Obama sends a strong signal

The Internet portal Rue89 analyses Obama's address to the Islamic World: "Al Qaeda's number two man, Aiman Al-Zawahiri, called on the Egyptians before the speech not to be seduced by the 'refined rhetoric' of the 'criminal Barack Obama'. He had every reason to fear Obama's rhetoric. The American president delivered a speech in Cairo ... that puts a definitive end to the Bush era and stretches out a hand to the Muslim World with respect and modesty. ... The most eagerly awaited part of his address dealt with Israel and Palestine, and it was there that he promised the most. ... With a few words of Arabic, some well-chosen quotes from the Koran and a consistent respect for a religion that many Americans view as an 'enemy', Obama also managed to send a strong signal for a change of heart. At the same time he remained firm regarding the US's relations with Israel and on the fight against all those who use violence or who attack democracy - even if he no longer tries to 'impose' it, but merely to 'support' it."

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