Obama To Muslim World - “U.S. not your enemy”
Jerry Gordon, The Iconoclast, comment
It is significant that the first formal interview that Pres. Barack Hussein Obama gave was to Dubai-based Al-Arabiya. Notice that the interview done in the early evening, yesterday, was embargoed for release until 11 PM, EST? While touching on threads of his own Muslim origins and Muslim extended family while appealing to ordinary Muslims, Obama conveyed a sense that he was one of them and part of the ‘ummah’ - the community of believers. While stating that he will hunt down extremists that seek to destroy us of whatever religious stripe, Obama projects himself and his ’smartpower” diplomacy as being a furtherance of official dhimmitude, something that manifested itself in the second term of the Bush Administration that I wrote about in the New English Review-see “Bush and Islamofacists Detente in DC“.
By emphasizing that his special envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, will ‘listen’ is a message of appeal to Arab street and the Saudis about “peace’ flowing through Jerusalem with the establishment, if such can be had, of a Palestinian state, and an Israel walled up behind the ‘Auschwitz’ borders of the pre-1967 War Armistice line. By being ‘humble’ Obama has capitulated to the caterwauling of the Arab street and the Mullahs in Tehran pursuing their annihilationist nuclear project aimed at eradicating Israel, the Jewish state. Within less than one week following his inauguration, Obama has revealed his Middle East agenda. Israel is on the cusp of electing a new government on February 10th. We’ll see if the new government formed in the Knesset general election vote will send a telling message to Obama and the Muslim world that Israel will not be the ‘agnus dei’ (sacrificial lamb) to Militant Islam.
Politico, Jan. 26, 2009
Pres. Obama's Al-Arabiya Interview
The interview with the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya Network was a dramatic piece of public diplomacy aimed at capitalizing on the new American president’s international popularity, though it balanced America’s traditional commitment to Israel, whose security Obama called “paramount.’
“I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries,” Obama said, according to a White House transcript. “My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy.”
The Al Arabiya interview, directed squarely at Muslims around the world, revived a vision of personal, symbolic international change that was in the air when Obama - with his far-flung family members, and complicated story - launched his campaign. It was a vision, and an aspect of his story, that the candidate buried when, in 2007, was forced to combat whispering campaigns about his own faith.
But by giving his first interview to the Arabic network, Obama signaled his continuing belief in his personal power as a symbol of America against the temptations of Islamic militancy. He even dismissed “bankrupt” ideas and policies that don’t improve children’s health care, jabbing at “nervous” Al Qaeda leaders in language that echoed his campaign against George W. Bush.
The occasion for this interview was the departure of Obama’s special envoy, George Mitchell, to the Middle East, and a more aggressive and optimistic approach to that conflict than some argued that the circumstances dictated. The president offered no timeline for peace, but a firm view that a Palestinian state remains within reach.
“What I told him is start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating — in the past on some of these issues — and we don’t always know all the factors that are involved,” Obama said. “What we want to do is to listen, set aside some of the preconceptions that have existed and have built up over the last several years. And I think if we do that, then there’s a possibility at least of achieving some breakthroughs.” (Continue Reading this Article)
The man is a complete idiot. America’s enemies will have him for breakfast, lunch and dinner before long. They sense, not America’s goodwill and extended hand of friendship, but rather her weakness and her exhaustion in carrying on the war against them. And they will strike blows at her. All the sweet talk in the world have never altered one whit the nature of Islam.
Comment by NormanF — January 27, 2009 @ 4:07 am
oh dhimmitude here we come!! and how nieve it is to think that a two state solution will bring peace to Israel from her sworn enemies. people think that we can build bridges of understanding with our sworn enemies, but my father, a combat engineer in world war two built pontoon bridges that weren’t built for better understanding, they were built to carry tanks and infantry which were used to destroy the enemy, and after they were destroyed and finally surrendered, THEN we built bridges of understanding and made peace.
Comment by gungfusifu — January 27, 2009 @ 7:27 am
If the U.S. is not the enemy we lose the war. Simple as that.
Comment by RandyTexas — January 27, 2009 @ 8:12 am
It is far too early to see what if any good or bad develops from Obama’s interview broadcast to the Middle East and the Muslim world.
