Real change needed

US President Barack Obama's much-awaited address to 1.5 billion Muslims in 57 countries from Cairo University on June 4 was rich in oratory, but failed to represent a seismic shift in the US approach to the host of challenges which have bedeviled the relationship between Muslims and the US for decades. Obama himself acknowledges that one speech cannot end decades of enmity.

There is no doubt Obama has inherited a chaotic catalogue of wars and crises that have battered America's image in the Muslim world. 9/11 was a watershed event that poisoned America's relationship with Muslims.

Former US president George W. Bush's 'with us or against us' mantra along with the US occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to allowing Al Qaida and violent extremism to influence US policy in the region, hurt the relationship.

In his speech, Obama made the distinction. He made it clear that the extremist voices and behaviour of a few is shunned and opposed by the majority of Muslims.

The humility and appreciation in Obama's speech, his understanding approach and substantive arguments have been highly appreciated by most Muslims. Obama has fulfilled his campaign promise of addressing the Muslim world in his first few months in office.

Obama's first TV interview was to an Arabic news station, Al Arabiya. His address to the Turkish Parliament and the interfaith dialogue conference in Istanbul in April were conciliatory and sought to allay the fears of Muslims worldwide that the "US is not at war and will never be at war with Muslims".

Now, in his speech at Cairo, Obama said: "I have come to seek a new beginning based on cooperation and respect." This is an alien concept to most US presidents.

Obama's approach to win over Muslims has been appreciated even by his detractors in the region. Bush's harsh rhetoric, bravado and bullying tactics tarnished US reputation in the Muslim world, embarrassed its allies and alienated its supporters.

Obama has learned how not to make enemies and foster enmity.

What a difference a few months can make. The last time a US president visited the region, a pair of shoes was hurled at him symbolising anguish and bitterness against America. Contrast that with the standing ovation Obama received in Cairo.

Obama started his speech with the Muslim greeting of As salaam aleikum (Peace be upon you), and ended it with shukran (thank you).

He was successful in disarming and captivating his audience with his modest yet smart approach of quoting from the Quran to connect with the listeners.

His sensitivity to and a clear understanding of the tenets of Islam resonated well with Muslims. He wrapped that with much charm, grace and humility.

Obama, the great orator, followed in the footsteps of former president Ronald Reagan, the great communicator. This time, however, not only the Americans, but the world at large was awed by Obama's skilled performance.

Obama touched on issues ranging from the flash points and quagmires of Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran, the Palestinian peace process, to wider subjects of democracy, religious freedom, women's rights and economic development.

He unwaveringly called for a freeze on colony-building by Israel and pressed for a two-state solution to the Israel and Palestinian conflict.

Obama insisted that "the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable." He also called on the Palestinians to reject violence.

No US president has advocated such an approach. Obama's ultimate goal is to safeguard the US and defend its security and values.

Withdrawing troops from Iraq, no permanent presence or bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, acknowledging Iran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but under international inspections, is all part of the plan.

Obama stoutly defended the rule of law and argued that "governments must maintain power through consent, not coercion."

These challenges are what Obama identified as the seven areas or tensions which he urged the US and the Muslim world to "confront together".

On the flipside, Obama did not spell out what his policy will be if what he seeks does not materialise. There is a weak link in his approach.

In trying to accommodate and please everyone he could end up not being able to project power and authority. His detractors in the US accuse him of weakening the country.

While it is true that Obama's speech did not offer a transformational shift in US objectives and interests in the Middle East, his tone, style and sincerity stood out.

The speech was not, as one US pundit opined, a "man bites a dog speech" but its encompassing and positive message resonated well in the region.

Obama's speech culminated in a vision of a more tolerant and peaceful world. But the onus lies not on this great start, but on the end result, which is uncertain for now.

It seems there is unanimous verdict, the speech was great, but what counts are deeds, not speeches and oratorical skills.

Everyone has to do their share - Americans, Arabs, Muslims and Israelis. Everyone is counting on the change that goes beyond rhetoric. To borrow from Obama's campaign slogan, the world needs 'change to believe in'.

Dr Abdullah Al Shayji is a professor of international relations and the Head of the American Studies Unit at Kuwait University.