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The Obama Watch
Obama and the Two Muslim Worlds
When President Obama delivers his long-awaited speech in Egypt on Thursday, he will be fulfilling his inaugural pledge to "seek a new way forward" with the Muslim world. But finding areas of mutual interest may prove far more difficult than the president imagines. That is because, in recent years, the Middle East has seen the crystallization of regional politics around two distinct ideologies. Call it the new bipolarity.
In one corner, there is a radical camp made up of Iran and Syria. It is animated by the idea of "resistance" against the West, and counts terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas as its fellow travelers. In the other are the comparative moderates, led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia and consisting of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and most of the Gulf States, who represent a more pragmatic approach to the region's problems.
The differences between the two could not be starker. The radical camp supports terrorism as a legitimate political tool, views political compromise as unnecessary, and aims to undermine -- either directly or by proxy -- the stability of America's allies in the region. For evidence, one need look no further than Egypt, where members of Hezbollah -- Iran's chief terrorist surrogate -- were recently arrested for planning to carry out attacks and smuggle arms into the Gaza Strip.
While the regional pragmatists certainly have no love for Israel, they at least favor degrees of normalization with the Jewish state, and promote reasonable options for negotiating peace. They also view the rising tide of Islamist terrorist groups as a mortal threat to both domestic and regional stability.
This regional divide was on dazzling display during the recent Arab summit in Doha, Qatar. The meeting ended early, after a single day of debate punctuated by disagreements on nearly every regional and international issue. In fact, just about the only thing the gathered Arab leaders could agree on was their defiant support for their honored guest, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir -- a pariah recently indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in Darfur.
Tellingly, those in the region's radical camp viewed such a stalemate as progress. Syrian President Bashar al-Asad crowed that the event was "the most successful summit of the last 20 years." Such sentiments speak volumes; the radical camp, simply put, does not seek progress as currently defined in Cairo, Amman, Riyadh, or Ramallah.
The tug-of-war now taking place in the Arab world threatens to envelop other states as well.
Lebanon, for example, is currently teetering. Four years ago, in the aftermath of the so-called "Cedar Revolution," the pro-Western March 14 coalition was elected on a platform that championed the non-interference of outside actors in Lebanese politics. But when Iranian-sponsored and Syrian-supported Hezbollah overran Beirut in May 2008, the March 14 coalition capitulated, granting Hezbollah and its backers a political veto in national politics and effective immunity from oversight by the elected government. Not surprisingly, these developments emboldened Hezbollah and its supporters, who are now poised to make additional gains in the upcoming June parliamentary elections.
Qatar, meanwhile, already appears to have cast its lot. After years of trying to balance friendly relations with Iran with a strategic partnership with America (the country currently houses our regional military headquarters), Doha now gives clear signs of drifting towards Iran. It brokered the May 2008 agreement that ended the Lebanese political crisis -- a deal that gave the political advantage to Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria. In the midst of the January 2009 crisis over the Gaza Strip, it also convened a contra-summit prominently featuring both Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hamas's Damascus-based leader, Khalid Mashaal. Indeed, Qatar is fast becoming the preferred gathering spot for the resistance camp.
So far, Washington gives little indication that it recognizes the new cold war brewing between radicals and realists in the greater Middle East. Today, the Obama administration is simultaneously engaging the radical regimes in Tehran and Damascus, even as it courts the regional governments who fear them.
Such a policy is unsustainable. If Washington wants real regional engagement, or realignment, the White House will need to recognize the two camps now dueling for geopolitical influence -- and then clearly and unequivocally choose sides. President Obama, in other words, may plan to engage the Muslim world, but he will need to pick which camp he prefers.
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Doorgunner| 6.3.09 @ 7:22AM
BAN DAVID MATHEWS
Crusader| 6.3.09 @ 7:28AM
Blah blah blah, moderate muslims.
Pragmatists? Moderate? Remind me again where the 9/11 terrorists were from? 15 from SA and 4 from Egypt. those bastions of moderation and pragmatism.
And remind me again who sponsors all those Wahabbi mosques and schools right here on US soil? Saudi Arabia, our pragmatic and moderate "friends."
Using "pragmatic" and "moderate" to describe muslims is like using it to describe a rapist who uses a condom. Ridiculous.
stu.b.con| 6.3.09 @ 7:59AM
BAN DAVID MATHEWS
Jack| 6.3.09 @ 8:39AM
Please ban David Mathews.
Both sides are simply waiting to see who ends up with the marbles.
warpig| 6.3.09 @ 9:45AM
"hate will only take you so far"
Sort of devines your feelings about Conservatives.
