US President Barack Obama is extending his hand to the Muslim world declaring that America will never be at war with Islam and asking for broad engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect. His speech before the Turkish Parliament on Monday was one of reconciliation and promise of launching a new era of cooperation and understanding with Muslim countries. It was thrilling to hear President Obama praise the role of Muslims in America while describing partnership with the Muslim world as critical.
Obama's visit to Turkey became the hallmark of his European tour which included his participation in the G-20 summit, the NATO meeting and his speech in Prague. His support for Turkey’s EU bid has irritated some of his European allies. His determination to go ahead with the missile shield program infuriated the Russians, but his call on Iran to negotiate and set past differences aside was reassuring. His pledge to work actively on implementing the two-state solution to end the Arab-Israeli conflict was comforting to the Palestinians.
Obama's promise of change is real, or so it appears. But it would take more than gestures and speeches to turn the corner as far as America's perception in the Muslim world is concerned. It would take commitment and action to erase the damage that eight years of Bush policies had inflicted on US relations with the Muslim world. There are many issues on the table, many of them inter-related, some are difficult, others not so much. But all require trust and integrity. This is where the US administration must focus its initial efforts.
But it is not Obama who is extending a hand of peace; it is the United States. The issues that sour relations with the Muslim world today are not personal, but public. The occupation of Iraq is not Obama's doing but resolving this complex problem in a satisfactory manner will prove to be his personal challenge. In fact, meeting the challenges in the Middle East will define Obama's presidency, at least from where we are sitting. There are other issues like rescuing the global economy and saving the environment, but while America will have to bear its share of responsibility in these areas, it must lead if it wants to end conflicts and crises in the Middle East.
It must lead in Iraq as well as in Afghanistan. Both problems have become connected and both require a different approach from the ones currently in use. America's withdrawal from Iraq, a priority for Obama, cannot happen while that country is divided and embroiled in sectarian violence. Leaving Iraq to its fate at this stage will destabilize the Middle East further and by extension will spoil Obama's efforts to make peace with the Muslim world.
In Afghanistan the Obama administration must look beyond the military option. More soldiers on the ground will not bring down the Taleban or restore confidence in the Kabul government. The opportunity to win the hearts and minds of Afghans was squandered when the Bush government shifted its focus away from Afghanistan and decided to invade Iraq.
Now President Obama is facing one of the biggest challenges of his presidency. Extremists in Pakistan are gaining the upper hand in the provinces as well as in the heartland. More firepower and wanton bombardment of border areas will only weaken the central government and enrage the population. A political settlement is needed, first for Pakistan and then in Afghanistan. And this can only be done if the US engages regional powers. For that to happen the US must solicit the help of allies and foes alike; from Iran to India to Saudi Arabia.
The Taleban will not be defeated overnight, but their influence and appeal can be reduced if the government becomes truly representative. The US will have to understand that democracy will not bring friends of America to power, but if enemies get a stake in government they will trade their weapons for a role in the political process.
In the end America's hegemony in this region will have to change. Its soldiers will have to leave but it can still influence the course of events through projects and aid relief. By the end of the day the people of this region will have to decide their future and choose their destiny.
Reconciliation with Iran may prove to be Obama's most cherished foreign policy triumph. It is clear that he is determined to reverse the course of more than 30 years of bad relations. But the price will not be a total abandonment of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The Iranians will not sacrifice that goal, at least not now, for the sake of better relations with Washington.
But the prospect of a thaw in relations between Iran and the US should prompt Arabs to engage Washington now so that the extended American hand of peace to Tehran will not jeopardize their interests.
And this raises the question of the biggest challenge of all; the Middle East conflict. President Obama has failed to realize that the key to reconciliation with the Muslim world is Palestine. No matter how far and remote America's foes are in this vast realm of Islam, their cause will always be linked to the struggle of Palestinians to achieve statehood.
President Obama will hear about Palestine in Indonesia as well as Morocco. It is the one issue that truly unites Muslims everywhere. He has promised to work actively and dedicate his efforts to realizing the goal of creating a Palestinian state living alongside of Israel. But this is easier said than done. America can deploy troops in Iraq, fight the Taleban in Afghanistan, talk with the Iranians and engage moderates in Pakistan, but nothing compares to persuading Israel to cede land, negotiate over Jerusalem, dismantle settlements and recognize an independent Palestinian state.
This is always going to be Obama's real test. Turning the corner with the Muslim world starts in the occupied territories and this is where America appears reluctant and indecisive. It is there that Obama's promise of change must take place.
