Guarded Optimism in the Arab World

Towards Obama’s Call for a "New Beginning" between the United States and Muslims” in Cairo

By Layla Al-Zubaidi & Doreen Khoury

President Barak Obama’s call for a “new beginning between the United States and Muslims” in Cairo resonated deeply throughout much of the Middle East. The speech was the main event of his regional tour and signified a major break with the rhetoric of the previous administration. Much of the Arab media were full of praise for the speech. Critical remarks however, were also voiced, especially the question how this new rhetoric will translate into concrete changes on the ground. Read...