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It would be a pretty lofty ambition to hope that one speech could launch a new beginning in the international relations between Muslims and the United States. No matter how eloquent a speech might be, speeches are only words. The hard-line Islamic clerics who control the Middle Eastern Muslim community have little use for new beginnings.

Barack Obama obviously spent a great deal of time crafting his speech. Speaking in Arabic, he announced, "I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu aleikum."

As his speech progressed, Obama quoted from the Torah, the Holy Bible, and the Koran. One person's reaction that was televised made the remark that few politicians in the Middle East could quote passages from these books as Obama had just done. His reaction was one of respect, and surprise.

Whether or not President Obama's speech was worthy of being a catalyst for new beginnings in the relations between Muslims and the Western world is not the actual issue. Speeches delivered from a public podium accomplish little in the world of international diplomacy.

With Barack Obama's talent for speaking to large groups, it is not surprising that he probably had high hopes for impacting the world situation with his eloquence. After all, he managed to win the American presidency on the strength of his words. However, the world of international politics is far more complex than meeting an opponent in a public forum debate.

Centuries of hatred, misinformation, and cultural differences provide a barrier that is almost impossible to bridge. The United States is viewed as being friends with the enemies of the Muslims, the Jews. In addition, the Arab world distrusts America's intent with a presence in the Middle East. At the best, it will likely take decades to earn their trust.

New beginnings between Muslims and the US will not result from public forums. The ruling hard-line Muslims must be controlled from within by the more moderate majority of Muslims who seek only to live their lives in peace. Fanatics never listen to reason, regardless of who the messenger is, even Barack Obama.

One thing that should not be lost about this speech begs mention. Those who actually heard the speech or accessed an accurate transcript cannot ignore the degree to which President Obama paid homage to the contributions to world civilization by Muslim countries in historical terms. His comments were intended to compliment the Arab community, and was well-received by those who were actually listening.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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