Obama Cairo Speech to Muslims; Negative Reactions and Quotes

Not everyone is happy with the speech President Barack Obama recited to the Muslim world today in Cairo. Delving past the news headlines of Middle-eastern and U.S. newspapers shows a less glorious reception. Lasting 55 minutes, the Obama Cairo speech to Muslims was the longest of his presidency, so far. Similar to public responses during Obama's run for the presidency; the articulate speech was interrupted over a dozen times - to include following quotes from the Koran. Yet, the worldwide response also includes some negative reactions. [See the video of the Obama Cairo speech to Muslims on YouTube.]

So, why focus on the negative reactions concerning the Obama Cairo speech to Muslims when the buzz from world newspapers waxes positive?

A more thorough look shows that both tepid and critical reactions from the Arab world and U.S. citizens is significant in number. These responses and quotes are equally relevant to the dialog on just what impact the Obama Cairo speech will have towards American-Arab relations. Additionally, the snowball effect comes to mind. Some examples are as follows:

Cairo Obama Speech to Muslims, quotes and reactions

Sajid Mahmoood Qazi, a student of law and international relations who works for the Pakistani government says,"President Obama's description of the Iraq war as a "war of choice" struck him as hypocritical."

"Well, I'm sorry Mr. President. It was much more beyond that. As a start, he [Obama] should have expressed the regrets, if not the apologies, for the invasion of Iraq," he added. -- Pakistanis Praise Obama Cairo Speech But Await Specifics, VoA News

"This vision is so out of touch with reality. ... You can have your speechwriters find every good thing a Muslim has ever done. But more modern history is that the Muslim world is at war with the Western world." - Aliza Herbst, 56, a spokeswoman for Yesha, the West Bank settlers' council. - View additional quotes, both positive and negative, in Reaction to Obama's speech to the Muslim world, Associated Press.

"The worst part of the speech was when Barack Obama actually equated the Nazi Holocaust to the situation the Palestinians find themselves in now. This on the one hand, but on the other hand moral equivalency was shocking." - Obama's Cairo Speech to Muslims; an Analysis, Associated Content

As the Hollywood effect wears thin in the upcoming days, a realistic, sage analysis of President Obama's words and substance are inevitable. One which covers the practical results and pros and cons of this historic Cairo trip.

Otherwise, despite some negative reactions, President Obama has reached out to the Muslim world in an unprecedented, if not perfect, way.

One notable response is from Arab university students who cheered in a balcony at Cairo University, rhythmically chanting, "He's our man! He's our man!" and another beams "I Love You," [to Obama] TIME reports in the evocative titled article, Obama in Cairo; The Making of a Prophet?

While older generations harbor long-seated resentments towards U.S. foreign policy - namely towards Israel and the Arab world - and Muslim extremist hate for the U.S. reigns, perhaps there is hope for the future ... generations.

Meanwhile, the glowing responses towards the Obama Cairo speech to Muslims should be considered with realism and objectivity, as should Arab and U.S. relations..

Sources:

http://mideast.blogs.time.com/2009/06/04/obama-in-cairo-the-making-of-a-prophet/
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-04-voa27.cfm
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jekm5GTU8QamBomd5ElPQm2S1b9QD98JULA81