His words to the Arab and Muslim world were concilliatory, respectful and almost obsequious. It is a change of tone to be sure and such a bold interview in the first days of Obama’s presidency certainly does mark Obama as a man who is seeking to do things differently.
Nothing he said however in the interview has not been said before, one way or another by former Presidents. It is therefore not so much what he said, but how Obama said it that is very different.
Sometimes the same message delivered in different words or delivered by a different messenger can make all the difference in the world of having the desired affect on the target audience.
Americans and the non-Muslim world will know soon enough as to whether the change in tone that Obama has delivered on vis a vis the Muslim world will have a desireable affect.
What is important to recognize, especially for Obama detractors is that Obama in this interview, neither changed American policy nor did he give anything away.
Comment by Bill Narvey — January 27, 2009 @ 10:21 am
One concern was Obama saying he supported a contiguous Palestinian state. That is not a new American position.
Still one is reminded that if in the final two state solution peace paradigm, there will be a Palestinian sovereign corridor connecting Gaza to Judea and Samaria, then it means that Israel will cease to be contiguous.
Does Obama figure that the corridor will be a vehicular bridge spanning the distance between Gaza and J & S?
Just what is meant by the phrase contiguous Palestinian state, which has been employed by other Western nations as well including I think Canada at one point?
Comment by Bill Narvey — January 27, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
“Americans are not your enemy.” Obama thinks that the Muslims hate the US because of American “colonialism” as he puts it. Has he ever studied the spread of Islam? It represents the greatest conquest of land and “souls” in human history.
“We want to listen” says Obama - sure, and once you have heard what they have to say, I wonder if Obama wants us to adopt their views to appease them to win their “friendship.”
Does Obama not realize that Islam has a perpetual and everlasting goal to destroy and replace the non-Muslim nations with their own Islamic dictatorships and their religion?
I have “listened” and the more I hear from them, the more obvious it becomes that there is no common ground and no way that they are prepared to compromise - though they are eager and longing for us to conform entirely to their views and way of life.
Comment by Gary — January 27, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
That should be present tense. Iran is currently supporting terror groups.
President Bush’s language was unfortunately far from confrontational. In fact he foolishly went out of his way to falsely declare that the terrorists hijacked a peaceful religion, although it is quite clear the terrorists are carrying out islamic doctrine as stated in the koran. Bush briefly used the term “islamic fascism”, a correct term and was quickly pressured to back off on that and other such truthful language.
Comment by Laura — January 27, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
I don’t want a president who grovels to seventh century barbarians and believes that we need to apologize to and gain the approval of society’s where women and girls are executed for being rape victims and adultery in soccer stadiums filled with thousands of cheering savages.
What he is doing projects weakness. We have nothing to apologize for. Our values and our civilization are superior. We went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan because WE WERE ATTACKED BY MUSLIMS. And they didn’t attack us because of anything we did to them or because of Israel or any other imaginary modern day grievances. Muslims have been waging jihad against infidels since the seventh century, when islam began. Jihad is mandatory, it is in the koran, in the hadiths. Liberals are stupid and dangerous in their refusal to grasp what islam is about.
How about Arab leaders apologize to Americans on American TV for funding and inciting hatred and violence against us. How about the saudis stop funding these mosques and madrassas around the world which do likewise.
This is the fundamental problem with liberalism, the notion that the responsibility for islamic terrorism lies with us and our behavior and attitudes rather than the ideology prevalent in the muslim world since the seventh century. And another problem is in pretending that terrorism is not unique to islam but rather as Obama absurdly states, that we will hunt down the terrorists whatever their religion. Where is there an equivalent to al quaeda in the Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Buddhist religions? There are none, they don’t exist. Obama’s thinking is dangerous.
Comment by Laura — January 27, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
And furthermore what do we have to apologize for liberating the people of Iraq and Afghanistan from horrific regimes.
Comment by Laura — January 27, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
The Muslim world is looking for proof of Obama’s love for them in the form of Israel’s head on a platter. After he makes the delivery they will be energized and then move on to larger Islamic goals.
Obama’s interview could be summarized as such: Ask not what Islamists can do for the world to make it better, ask yourselves what you can do for Islamists to make sure they are on top and never held responsible for anything.
Comment by Gary — January 27, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
SUNSTAR TO THE MUSLIM WORLD
Allah is a false god and Muhammad is a false prophet and Islam is a lie. Repent from your evil assemblies rallied together against Israel and HONOR TORAH LAW.
