2009-06-27

Smooth Rhetoric Always Meets Concrete Reality Eventually

So what did Muslims really think about Obama's slightly over rated and carefully crafted speech? I grabbed this piece titled, "No one believes Obama" published in Saudi Arabia.

As I mentioned earlier, one observer said after the speech, "nice rhetoric but I demand action".

To our eyes and ears, Obama sounded wonderful, measured and statesmanlike. However, it's not necessarily the case from the other side of the pond.

Italy's Corriere della Sera put it this way in discussing Obama's Iran high wire act:

In his speech to Egypt two weeks ago, Obama proposed to the Islamic world to turn the page. A part of the world welcomed the invitation. But another part didn’t. That speech, though innovative, had a weak point. What happens if the “men of good will” of different civilizations and religions are not able to keep the fanatics and proponents of hate under control? The political universe (as the jurist Carl Schmitt wrote) is in reality a pluriverse: which, in addition to the possibility of compromise, also leaves room for differences and irreconcilable hatred. While dialogue is being offered, it is necessary to also have alternative strategies. This is the subject of a discussion that appears rather closed on the inside of the American administration. If the situation precipitates in Iran, if the faction of Ahmadinejad, supported by Khomeini, rids itself even physically of the opponents, Obama will soon have to have a backup plan.

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