Israel is not responsible for all the problems in the region.

In his discourse, Obama departed little from the language of the neo-conservatives and the vision of Bush, which flashed intermittently, despite the “balance” with whish Obama tried to express his words, and despite Obama's disregard for terms like “war on terror” and “moderate Islam.”

It is therefore difficult to assess the extent of political change that the Obama Administration may bring, in terms of tangible results in the Arabic and Islamic world. It's clear now that Obama speaks differently than his Republican predecessors, but it isn't yet possible to see any significant change on the ground.

But while in Turkey, with his exceptional use of language, it became clear that Obama is deliberately and speedily moving away from the Bush curse. During his visit he committed himself to a renewed alliance with Turkey and the building of new bridges to the Islamic and Arab worlds toward a shore that is more approachable.  

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

President Obama addresses the Turkey National Assembly in

Ankara, Turkey, April 6. WATCH

If the American president is serious about deepening cooperation with the Arab and Islamic worlds, he must realize that the key is to begin to work at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Obama has promised to respect Muslims. However, this respect can only be achieved through politics that translate into reality on the ground. The most vital ingredients to this will be America's recognition that using the military option to resolve these problems has failed, in addition to supporting the peace process, lifting U.S. military and diplomatic protection of Israel's butchers, and avoiding the formulas dictated by them.

If Obama could stick to these ingredients, he would pave the way for a new era, entitled: “Trust Between America and the Arabic and Islamic worlds.”

SEE ALSO ON THIS:

Algomhuria, Egypt: Israeli Defiance of Obama Shows There's No Point in Talking

L'Orient Le Jour, Lebanon: Stars, Stripes and the Muslim Crescent

Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Obama: A Humble Leader Worthy of His Great Nation

Tishreen, Syria: To Succeed, Obama Must Stop Protecting 'Israeli Butchers'

Le Temps, Switzerland: America and Iran: Secret Talks in Geneva 'Revealed'

The Daily Star, Lebanon: Obama's Vision and Turkey's Influence Can Benefit Lebanon

Haaretz, Israel: A Clear Message from Obama

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US April 11, 7:39pm]