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Cairo address

In Cairo, Barack Obama took the next positive step to placate the Muslim world after his goodwill gesture to Iran on Nooroz — the ancient Iranian New Year. He has held out the promise of a more balanced approach to the Palestine-Israeli problem. Whereas he endorses Israel’s right to exist, he is equally concerned with the Palestinians’ sufferings in pursuit of a homeland.

Mr. Obama’s sincerity of purpose cannot be doubted because he did some plainspeaking along the same lines with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at their recent meeting at the White House.

Lajpat Rai Garg,

Chandigarh

Mr. Obama’s Cairo address has set an agenda for change. He knows that the language of reconciliation, not confrontation, will bring the world, riven by the cycle of suspicion and discord, together. Clearly, the time has come to assuage the hurt psyche of Muslims. One hopes they will respond positively to Mr. Obama’s call.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,

Davangere

The Cairo speech was highly invigorating. The way President Obama started his address — with the conventional assalamu alayakum — was laudable. He displayed exemplary oratorical skills. No wonder, he was able to keep everyone listening to him in rapt attention. Let us hope Mr. Obama will succeed in translating his words into action.

P. Shibani,

Madurai

The historic and path-breaking address was a laudable attempt at bringing about reconciliation between the Muslim world and the West. I am quite surprised at those who are sceptical and critical of Mr. Obama’s speech. It is the doctor’s words of comfort that heal the patient first.

The essence of the Cairo discourse was that the U.S. is not at war with Islam and that the concerns of most Muslims are the same as those of most Americans. No doubt, action is louder than words. But Mr. Obama’s speech was such that it touched the hearts and minds of Muslims, which is sure to make his job of translating his words into action easier.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai,

Tuticorin

Mr. Obama’s choice of words, semantic and pregnant with meaning, in addition to his action and powerful gestures, set all controversies surrounding the U.S. policy towards Muslims at rest. The President appeared far from being xenophobic towards the Muslim world.

Ashok Jayaram,

Bangalore

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