Obama is in violation of Torah Law and so are all the nations hostile to Israel.
Any plans against Israel will not succeed because the TRUE GOD, the God of Israel, knows what your responses are going to be with all of your lies, deceptions, smooth talk, and flattery. As we AMERICANS give a toilet paper salute to Obama, we AMERICANS defy the Nations of Islam with the Sword of God’s Holy Spirit, asking you to repent of Islam and support your Israeli brothers and sisters with love and peace.
Obama is an enemy to the United States of America and his entire party is doomed to destruction, but all of you who are friendly to Obama - at the cost of Israel - will only succeed for a short time before Israel’s God makes His final answer complete.
All the nations who attack Israel will be destroyed by Israel’s God. Islam is a violation of God’s Will, therefore, repent and turn to the God of Israel before all of your “Nations of Islam” are destroyed.
It is easy to use Obama for your agenda of America’s destruction, which is certainly near - an easy task - but if you want to save the whole world - you, as Muslims, must lay down your weapons and let Israel dwell in the land safely and securely!
Otherwise, no negotiations for peace and security will last.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 (New International Version)
3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
that is the future of the Nations of Islam and all who defy and attack Israel.
Comment by Michael Sunstar — January 27, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
Laura, you are beginning to sound better with every post. Thanks.
Comment by Ed D — January 28, 2009 @ 11:17 am
The madness of thinking you can reason with Nazi Muslims must be Obama’s white part coming out - the “white guilt” sickness that the PC cultists have infected so many with that has led to the dumbing down and demise of our nation, as Obama’s African coup further proves.
Demand proof Obama’s a natural born citizen! If he’s not, and we have no proof to believe he is, then we need to send him packing to Africa or any of the Muslim countries that will have him!
Comment by David BenAriel — January 29, 2009 @ 12:06 am
Dear Sunstar:
Appreciate your sincere, cogent message above; I am no Obama supporter, he is everything I find repugnant (hater, user, propagandist, liar, etc.); that said, he is not a “CHIMPANZEE” and using such a name in describing the President of the United States of America is inflammatory and diminishes your credibility much as the heel throwing shoes at President Bush…an international disgrace screaming for PE Obama to denounce, but he remained silent.
Comment by Nellie — January 30, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Nellie I never agree with Mike Sunstar on much but I will take exception to your characterization of his derision of a fraudulent pretender to that once esteemed office, in a once esteemed nation. A majority of Americas citizens voting into office such a ONE to be president, they might just as well voted for Michael Jackson or any other popular cultural icon. Electing a president of which so little is known and what is known should have scared away any normal and rational being but he won running away. I think America by this action has demeaned itself without any help from the likes of me or Michael Sunstar.
Comment by yamit82 — January 30, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Yamit82: I accept your critique, but never found your justification for Sunstar having called our President a “CHIMPANZEE” … flagrantly, there isn’t any justification for addressing a human being as a non-human, checkmate!
Comment by Nellie — January 30, 2009 @ 7:45 pm
Nellie:
Nellie why are you wasting your time attempting to reason with the likes of Sunstar, Yamit and their ilk. You are dealing here with extreme nationalists and racial profilers that have much in common with the fine gentlemen of the Third Reich. Just ignore them-they don’t merit your time and attention.
Comment by h peskin — January 30, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
Nellie
I agree that Sunstar overstepped, as he often does, in calling Obama a Chimpanzee. I will remove the reference.
Comment by Ted Belman — January 31, 2009 @ 4:42 am
Peskin I wouldn’t compare you to a chimpanzee either mostly because they are more intelligent and moral than you are. I have yet to meet a Jew hating antisemitic Chimp.
Comment by yamit82 — January 31, 2009 @ 10:08 am
Nellie I never justified the name Sunstar used in depicting the Great One, I merely pointed out that even Sunstars name calling pales in fact to the actions of the American voter who have done the image and respect for the highest American office a shameful disservice. The big question is whether America will survive The One and if yes into what kind of America? Your checkmate blocked neatly. try again.
Comment by yamit82 — January 31, 2009 @ 10:21 am
[...] In it he stressed his own Muslim ties and his hopes for a Palestinian state. His message was “U.S. not your enemy” “And as I said during my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench [...]
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