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Moving forward with difficult expectations

Muhammad Zamir
THE speech delivered by US President Obama in Cairo on June 4 was in the mould of President J.F. Kennedy. The speech was meant to have been delivered within the first 100 days of this new Administration. It took a little longer, but it was worth the wait. In more ways than one, it has initiated a new conversation that need not end.
One has to admit that Obama's stress on the civilisational aspects, references to Islam's contribution in science, mathematics, architecture and literature in the Islamic world as well as within the United States was significant. It reiterated the common bonds that could contribute towards the re-building of bridges based on mutual respect and the forsaking of differences. One has to agree with him that 'no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust.' However, it is true that we need to make a sustained effort to move forward based on equal partnership.
Obama made good use of quotations from the Scriptures, especially from the Quran. The blend helped to emphasise his belief that the differences were not insurmountable. In this context, it was useful to affirm that the stakeholders from both sides 'must not be prisoners of the past' but move forward' on positive elements, not dissuaded by negative stereotypes. He was also quick to caution the real need of not ignoring 'sources of tension' which were becoming stains on our 'collective conscience.'
Violent extremism (not 'war on terror') was used as alternative phraseology. United States and its 'relentless' fight against this phenomenon was explained as arising out of her quest for maintenance of international peace and security. There was also the awareness that mere exercise of the military option would not resolve the continuing crisis. This cognisance was an improvement over the past „ Bush Administration.
The address recognised that economic and social dimensions contribute towards the overcoming of conflict situations. This was particularly welcome. One can only hope that this will be reflected in Afghanistan where the conflict arising out of violent extremism has exacerbated because of corruption and lack of socioeconomic opportunities within the vast rural and arid hinterland. The resurgent Taliban have been exploiting this factor to their advantage in recent months both within Afghanistan and also in the bordering tribal regions of northwest Pakistan.
Obama reiterated his decision to withdraw all US troops from Iraq before the end of his term. Good, but responsible stability will be difficult to sustain there without ensuring more even handed treatment of the Sunni and the other minority populations. Yes, Iraq is a sovereign country. Nevertheless, the US Administration has to be resolute in ensuring that all parties and communities within Iraq are treated fairly and have equal opportunity. After that came Israel, Palestine and the Arab world. Obama was frank about the 'unbreakable' nature of the bilateral bonds with Israel and tried to infuse a sense of perspective and balance with regard to the degree of suffering already undergone by the Jewish community.
He then compared that with the need for also providing equitable justice to the Palestinian community. He referred to Israel's sense of insecurity but also underlined the need for compassion for the Palestinians. Obama, then most importantly, reaffirmed US support for an independent Palestine State, living in peace and security, existing side by side with an independent Israel.
He also indicated that Israel should desist from further expansion of its settlements in the occupied territories in the West Bank. In this regard, he was reiterating what Israel had already agreed to in the past and what later became the basis of the roadmap for securing peace in the Middle East.
It may be mentioned here that since taking over, Netanyahu has not accepted the calls by major powers to engage in processes that would help bring about peace. Instead his actions have been aimed at only protecting the interests of Israel with absolute disregard for the environment within which it exists.
It was at this point that Obama also revealed his astute political instincts. He knew that this gesture of support for an independent Palestine might be seen as a tilt towards the Islamic world. So, he told the audience and the world that his next stop would be Germany where he would be paying his respect to the millions of Jews who had perished in different prisons during the Second World War. Such a gesture was obviously aimed at mollifying the Jewish lobby back home and also in saving the face of Israel.
President Obama and his team have difficult days ahead. They are up against a wall of obduracy created by the new Israeli
Administration. In recent meetings with senior US officials and President Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has sought to de-emphasize the Palestinian talks and focus on stopping Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
However, now after Obama's Cairo speech, it should be clear to Israel that Obama believes that the ability of the USA to confront the major challenge of Iran will be affected by the US ability to demonstrate progress in the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian arenas.
The world after his speech in Cairo, will expect the US to be committed to its stated role of honest broker. It will also ensure that the Muslim community will view US activities being consistent with elevated moral standards. That in turn will also deplete support for extremism against the USA.
The world will now wait eagertyfor concrete details and the manner in which US Special Envoy Mitchell will tackle the problem and translate words into action.
We have had some straight talk from President Obama. He has touched on many important aspects- promotion of democracy, observance of rule of law, upholding of human rights including women"s rights, support for Muslim entrepreneurs, religious freedom, universal nuclear disarmament and the need for the Islamic world pursuing high technology'. Obama has very correctly underlined the need for a new beginning and called for an end to suspicion and discord.
He has raised difficult expectations. There will be severe challenges from entrenched partisan agendas. Nevertheless, all that can be overcome with suitable political will. Lots of hard work will have to go in to ensure there is no erosion of credibility. The Islamic world will also have to step in to allay fears and to ensure success. Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador and can be reached at mazarrvr@dhaka.net