2009.06.09: June 9, 2009: Headlines: Obama: Egypt: Islamic Issues: Public Diplomacy: Peace Corps Worldwide: An RPCV in Cairo Discusses Reaction to Obama's Speech to the Muslim World
Peace Corps Online:
Peace Corps News:
Library:
Peace Corps: President Obama:
2009.06.04: June 4, 2009: Headlines: Obama: Egypt: Islamic Issues: Public Diplomacy: White House: President Barack Obama speaks at Cairo University in Cairo :
2009.06.09: June 9, 2009: Headlines: Obama: Egypt: Islamic Issues: Public Diplomacy: Peace Corps Worldwide: An RPCV in Cairo Discusses Reaction to Obama's Speech to the Muslim World
An RPCV in Cairo Discusses Reaction to Obama's Speech to the Muslim World
So let’s start with “wow.” Even though there is some disappointment that Obama didn’t provide more concrete policy proposals on the peace process, almost universally Egyptians that I spoke with, saw on TV last night, or read on their blogs gave this speech a big thumbs up. Of course, there was pride of place–Egyptians were excited that Obama chose Cairo as the venue for this speech. After the speech pride gave way to the feeling of a personal connection with the American president. He used verses from the Koran, he spoke about things that mattered to real people, he wasn’t afraid to talk about democracy, and he did it with a graceful and rousing prose that just doesnt’ exist in Egyptian political life. During the speech students shouted “We love you Obama!” They chanted his name; they cheered on their feet when he entered; they gave him the loudest standing ovation I have heard in Egypt when he left. On to proud…which is mostly my reaction. As I sat there and listened to an American president talk truthfully, even painstakingly so, and passionately about shaping a relationship with Muslim countries based on mutual interests and mutual respect, I teared up. Really. He didn’t lecture. He didn’t threaten or swagger. There wasn’t a cowboy bone in that body. He wasn’t apologizing, either. He very clearly laid out what US interests are and was clear that he will defend them. But here’s the difference from the past eight years: he framed our interests in terms of human rights and peace. He was able to communicate in language that his audience not only relates to, like verses from the Koran, but in a way that demonstrates he can see all sides to a problem, that he can see the world from their eyes, too. By doing that, he affirmed the dignity of his audience — and did America very proud.
An RPCV in Cairo Discusses Reaction to Obama's Speech to the Muslim World
Our RPCV In Cairo
from Peace Corps Worldwide Master Site Feed by John Coyne
Caption: President Barack Obama speaks at Cairo University in Cairo, Thursday, June 4, 2009. In his speech, President Obama called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims', declaring that 'this cycle of suspicion and discord must end'. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
We had one of our website reporters in Cairo yesterday to cover the President’s talk at the university and we received this report a few hours ago.
•
It is difficult to start to describe yesterday because so many descriptions come to mind. “Wow” seems to be a good starting place. Then comes “proud” quickly followed by “emotional.”
So let’s start with “wow.” Even though there is some disappointment that Obama didn’t provide more concrete policy proposals on the peace process, almost universally Egyptians that I spoke with, saw on TV last night, or read on their blogs gave this speech a big thumbs up. Of course, there was pride of place–Egyptians were excited that Obama chose Cairo as the venue for this speech. After the speech pride gave way to the feeling of a personal connection with the American president. He used verses from the Koran, he spoke about things that mattered to real people, he wasn’t afraid to talk about democracy, and he did it with a graceful and rousing prose that just doesnt’ exist in Egyptian political life. During the speech students shouted “We love you Obama!” They chanted his name; they cheered on their feet when he entered; they gave him the loudest standing ovation I have heard in Egypt when he left.
I think part of the appeal (maybe a big part) is the Egyptians want their own Obama. They want change. They want to be led by someone who has intellect and humility, two traits of Obama’s which have been highly praised after the speech. (A side note: some news commentators didn’t know what a teleprompter is and they thought he was speaking extemporaneously…) So while the Egyptians wait for their Obama, they seem happy enough to adopt ours.
On to proud…which is mostly my reaction. As I sat there and listened to an American president talk truthfully, even painstakingly so, and passionately about shaping a relationship with Muslim countries based on mutual interests and mutual respect, I teared up. Really. He didn’t lecture. He didn’t threaten or swagger. There wasn’t a cowboy bone in that body. He wasn’t apologizing, either. He very clearly laid out what US interests are and was clear that he will defend them. But here’s the difference from the past eight years: he framed our interests in terms of human rights and peace. He was able to communicate in language that his audience not only relates to, like verses from the Koran, but in a way that demonstrates he can see all sides to a problem, that he can see the world from their eyes, too. By doing that, he affirmed the dignity of his audience — and did America very proud.
Ok, so all of that is emotional, but there were even greater emotions among Egyptians that went beyond “wow” and “pride.” Maybe some of my more eloquent friends can give me a better word to describe the impact of the whole day, but let me try to describe the sense in the example of one Egyptian contact. My friend always plays her cards close to the chest. I usually consider her to be fair, but not ”pro” U.S. Yesterday tears were streaming down her face. When I saw her after the speech and asked her what she thought, she started in. Her view was that never in her life had such a cross section of Egypt been together in one room. Egyptian government officials, opposition leaders, religious leaders, bloggers, journalists, activists, students, Muslim Brotherhood, the Israeli ambassador (he was invited with other regional ambassadors), intellectuals and artists. To her there was suddenly hope. If Obama can bring these people together and speak to each group’s different concerns, she thinks he just may be able to do it on a bigger scale and actually achieve peace in the region. She said she had long lost hope for peace but that it was “woken up,” as she put it. And that surprised her and overwhelmed her.
So now to the question I know you want to ask: did I meet him? No, I didn’t get to shake his hand. Sadly, I was working. I didnt get home until around 10:30, had a scotch on the rocks and fell asleep. It was one long, emotional, proud and, oh, did I say? A wow day!
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: June, 2009; Presidents - Obama; Islamic Issues; Public Diplomacy
When this story was posted in June 2009, this was on the front page of PCOL:
Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
| Join Us Mr. President! "We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign.
Read how RPCV's rallied and and marched to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. |
| Director Ron Tschetter: The PCOL Interview Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter sat down for an in-depth interview to discuss the evacuation from Bolivia, political appointees at Peace Corps headquarters, the five year rule, the Peace Corps Foundation, the internet and the Peace Corps, how the transition is going, and what the prospects are for doubling the size of the Peace Corps by 2011. Read the interview and you are sure to learn something new about the Peace Corps. PCOL previously did an interview with Director Gaddi Vasquez. |
Read the stories and leave your comments.
Some postings on Peace Corps Online are provided to the individual members of this group without permission of the copyright owner for the non-profit purposes of criticism, comment, education, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and they may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner. Peace Corps Online does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the postings, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.
Story Source: Peace Corps Worldwide
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Obama; Egypt; Islamic Issues; Public Diplomacy
PCOL43962
80