Cairo - Reaction I

Picture Credit: Ben Curtis / Associated Press

In his speech in Cairo before he got to an enumeration and discussion of "the issues", President Obama started off with an attempt to build bridges between the United States and "Islam" and "Muslims around the world." This was at several levels, first with the observation of shared values; second, the recall of Islam's contribution to civilization; third, the statement of historic ties between the U.S. and Islamic countries; and fourth, the role of Muslims in American history... He also spoke warmly of his personal ties - his family background, having spent part of his formative years in Indonesia, even his name...

All, well and good. However, it must not have been lost to many in his audience that much of the personal history and ties he was now touting as positives were things he was at pains to play down and obfuscate during the primary and general elections. As such, his minions came forth to attack anyone who prominently mentioned his middle name; while speaking and being seen at many churches and synagogues, he (as, it must be said, with almost all the candidates) was not as keen to appear in any mosques and gave them a wide berth; and on a couple of occasions women in head-scarves were politely requested by campaign staff to remove themselves from photo backdrops... None of which need necessarily detract from him personally, but which potentially somewhat undercut the message that the relationship between the United States and Muslims is one of mutual respect...