Obama's Message

Without being overly dramatic, I think yesterday we heard what may turn out to be the most important political speech for decades. I refer of course to President Obama's speech to Muslims world-wide, made from the University of Cairo, Egypt.

All reviewers have remarked how eloquent his speech was, and in general, it has been greeted with praise and enthusiasm. There are those of course who have criticised it as meaningless propaganda, but you know what they say about 'Pleasing all of the people'...

The most heartening part of all is that with perhaps the exception of Iran, Hamas, and Hezbolla of Lebanon, who remain sceptical of Obama's intentions, most Muslims seem ready to give him the benefit of the doubt, and are pleased that at last we have an American President who is ready, and it seems willing, to mend fences with the Muslim world.

He is without doubt as good an orator as Bush was bad, and one gets the feeling that he means what he says. He really is trying to gain a better relationship between America and the Muslims, which after all the sabre-rattling of the previous administration is a refreshing change.

His speech touched on just about all the main issues that are on the minds of Muslims, from the Israeli/Palestinian conflict to Iran's nuclear weapon ambitions, to women's rights and religious freedom.

It was a long speech, 55 minutes, and although it could not possibly have been unscripted, Obama was never once seen referring to notes and there was no evidence of tele-prompters around considering his eyes were constantly on the move. It was indeed a remarkable performance, and should he be given the chance to realise even some of the things he is trying to do, I think the speech could well go down as one of the great defining moments of history.

He is after all, only trying to achieve a world we all want for our children, a world at peace, with all peoples living in harmony. It is a pipe-dream, but you cannot fault him for trying to achieve it.

It saddens me to know there are some individuals who have ridiculed his speech as worthless and without substance. The biggest cry heard has been 'actions speak louder than words' and so they do. They want to hear the speech and ten minutes later see the fruits of it. The only being I know who can deliver that is God.

For once, lets put aside our back-stabbing, mistrust, and petty behaviour, and give the man a chance to achieve his dream, for all mankind will be better off if he succeeds.

I for one wish President Obama success in his endeavors, I hope you do to.

Roy.