We do not favor war, but hold it as the last course of action. No real patroit wants to subject his countrymen to such and undertaking, but understands when that remains the only course of action.
What is amazing is how liberals can look at a situation and not see the real danger. You all would go on an African safari and not understand why you couldn't get out and pet the lions........
Michele San Pietro| 6.3.09 @ 9:51AM
Obama, if he wants to be credible, must be on the West's side, not on any "Muslim world's" side. This guy is really turning the United States into the world's laughing stock. Let's prevent this from happening!
Pingback| 6.3.09 @ 10:15AM
Obama and the Two Muslim Worlds « ACT Northern Virginia/Richmond/DC Metro Chapter. links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Crusader| 6.3.09 @ 10:22AM
Let's see. I'm gonna do this of the top of my head and no internet searches, so I'm sure I will miss some.
In the last 30 years, islamists have
- Stormed the American embassy in Iran, holding Americans hostage for 444 days
- Blew up the Marine barracks in Beruit
- Blew up countless airliners
- Threw James (?) Klinghoffer off a cruise ship
- Drove SUVs into college campus quads, randomly running over infidels (if I'm not mistaken, one did this in the streets of SF too)
- Attacked the El Al ticket counter in LA
- Attacked the WTC twice
- Flew a plane into the pentagon
- Blew a hole in one of our Navy's ships, killing 17(?)
- Attacked an AF barracks in the land of moderation and pragmatism, Saudi Arabia
- Attacked embassies in Kenya & ? (someone help me out)
- Chopped off the heads of numerous reporters and aid workers in Iraq, then put the video on the internet
- Conspired to attack Ft Dix
- Blew up a bus in London
- Blew up a train in Spain
- Shot two junior enlisted troops at the recruiting office in Arkansas, killing one (still no statement from the muslim in chief, but it prolly wouldn't look good if he ordered the charges dropped against the islamist like they did for the black panthers in Philly--then again, I'm sure the knee-pad media would rationalize it for the sheeple)
This is just off the top of my head in about 3 minutes and I could go on, but I think you get the picture. So our pres is going to go to Egypt and---talk to them????? Oh, and let's not forget he wants the American embassies to invite the Iranians to our July 4th celebrations. Hmmmm.
Tell me why the muslim world thinks America is a fat, dumb, lazy, wimp again????? Every time they kick us in the ballz we apologize for getting in the way of their foot.
NavyBrat| 6.3.09 @ 10:58AM
"Oh, and let's not forget he wants the American embassies to invite the Iranians to our July 4th celebrations. Hmmmm."
Why bother with "formal" invitations. It's not like they needed an invitation the LAST time they "visited" an embassy of ours.
For the record, it was Kenya & Tanzania, where the embassy bombings took place. And it was Leon Klinghoffer they executed in his wheelchair & dumped over the side of the Achille Lauro. Thankfully, we got (killed, I think) that bastard, Imahd Mugneyah, a couple of years ago.
pugsley| 6.3.09 @ 11:06AM
Everything Crusader said is spot on. I would just like to add one thing and it happens everytime in America. 'we appologize for getting in the way of their foot'. True enough, until we dont. When we finally reach flash point there will be blood and lots of it. The liberals will all wring their hands and wail but at that point the blood will be up and there will be no stopping. So yes, Dave Mathews we are a people who lust for blood from time to time, it is just the way we Americans are. We are the most giving people the world have ever seen, until we get the feeling we are under attack. Check your history, this nation was founded in blood and will be possibly cleansed again with blood. Dave you just be sure your on the right side of things because like I say, once the blood is up things are going to get messy.
Joe| 6.3.09 @ 11:39AM
Good points Crusader. Maybe when they are over here on the 4th we can invite them to Davey's house so he can really get to know them.
Son Of Sam| 6.3.09 @ 11:41AM
Being a man of faith, I hope and pray for peace in our time. However, if the Holocaust denying ,clawing for the atom bomb nutcase who is leading the Iranian people off a cliff finally gets his wish and provokes an outright war with the West, I will fervently pray for two developments:
A) We win swiftly and decisively and then de-hatify Iran (the way we de-nazified Germany after the war)
B) davey dumbass decides to volunteer to be a "human shield" in Tehran. It would be in character for him to try and protect a hate-filled, anti-Semitic nutcase government
stay strong until freedom dawns
Son Of Sam
http://www.samadamssos.bravehost.com
Crusader| 6.3.09 @ 11:56AM
Maybe when they explode a nuke in KC or somewhere like that we'll finally think, "Hmmm, maybe they mean business about this islam taking over the world stuff?"
