by David Werdiger

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

At the time I wrote this reponse, the vote was well in favour of the 'yes', and there were three written 'yes' responses, but no responses for the 'no'. This had me wondering if the question is an appropriate one. Obama's speech in Cairo clearly spelled out a shift in foreign policy toward the Muslim world, and has signalled a new way the US will engage key issues that have traditionally stood between these two 'worlds'. A better question would be: will this shift achieve what Obama wants, and will this be better for the US or not?

In his speech, Obama sought to undo Muslim perceptions of the US as colonialist, as a country that seeks to force their own ideology down the throats of other countries, and as an entity that acts principally for its own benefit. He went out of his way to show empathy with Muslims, and to draw on the Koran and on Muslim principles to show that the US and the Muslim world share common values and interests.

While he stopped short of apologizing for the invasion of Iraq and for his country's reaction to the 9/11 attacks, he used the word 'mistrust' many time in the context of taking blame for the Muslim world's mistrust of the US. The message was that he wants to be trusted again, and that there were grounds for not trusting in the past.

Such a strong message will certainly change the relationship between the US and the Muslim world. There is a lot wrong with the Muslim world, and while Obama has pointed much of it out - terrorism, lack of democracy and tolerance, women's rights - his and those of the west remain the only loud voices on the issues. There is no state in the Muslim world that declares, let alone wants to unilaterally make positive changes in any of these areas. There is no leader in the Muslim world who would draw on Judeo-Christian values to show unity with diverse cultures.

All Obama has shown the Muslim world is pie-in-the-sky dreams of a better world, and weakness and lack of unilateral resolve to make them a reality. Unfortunately, the Muslim world currently does not understand this way of doing things. They understand and respect strength in a partner, and they pounce on any hint of weakness. The message sent was "we want to work with you as an equal partner to make the world a better place". The message received was "we are weak and will no longer force you to change for the better".

This signals a new beginning in relations between Muslims and the US. A new age where recalcitrant Muslim countries can safely continue to engage in meaningless dialogue while they press their agendas forward. A time where corrupt autocracies can relax knowing their tenure is assured because there is no genuine pressure to reform. The balance of power has shifted, because Obama has chosen to take a stance of optimism and goodwill towards other countries. The vacuum will be quickly filled by the very Muslim states he wishes to appease.

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