Obama got it right in Turkey, in April. That is why I was so dissapointed with his speech in Cairo. Compare:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OBAMA: Mr. Speaker, Madam Deputy Speaker, distinguished members, I am honored to speak in this chamber, and I am committed to renewing the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people.
This is my first trip overseas as President of the United States. I have been to the G-20 Summit in London, the NATO Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl, and the European Union Summit in Prague. Some people have asked me if I chose to continue my travels to Ankara and Istanbul to send a message. My answer is simple: Evet. Turkey is a critical ally. Turkey is an important part of Europe. And Turkey and the United States must stand together – and work together – to overcome the challenges of our time.

This morning I had the privilege of visiting the tomb of the great founder of your Republic. I was deeply impressed by this beautiful memorial to a man who did so much to shape the course of history. But it is also clear that the greatest monument to Ataturk’s life is not something that can be cast in stone and marble. His greatest legacy is Turkey’s strong and secular democracy, and that is the work that this assembly carries on today.

[...]

Now, our two democracies are confronted by an unprecedented set of challenges. An economic crisis that recognizes no borders. Extremism that leads to the killing of innocent men, women and children. Strains on our energy supply and a changing climate. The proliferation of the world’s deadliest weapons, and the persistence of tragic conflict.

[...]

I also know that Turkey has pursued difficult political reforms not simply because it’s good for Europe, but because it is right for Turkey.
In the last several years, you have abolished state-security courts and expanded the right to counsel. You have reformed the penal code, and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and assembly. You lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station.

These achievements have created new laws that must be implemented, and a momentum that should be sustained. For democracies cannot be static – they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, which is why steps like reopening the Halki Seminary will send such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. An enduring commitment to the rule of law is the only way to achieve the security that comes from justice for all people. Robust minority rights let societies benefit from the full measure of contributions from all citizens.

I say this as the President of a country that not too long ago made it hard for someone who looks like me to vote. But it is precisely that capacity to change that enriches our countries. Every challenge that we face is more easily met if we tend to our own democratic foundation. This work is never over. That is why, in the United States, we recently ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and prohibited – without exception or equivocation – any use of torture.
Now that is a great speech.


The Islamic world has a long history of secularism, of higher learning, of enlightenment. This is the current the West ought to ally itself with. As elsewhere, it is under threat even in Turkey. We need to find common ground in our mutual interest in promoting democratic, open societies and human rights.

Seeking common ground with backwardness, theocracy, oppression - these further neither the interests of the West nor of the Orient.

Quote Originally Posted by Turkish blogger
The Turkey visit of US President Barack Obama was truely a triumph. He didn't care about being politically correct, he bravely emphasized the importance of secularism in the face of the Islamist government, yet he managed to win many hearts because he was always perceived as honest.


Unfortunately, Obama's visit to Cairo today is of a different nature. His words were sweet, but this speech will generally be perceived as a publicity stunt and its positive effect would be much more limited, comparing to his sincere performance in Turkey.


Egypt and Saudi Arabia were the worst choices to be made to speak to the Muslim world. Egypt, ruled by a secular dictator, no democracy, no human rights... Try to be an Islamist dissident there and get ready to be killed or imprisoned.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



Saudi Arabia, ruled by a religiously fanatic dynasty, no democracy, no human rights... Try to be a democratic dissident there and get ready to be killed or imprisoned.

Obama should answer two questions: Would the White House act the same way if the Saudis were not heavily investing in the Wall Street? And what about if Cairo suddenly stop being an "ally" of the US and act independenly -or in the same line with Iran?

Bottomline: George W. Bush would have visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia for a "new beginning" but Obama -as we know him- shouldn't have done it. If you still want to speak there, you should have at least cautiously criticized these anti-democratic regimes. That could be change.

http://istanbulian.blogspot.com/2009...ong-place.html


Full speech in video and transcript:
http://enduringamerica.com/2009/04/0...ech-in-turkey/