You know, not to get off track, but the killing of the abortionist in Wichita immediately made me think conspiracy. Here's one for ya...the muslim in chief is doing everything he can to make it easier and easier for islam to gain a foothold here until it is too big to stop. Instead of USSA how does United Islamic States of America grab ya?
Bronson| 6.3.09 @ 12:00PM
They also shot the Pope!!
Did we storm the streets breaking windows??
No.
But they did over a freakin' cartoon!!!
Hey, enough... they should leave the west if they hate it so much.
Paul Torsiello| 6.3.09 @ 12:04PM
America's WORST Mistake was made
November 4, 2008
This guy is an idiot!
MAS1916| 6.3.09 @ 12:13PM
As the Chosen One embarks on his Middle East trip, the foreign press is starting up the laugh track. After declaring the US to be the world's largest Muslim nation, Obama has already made Himself the laughingstock. (for a list of Obama's really strange objectives on the Middle East trip, you can view: http://firstconservative.com/blog/political-humor/political-humor-obama-abroad )
The ultimate objective though is to make America less 'American' in terms of values and objectives. Radical Islam wants exactly the same thing - that and permission to wipe Israel off the earth.
Tony in Central PA| 6.3.09 @ 12:43PM
Seeing how well Obama's Silk Tongue smoothed things over with Iran recently, I'm sure the whole Middle East will be enveloped by peace before he's even finished in Cairo.
Alhad Sathe| 6.3.09 @ 12:48PM
Crusador,
Don't forget the bombings and terrorist acts by these thugs in Mumbai, Banglore and other cities in India.
daboss| 6.3.09 @ 12:59PM
don’t forget the Robert F. Kennedy assassination by Sirhan Sirhan because of Kennedy's support if Israel.
Pretty sure Sirhan was Palestinian
NavyBrat| 6.3.09 @ 1:24PM
Daboss. Didn't you know that the RFK references are SOOO passe' with the Obama crowd? Hell, mild mannered English professor Bill Ayers' most recent book was DEDICATED to Sirhan. Life is cheap to the lefties. Hence their forgetfulness of things like those that have been listed above & their love of eugenics... uh, I mean a-b-o-r-t-i-o-n.
Gill O’Teen ✝✡| 6.3.09 @ 2:29PM
I don’t have the exact quote and I’m not sure exactly when obumassiah said it, it may have been during the BBC interview as he was preparing to visit his Arab brethren this week; however, the liar-in-chief who said earlier this year that the United States is not a Christian country, noted that the United States is one of the world’s largest Muslim nations.
hopesome| 6.3.09 @ 2:30PM
Instead of looking towards the religion on this trip, I suggest that Mr Obama go for the human and humanitarian aspects of the human race. In other words, quit judging on religious grounds and just go for the hope that none of us really want to be fried by a nuclear bomb going of and therefore why not lets just quit sqaubling shake hands and look for a way through the crap that seems to surround us all.
brutus| 6.3.09 @ 2:34PM
Crusader, here's one more for your list: don't forget the athletes taken hostage and murdered by muslims in the '72 Olympics.
Also, please don't include me in your "we.." - - "Every time they kick us in the ballz we apologize for getting in the way of their foot." The only time me or any of my friends or family 'might' apologize (with fingers crossed behind our backs) is with long knives at our throats ready to saw our heads off like the muslims did to Phil Berg, Danny Pearl... Clarification: the only Americans who apologize to the muslim world are the libtards running our government, and their lemmings like David Mathews and the MSM.
Speaking of which, I got on late after the Comments were disinfected, so I didn't get to see Davey excrete his opinions.
Obama bumper sticker recently seen here in TX:
One Big Ass Mistake, America
FL residents should think twice before buying one; Davey Mathews might key your car.
Jes| 6.3.09 @ 2:38PM
It just isn't helpful to be negative before this Egypt trip. Things like this are a step in the right direction. Talking initiates action.
http://www.newsy.com/videos/obama_speaks_to_muslim_world_in_cairo
Peter McGrath| 6.3.09 @ 4:13PM
To me, it speaks worlds that the CMC (Chief Moral Coward) has left Israel (the only democracy in the region) off of his itinerary.
It's utterly and completely beyond me what he hopes to achieve, other than some sort of self-aggrandizing acknowledgement of his greatness by the assembled horde of liars, murderers, and tyrants.
If he wants to improve relations with the Muslim "world", he needs to encourage the overthrow of the despots who savagely repress their own people. A "meet and greet" with such scum will only diminish Obama, and our country.
hopesome| 6.3.09 @ 5:00PM
Do you want the debt of many wars to continue or do you want to be on the highway to eventual peace.
