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The Obama address

This refers to the editorial “Going beyond the Obama speech” (June 6). President Obama’s address has won the hearts and minds of Muslims and marks a new beginning in U.S. relations with the Islamic world. His efforts for a new rapprochement with Islamic countries will have a positive impact on the peace process in the Middle East.

It is hoped that the U.S would help India and Pakistan address the issues that divide them and issue a virtual ultimatum to Islamabad to root out the Al-Qaeda and other militant groups from its border areas.

A.S. Farida,

Kancheepuram

Mr. Obama’s conciliatory tone and the ability to strike a balance while stressing the need for peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine are laudable. He rightly emphasised the need to end the negative stereotypes of Islam in the western world as well as the negative perceptions among a section of Muslims about America. However, the real challenge lies in translating Mr. Obama’s conciliatory gesture into action and applying this policy shift in all walks of life.

While the U.S. cannot and should not compromise on security issues, it can certainly provide adequate training to its immigration officials to serve visitors in a civilised and courteous manner. It will take considerable and consistent efforts to undo the damage done by the previous U.S. administration. Mr. Obama seems to understand this quite well.

Fasihur Rahman,

NL, Canada

The editorial has rightly praised the American President’s conciliatory tone. While the speech is promising for its content, the moot point is whether he will translate them into reality. Mr. Obama’s sympathy for the cause of the Palestinian people is heart-warming and his bold advocacy for a two-state solution is a welcome departure from the hawkish stance taken by his predecessors. Mr. Obama should come forward and take steps to end the conflict in West Asia as an immediate follow-up to his goodwill gesture.

It is, however, disconcerting that the President is still turning a blind eye to the terror sponsored by his ally Pakistan on Indian soil.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

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