Are you glad that Barack Obama is going to Cairo for the purpose of addressing the Muslim world?

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/steinberg/1565924,CST-NWS-stein10.article

May 9, 2009

BY NEIL STEINBERG Sun-Times Columnist

Were you glad to hear that Barack Obama will be traveling to Cairo for the purpose of addressing the Muslim world? I was, which might come as a surprise because some portray Muslims and Jews as natural enemies.

We aren't. The groups coexisted throughout the Middle East for centuries, they coexist still in many places, and will coexist in the future. Islam is no more an inherently violent religion than is Christianity or Judaism or any other faith. True, the rationales for violence are there, buried in the Quran, but that is true for the Bible and the Torah -- I'm sure you could turn Buddhism into a murder cult, if you tried hard enough.

The president is right to reach out to Muslims -- some will reject him, sure, the way they dismiss every overture that doesn't involve the extremism and violence they cling to as if it were a faith itself. But it is that extremism, that violence, not their religious rationale, that those of us who embrace modernism, who believe in the miracle of America, are opposed to. We're a big tent, and Obama is wise to welcome in all who are willing to enter and dwell in peace. Those who view his actions as naive are only buying in to the myth of endless conflict embraced by our enemies.

[aquart]

1. Absolutely in favor.

[Psychic Consortium]

2. This will be one of Obama's most important speeches.

And most successful.

[movonne]

3. Yes...we sure need mending with the Arab world....bush did so

much damage...

[AnnieBW]

4. One Faux Pas Already

Egyptians are Muslims, but Egyptians are not Arabs. They despise the Arabs as being a bunch of Johnny-come-latelies. Obama referred to his speech as an address to the Arabic world. He should know better. Or, his protocol office should know better.

[JerseygirlCT]

8. True, though I guess "Arabic" and "Arab" could potentially

have different connotations - one being people who speak a language, and another a people. And since the Koran is written in Arabic, and Muslims are encouraged to read it in the original (from what I've read - not Muslim, so not a first hand source here!), then perhaps "Arabic" is an acceptable adjective.

Might be a stretch, but it could be.

[keep_it_real]

5. The Muslim world will judge him on his handing of Israel/Palestine

not on his speeches.

[elfin]

6. NO! I am very worried about his safety.

Wish he could give it here - maybe Dearborn, MI - home to largest concentration of Muslims in the US.

I was so glad when he returned from his European and Iraq travels and am dismayed he is going to that part of the world --- for a speech.

Now if there is something else - like an Israeli/Palestinian accord to support - another story. But for a speech? No.

I was not nearly so nervous before his last travels - now I am very jittery and want him to stay home.

[JerseygirlCT]

7. Absolutely

Talking to people doesn't mean you're going to agree on everything. But talking to them is the only way to sway them toward more favorable actions.

[MADem]

9. Well, they are one cornerstone of our FMS program in the ME.

And foreign military sales are a not unimportant element that helped facilitate the Carter - Sadat - Begin business.

It'll be an interesting effort, anyway. Muslims come in as many, if not more, flavors than Xtians do. Addressing one or two sects in one (relatively, anyway) regional powerhouse of a nation isn't going to solve the problems. If you've got pissed off clerics with platforms, they're going to keep griping.

We'll see. I hope he hits it outta the park. It would be nice if he did.

[spanone]

10. you bet i am