After the Iraq war Mr Bush lost credibility for his impatient actions. Some one has to start a move towards peace. If America is so intent on revenge then I suggest you look inside your own heart and ask yourselves why.
Peter McGrath| 6.3.09 @ 5:51PM
Dear Hope(some) -
The highway to eventual peace requires the overthrow of the Mullahs in Iran and the liberation of the Iranian people. Once that occurs, Syria will fall in line and the Arab world will owe the United States a debt of gratitude.
America has never been intent on "revenge." Our efforts, prior to the ascension of the CMC, were to prevent the ongoing slaughter of innocent Americans. Under Bush, this policy was a huge success - no further major attacks on American soil.
How, exactly, does one "start a move towards peace." Are you referring to a bowel movement? Or a special dance? Or a "global movement" where everyone forms a giant circle and hums "Kumbaya" together?
Maybe the CMC (Chief Moral Coward) will be the one who can "start a move toward peace" by brandishing his Islamic bona fides and talking down his own country. Yeah - telling the world that America sucks will really turn the murderous vipers in Iran into shiney, happy people.
Think it through, Hope. Good intentions and nice words mean nothing to evildoers. Force, and the threat of force, are the only language they understand.
Truth to Power| 6.3.09 @ 5:53PM
Lets send hopesome to North Korea where she can question Kim Jong Il on why he is so intent on revenge. On second thought this may be worse than waterboarding.
Carol| 6.3.09 @ 6:30PM
Lovely to see Dave Matthews-free comments.
I feel I've enjoyed an actual adult conversation.
Delightful. Thanks.
Old Texican| 6.3.09 @ 7:19PM
Carol...Heh!
Fear not...the idiot will be back under another moniker and/or e-mail address.
WHAT IF...Mr. Obama is the "Manchurian President"?
WHAT IF he is a sleeper agent, carefully groomed as a liar/cool dude?
WHAT IF...he has been carefully covered in so far as his college transcripts, entry papers, and lectures?
Guys...
One man cannot hide his past in the modern age of internet etc. HE MUST HAVE A LOT OF HELP COVERING HIS TRACKS.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a President with absolutely NO tracks.
What is wrong with this picture?
I'm deeply frightened for our country.
cheap jordan shoes| 6.3.09 @ 9:20PM
This guy is really turning the United States into the world's laughing stock. Let's prevent this from happening!
hopesome| 6.4.09 @ 4:45AM
Dear Mr Mcgrath
Why have you a fire in your heart for revenge.
Tuco| 6.4.09 @ 5:39AM
hope(less)some,
I can't speak for Mr. McGrath...but personally, I have a fire in my heart for revenge because I can't stand Islamic extremist pigs, and the complete and utter disregard they have for human life.
Have a nice day!
Hopesome| 6.4.09 @ 10:03AM
1. I Said make a move towards peace not sycophant to the muslims or for that matter the 'so called christians'.
I do not think any of us like evil or those that take pleasure in its outworking or those who pretend to be religious when in fact give them two seconds and they become as fanatical as those they are so good at judging.
The revenge you seek is yours don't vomit it at those you hate and make theres worse.
Time to grow up my friend and begin to respect, even Jesus respected those that mutilated him and his hope and left him to die on a cross. He did not become a smiley nice person to do it either he embued himself with his Fathers power and whooped the spirit that came for a war maybe you should ask yourself who planted the desire to mutilate and murder then ask yourself if you yourself need correction in that dominion.
Jesus fought with great respect for his enemies as did the father. Try to find a way to get out of your revenge syndrome before you yourself are tempted to take the bullet instead of the bible.
LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL.
NOT WEAK
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Englishman| 9.8.09 @ 3:51PM
A word of warning to all Americans Reading just take a look at great Britain we are already an islamic state near enough. Shariah law already in place along side British law. More mosques than churches. And what really takes the piss is that british troops coming back from afghanistan were met by Muslim scumbag protestors shouting and holding placards with "child killers" " rapists" etc. They are everywhere now as they breed like rats and white British is becoming a minority in Britain itself
igra| 9.9.09 @ 10:10AM
Good points Crusader. Maybe when they are over here on the 4th we can invite them to Davey's house so he can really get to know them.
mike| 9.20.09 @ 5:14AM
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Good points Crusader. Maybe when they are over here on the 4th we ca
cca wire | 9.28.09 @ 2:59AM
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high power led light bulb| 9.28.09 @ 3:01AM
talking is talking ,action is action . We see what will Obama do . Muslim is a too much complicated world .