Yes We Can! Even in the Muslim World!

Quoting constantly the ‘Holy Koran’, Mr. Obama tackled a number of issues which are not only causing tension nowadays but have also been sources of tension in the past years. He made it clear that America’s bond to Israel is ‘unbreakable’, but he also made sure to point out that the Palestinians must have a state of their own. This provides great hope as unlike his predecessor, President Obama seems that he will tackle the Israel-Palestine issue in the beginning if his legislature in the hope of finding a solution; which without doubt must be a two state solution. In fact, Mr. Obama made sure to point out that the settlements the Israelis are building in Palestinian territory must stop immediately. Many perhaps ask if Obama’s determination will match Netanyahu’s aggressive policies vis-a-vis the Palestinians. The question of how much the new American president will succeed in this Middle East issue can only be answered with time alone; however, things are looking much brighter than in the past years.

If we choose to be bound by our past, we will never move forward.

Although it has been an essential truth for many decades, the fact that Obama declared that ‘Islam is part of America’ was a formidable step forward towards bettering USA’s relations with the Muslim World. The most powerful man of the world was at last acknowledging the fact that Islam was important and that there was no shame in living with it. Obama used his personal past experience to the full especially when he made it clear that he lived in Indonesia where Muslims tolerated other religions. Tolerance was in fact a main issue in the speech. Obama praised Muslims’ tendency of tolerating other beliefs since centuries ago; however, he also made it clear that extremism is never justified as ‘whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind’. That is why terrorist groups like Al Qaeda must be fought to the very end.

The American President also tackled the issue of nuclear weapons, making particular reference to Iran. Obama made it clear that ‘if we choose to be bound by our past, we will never move forward’ again offering the Islamic Republic of Iran to solve its differences with the US and the West through diplomacy. America has made the first step; it is now up to Iran to choose its direction. Iran’s leaders cannot blame the US’ pride and arrogance anymore and the way they want to construct their future now depends on them.

After justifying the invasion of Afghanistan, Obama acknowledged that his country made certain mistakes when invading Iraq. He made it clear that no kind of ideology, not even democracy, must be ever imposed. He also declared that America does not seek military bases neither in Afghanistan nor in Iraq. The safety and stability of humankind is what the US President is aiming at; proof of this is the financial help America is giving to Pakistan. Obama does not seek to impose stability through war and destruction, and that is why he is the shining beacon of hope also for those who in the past regarded the USA as hostile.

‘The cycle of suspicion and discord must end,’ and that is why Mr. Obama is offering a new beginning to the Muslim World out of which the whole world will benefit from. Nothing is impossible even after years of conflict. Things are already looking brighter and it is now up to Muslims to believe in the three golden words which have brought Barack Obama so much success: ‘Yes we Can!’