[QODLink]
RIZ KHAN
Reviewing Obama's Cairo commitment
A year after he promised to repair ties with the Muslim world, has Obama kept his word?
Last Modified: 05 Jun 2010 07:15 GMT



Watch part two

One year after his speech in Cairo promising to repair ties with Islamic nations, has Barack Obama kept his word? 

The US president pledged to seek a new beginning between the US and Muslims around the world "one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect".

Trying to distance himself from his predecessor, George Bush, Obama said it was time to end mutual mistrust and suspicion.

He said the US had made mistakes in Iraq and renewed Washington's calls for a two-state solution in the Middle East saying: "America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own."

But on the first anniversary of that speech, many Muslims say Obama has not only failed to honour his promises, but in certain respects has continued the policies of George Bush.

They point to his increasingly stern language against Iran over its nuclear programme, the White House's refusal to join the broader global condemnation of Israel's attack on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, and the intensified drone attacks in Pakistan as some of the reasons.

His supporters argue that Obama has succeeded in reaching out to the Muslim world but must be given more time to carry out his policies.

On Thursday's show we ask: Has Obama has succeeded in changing the tone of US engagement towards Islamic nations or has he defaulted on his Cairo commitment?

Joining the show will be Rashad Hussain, President Obama's special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

This episode aired on June 3, 2010.

Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Murder of Somali draws ire of foreign African nationals over rising xenophobic violence.
We look at the impact of increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic and ask who it really affects.
Tupamaros enforce rough justice in Venezuela's slums to support socialism, but critics say the group are violent thugs.
More than a decade ago the US launched a war against Afghanistan, but was it a justified battle?
Featured
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Extensive coverage of political unrest that spread from Istanbul to other areas.
Revelations over NSA spying are threatening president's European trip.
Some urbanites are returning to their rural roots to farm the land.
Kuwait's 'Bidoon' have been stripped of rights and treated as second-class citizens.
join our mailing list