Obama's speech in Cairo - the United States and Islam
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When we come to analyze a speech, especially a masterpiece like the historic speech of the American president at Cairo University (the only academic institution in the Arab world ranked among the top 1,000 universities in the world, by the way) we need to see the goals that the speaker set for himself, and then examine how he succeeded - or He was unable to achieve them by adjusting the content and style to the context and circumstances of the speech. Accordingly, this analysis is divided into three articles, each of which is attached to a different law of the speech: analysis of the goals of the speech (below), Analyzing Obama's style, and analysis The content and messages. |
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The objectives of the speechIn terms of the goals of the speech, Obama set a bar for himself that is both high and low. The bar is high because he is trying to reformulate the structure of the discourse between the United States and the West and Islam and the Arab world. In this framework, Obama seeks to lay out the main issues of dispute and show how it is possible to reach compromises based on common interests. At the same time, he tries to move the interaction from one of power, when one side uses military and economic power and the other uses the weapons of terror and oil, to an interaction of ideas that collide and violate each other. |
Public speaking course
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However, at the same time, the bar that Obama set for himself is low because he sees the speech as a first step to opening a dialogue and not a binding action plan. From this point of view, what he wanted to achieve was the attention of the Arab and Muslim world and their willingness to enter into a dialogue.
Obama had not only goals, but also some constraints. In terms of domestic politics in the United States, he should be careful not to go too far and thus open himself up to criticism from the American right that he is harming the status of America, and that he is pandering to its enemies. In terms of international politics, Obama's speech was thoroughly examined all over the world through local lenses - in South America, his ability to admit American concepts and imperialism is examined, in Taiwan and Georgia, Obama's loyalty to his besieged ally Israel is examined to see how much he can be relied on, in Europe, his distance is measured From George Bush, and in the academy his mastery of details is tested.
There is also a more personal secondary goal - Obama brings with him to the Middle East a heavy symbolic load based on his personality and his life story. It is a powerful charge, but one that is very easy to waste or become melodramatic. Therefore, in light of these goals, there is room to see how Obama was able to adapt the style and content to the context.
Analysis of speech goals, Analyzing Obama's style, Analysis of the content and messages
Obama's Speech - part I
History of America and Islam History of America & Islam
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
Introducing the purpose of the speech - creating dialogue and mutual respect
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.
The need for honesty
As the Holy Quran tells us: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do, to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
The personal story of Obama and Islam
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
Islam's contribution to the world
As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam at places like Al-Azhar University that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be cured.
Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
America and Islam relations
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote: "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims."
And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Quran that one of our Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson kept in his personal library.
The need for cooperation from both sides
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: Epluribus unum: "Out of many, one."
The values of America - freedom, and opportunities
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected president. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the US government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
Opening summary - Islam and America
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
