Observations from the Arab World: President Obama's Address to Muslims

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.

Egypt Smoothie

Imagine for just one moment that you have an extremely large blender. If you were to put the traffic, smog, old buildings, history and pride of Cairo into a blender you would create something tinted gray. I think the nutrional value may be high but the taste bitter and so uninviting to someone who hasn't experienced it before. Making the same cocktail of Leawood, Overland Park and the greater Kansas City area would provide a greener, fruitier taste. The manicured lawns and well-paved streets would perhaps make this drink more thirst-quenching. But the best smoothie of all would have to come from Al Arish. The old city, the salty Sea, the simple life of fishing or farming would make the most colorful, tasteful and coveted drink of all.

I haven't invented the super-sized blender yet. Instead I take in each part of the experience separately and allow them to mix in my head. I grew up on the Leawood/OP/KC cocktail and never felt thirsty because I had what I needed. Going to Cairo gave me too much big city in one sip.

I think I always longed for the simpler life. I can go almost anywhere and close my eyes and hear the waves hitting the coast. A 5 minute jaunt can take me to Reesa beach or an outdoor cinema or to the shopping district. And 5 minutes later I can be back in my grandmother's living room listening to her sing or pray.

I guess the point of this posting was that I was sorry for not posting more frequently because I don't want any one memory to fade. I just wish everyone I knew could have a chance to live in Al Arish, for one week even. Changing your surroundings really is the karmic gatorade you need to jump start your life.

Every suburban kid needs to take a breather in a small city so that they can really appreciate the things they take for granted. I am beginning to see what life is really all about.

Its all just sand

I am in Al Arish now; which was once a beduin camp that grew into a common tourist destination. How funny that the wandering Fatimeh is now living on the grounds of a beduin camp. Al Arish is also a small coaster city located 25 miles to the East of the Palestine border. As far as finding a calling, this is closer to being in a hotspot than ever. When Palestinians broke the borders this was the city they came to in need of medicine and supplies. This is the city that was sold out of many things for months to come because the Palestinians were unable to buy it in their own county... their own strip of land. Many young Araishees sport the Palestinian Kafeya.  The symbol of pain and ongoing relentless struggle.

Those who know me may hear me speak my mind freely. This is actually a common trait of Egyptians and usually leads to a negative result. Egyptians have opinions. But in the subject of Palestine, many stay silent. Al Arish itself was under Israeli military occupation from 1967 to 1979. Since 1979 Israel and Egypt have abided by a peace treaty. However, I think being over 4 hours away from Cairo makes the residents of Al Arish more Palestinian than they are Egyptian.

Al Arish is full of other little discoveries. Electricity usually works seamlessly, but not always.

And there is not one wireless connection in this city so far.

And running in the morning on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is an amazing experience.

And I think no one wakes up at all before noon in this city except me. I'm told that I'm crazy to be awake so early... there is a first time for everything.

And now its time for breakfast.

Over and Out.