Politics this century have too often been about differentiating and alienating. President Barack Hussein Obama took a different approach towards resetting Americaís relationship with Arabs and Muslims last Thursday. He has defined his politics as being about inclusion and cooperation.
I personally can speak to how his message was received in the Arab Republic of Egypt in Al-Arish, a small coastal town located in the Sinai Peninsula. From the beachfront to the business district every single person was watching or listening to the address. Universities, schools and government offices all closed officially on Thursday to welcome the US President.
By now everyone has commented on President Obama's seven points. I imagine that someday the issues will be put in bulleted print in a high school history textbook. The chapter headline will read something like: "The Beginning of Peace and Understanding." But right now, right here in Egypt the headlines inquisitively ask if he will fulfill his promises. Muslims here have reasons to be fearful and distrustful of US foreign relations. This region is tainted by war, sanctions and bad politics. Regardless, Arabs and Muslims were all ears.
Before the speech my family was making dinner plans. We decided to order prepared and delivered fish from the market so that we can all watch the live broadcast. Five minutes after the speech, we wondered where dinner was. When called, the cook apologized for the delay as they were watching the broadcast as well. Every single Egyptian was watching.
Growing up as a Muslim in America, I knew what our Politicians didn't; that my people were contributing to the nation. Kansas City in particular is blessed with a large, diverse community based in interfaith work, understanding and respect. I was ecstatic to hear my country's president recognize the efforts that have long gone unnoticed. These words weren't just relationship-building for Muslims abroad; they also reset the damaged relationship with Muslims back home in the US.
President Obama visited a mosque and respected it by removing his shoes. When he spoke he began with a traditional "Salaam Alaikum" (Peace be with you). He went so far as to say "Peace be upon him" when he said the name Prophet Mohammed as a sign of respect for our religious leader. And when he spoke of values like peace, honesty and respect he quoted from our holy book, the Qur'an. Throughout the day every Egyptian citizen I came across could be found quoting from his speech.
He also opened up several topics never-before discussed in this manner. Speaking about stereotypes, democracy, Guantanimo, Iraq, Iran, women's rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict he opened up debate amongst Arabs. He didn't solve the issues, but the theme for his visit was accomplished. It is definitely a new beginning for the relationship between the US and the Arab world.
President Obama learned firsthand that we are listening with open minds. Egyptians want to know if he will quell the ongoing violence in the West Bank and Gaza - violence that threatens Egypt's borders. Americans want to know if they will be safe to practice their own religion within America without being stereotyped. We are all listening and waiting to see what is the next step for President Obama.
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