My Obamania

Just read Obama's speech at Cairo University released by the Associated Press. Made me wonder if Obama was going to be the first President of United States to have greeted people with an Assalaamu Walaikum.

I began admiring Obama not because of the policies he framed but because of the sheer charm and grace he brought to the seat of the American President- a seat that has been disdained for some time now. I admire this guileless man who is not afraid to open up to public, show his innermost emotions and who doesnt toe the line in the dirty game of politics (that of course is my opinion and I am no expert in politics).

I found that the opening words of his speech were apt. He began with what really is the problem about the Muslim world- about the big misunderstanding that it is received in, of there being a tension between the western world and the so called Muslim world. He spoke of the religious wars that have taken place in history, of the emergence of an ultra modern society that seemingly stands as an opposition to Islamic traditions.

He moved on to how a small minority of Muslims took advantage of this fear and disregard of western mores and values, using violent means to achieve socio-political mileage. He felt that if we continued to move ahead with a fragmented and fragile relationship based on mutual mistrust,we would only help evil minded people in doing what they have always wanted to.

Although seemingly Obama is on a PR trail to garner support from the historically anti American Muslim nations, I can't but help liking him.
He quoted from the Quran, the Talmud and the Bible. Clearly a man, who doesnt shy from referring to religious literature. This at a time, when the western world is predominantly disposed to being disregarding of religion.
I truly liked his speech, it seemed genuine, just like him.