by Sandeep Singh Grewal

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

Manama, Bahrain-"I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition...". Bahraini Adel Kamal, glued to his TV set, was waiting to hear this from the US authorities for a long time. The former Guantanamo Bay detainee was released in 2005.

He watched the historic speech by US President Barrack Hussain Obama at the Cairo University, Egypt and welcomed his decision regarding prohibition on use of torture and Guantanamo Bay closure by early next year, in his issue to confront extremism in all forms."People in power made similar statements when we were in detention at Camp Delta. It seemed like a big cheating plan and a big joke. Personally , I feel it will take time before there is real change at the ground level," the ex-Bay detainee said.

President Obama was clear what message he wanted to send to billions of Muslims, eagerly waiting for his first ever address since he took over from his predecessor, George.W.Bush. Bush may be looked upon as a good, bad or irrelevant figure in the Middle East, but Obama, with his vision to change the perception of the West and Islam, coupled with his Muslim roots; has an edge in this part of the region.His historic speech to the Muslim, world was a breath of fresh air from the West for the Arab and Gulf leaders, who welcomed the open and fair initiative by the US administration.

For women across the Arab world, President Obama was a new voice which was nothing short of blessing, respecting Muslim women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. "But it should be their choice," the President said." Women rights are a key issue in the Arab and Muslim countries which is ignored. This is a good beginning by the US President who is willing to reach out to this part of the region to clear years of mistrust," Munira Fakhro, prominent Bahraini women activist said.She further added that speaking on women's education and acknowledging his respect for their personal choices, Obama scored full points in raising issues which are to date, kept under the carpet or imposed in a Gulf patriarchal society.

President Obama said the U.S. government had gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the Hijab(a headscarf worn by Muslim women), and to punish those who would deny it. But for Bahraini Suad Mohammed, breaking the

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