Will Obama find leadership in the Middle East?

Obama has showed interest in the Middle East and the Muslim world from the first day of the Job. Perhaps one of his most powerful words during the inauguration speech was

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”

A clear message to the region that change is coming and this time it is not destruction but building bridges of trust based on mutual interests. The next day, Obama called the presidents of the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Egypt & Jordan. He appointed George Mitchell to be the US convey to the Middle East.

On the eve of Mitchell’s first mission, Obama appeared on Al Arabiya, the Saudi owned News channel, and spoke frankly about his plans in the Middle East, his ties to Islam and the Muslim world, and clearly stated that America is not an enemy for Muslims.

Though Arabs & Muslims do not hate Americans; but they have feelings of resentment for America’s double standards role when it comes to the Palestinian – Israeli conflict.

But my deep concern is the leadership in the Middle East, are they going to let Obama down? Do we have serious leadership who would take his initiative a step forward?

So far, the Arab World has two democracies, Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority. Both are constantly attacked by Israel, and suffer Political divide. The rest are illegitimate non elected dictatorships and ailing monarchies that have been in power for too long. The last war on Gaza has weakened the positions of these governments where those leaders have failed to listen to the growing angry voices and dissatisfaction of the public opinion and intellectuals. Egypt has lost its Political weight in the region, because of its negativity during the Gaza war. Syria is still testing its waters with the new US administration. Lebanon is too busy with the coming elections and the role of Hezbollah in the country. Iraq is anticipating the withdrawal plan, and the rich Gulf States are hoping to improve their relation with the US.

As for the Palestinian Authority, the situation is complex. We have Fatah who have a very bad reputation regarding their corruption and the misuse of Public money to their own interests. Many leading figures in the region have expressed their concern about Fatah and wither they will ever deliver the Aid that will be sent for Gaza.

As for Hamas, they became more popular after the war that hasn’t affected their military power. Hamas have lost their political wisdom to become partners with any Palestinian party in the future. They lack Political leadership, vision and agenda.

Israel & America should reconsider negotiating Fatah & Hamas together or they will have to look for new leadership which currently does not exist. There are many parties involved in this conflict and each party plays the Palestinian card all to their interests & agenda.

The Palestinian issue is more complex than to be solved by one Presidential term in the White House and Peace will require a lot of sacrifices from all sides. Until then, the whole Arab world is watching Obama closely and with admiration.

Bookmark this article

•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     
•     

E-mail this article to a friend

* Required Field

Your Name: *

Your E-Mail: *

Your Remark:

Friend's Name: *

Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.

Friend's E-Mail: *

Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.

Image Verification: *

 Loading ...

Close