A Sincere New Beginning. Now What?
The Current Discussion: What did you think of Obama's speech in Cairo? What kind of change will, or won't, it bring?
President Barack Obama in Cairo Thursday provided a combination Bible and Quran class mixed in with some American civics lessons -- a touching, sincere performance that gets high marks for boldness and empathy, but nevertheless leaves a lingering hollowness in some areas.
We should judge him by his intentions, measured by what can emanate from a single speech. In this respect, there is good news and bad news. The good news reflects a new approach and a change in tone, rhetoric and style, offering some hope where haplessness and hypocrisy once ruled Washington's work in the Middle East.