Obama’s speech in Cairo University was a really significant event. It has been awaited with great anticipation and was very well received with a lot of optimism. In his speech, Obama emphasized the strong relationship between America and the Muslim world and the contribution of Muslim civilization to the Western world as well as the contributions of the Muslim community to America. In my opinion, Obama’s speech seemed very balanced and very intelligent. It was very well-received, and audiences were impressed by the instances in which Obama cited the Holy Qur’an. He wanted this speech to mark a new beginning in relationships between American and the Muslim world in which each side avoids stereotypes of the other and search for mutual interests and trust. His speech dealt with 7 main themes: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, democracy in the Middle East, religious freedom, rights of women and economic development.

Obama emphasized that America has never been at war with Islam and expressed his views of the wars that America waged in Afghanistan and Iraq. He thought the first was a necessity while the later was an option and reaffirmed his determination to get all the American forces out of Iraq by 2012. He also mentioned the suffering of the Jews during the Holocaust and the continuing suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation and stressed the need to establish a Palestinian state for the best interest of the Israelis, the Palestinians and the Americans. With regard to nuclear weapons, he reaffirmed that America would not like any country to hold nuclear weapons but recognized the right of all nations to the peaceful uses of nuclear power. Obama’s handling of the issue of democracy in the Middle East was very diplomatic, and he stated that he favours governments that reflect the will of their peoples.

Obama also emphasized that religious freedom and tolerance have always been integral to Islamic thought and culture. He appealed to Islamic history, and called for more tolerance towards Muslims in the West and among Muslims for believers of other religions. He had very positive views about the roles of women in development around the world, and called for expanding literacy for girls and micro-financing opportunities for women. Obama also discussed economic development and opportunities for collaboration between America and the Muslim world.

In my opinion, Obama is a very intelligent leader; and if he succeeds in his plans, the world will be a much better place. I am very optimistic!

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