Previewing The Speech

Michael A. Cohen and Brian Katulis:

President Obama has taken important steps toward rebuilding America's image in the world, and addressing urgent policy challenges in the Middle East. But so far, the missing link in his foreign policy has been a strong statement of support for democracy and human rights. An alternative political model to liberal democracy is emerging, one spearheaded by China, Russia and other semi-authoritarian leaders and which places economic development ahead of democratic accountability. The voice of the president of the United States on these issues is perhaps now more crucial than ever. Turning the page on the Bush years, Obama must integrate the cause of political reform with America's larger security concerns in the Middle East. At Cairo, the president should show the world that on democracy promotion and stability in the Middle East, America can uphold its interests while defending its values.

Al Giordano:

An important job of a community organizer – in this case, again, Obama is essentially applying the craft of organizing in the Global Village – is to convince local political leaders that it is in their self interest to, if not outright support the local social movements, to at least get out of the way. To view this trip through the community organizer lens is to see the Saudi King or the Egyptian president as akin to Chicago party ward bosses: they exist with very different motives and goals than that of the organizer, but convinced of their own self interest, they can cease to be so problematic and at times even be harnessed to collaborate toward the change being organized.

David Frum:

The very act of speaking to individuals of Muslim origin as Muslims concedes a point that an American president should be wary of conceding. No president would ever give a speech to “the Christian world.” He’d take for granted that Christian identity is personal and private, not collective and public. He’d remember that Christian-majority countries contain non-Christian minorities, entitled to equal respect. He’d understand that many in the Christian majority define their identity in terms other than religion; and that the freedom to choose how to define oneself is one of the fundamental principles of a free society.

Marc:

If he is too vague, he will no doubt be criticized, but I think Mr. Obama intends to strike a balance. He knows that even he cannot buy the world's goodwill with words. On the other hand, if America is perceived as wanting real progress towards peace in the Middle East, then hardened anti-American sentiments will evaporate and countries like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia will more effectively be able to deal with a hegemonic Iran.

Ed Morrissey:

When Obama finishes speaking to the Muslim World, it is far more likely than not that the Muslim World will still not be speaking to him. The president’s platitudinous piffle will undoubtedly send a thrill up the collective leg of the lapdog press here in America. Elsewhere, it will be remembered about as well as his equally “historic” trip to Turkey last month.