Dialogue Forum Seminar Discusses Obama’s Administration and Speech to the Islamic World
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Alexandria—The BA Dialogue Forum organized a Seminar on 6 June 2009 entitled “Obama’s Administration and the Middle East”. It hosted Dr. Mustafa Elwy, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, and Member of the Shura (Consultative) Council, and was moderated by Dr. Hesham Sadeq, Professor of International Law, Alexandria University.
Dr. Sadeq stated that this topic imposes itself not only on the Middle East, but the world at large. He added that Obama symbolizes the new American values, and his views about the Middle East are innovative and deserve to be studied. Sadeq also highlighted the importance of analyzing Obama’s speech that was given from Cairo University to the Islamic World last Thursday.
Dr. Elwy said that Obama is a charismatic leader, who is significantly different from his predecessor President Bush. Obama is well-versed and politically intellectual. In addition, he is originally from Kenya, was born in Indonesia and brought up in the USA, therefore he witnessed the civilizations and cultures of Africa, East Asia and the West.
Elwy maintained that the main differences between Bush and Obama is the latter’s belief in the importance of dialogue between the US and the Islamic World. He moved to an analysis of Obama’s speech and described it as bold and politically well-balanced, especially when quoting from the three revealed religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) emphasizing his call for peace for the prosperity of humanity. The US President’s speech also shed lights on Islamic civilization, women rights, economic development, education and scientific research, in addition to the fact that there is no one exact model for reform and democracy due to differences in cultures and traditions.
Elwy concluded that Obama’s speech and his vision alone could not bring about changes in the Middle East, and urged countries to take necessary measures to implement these ideas.