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Carnegie Experts on Obama's Trip to the Middle East
Carnegie experts in the Middle East and D.C. discussed regional expectations for President Obama's address to the Muslim world, the administration’s approach to the Arab-Israeli peace process, and the significance of his stops in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Published on Jun 1, 2009
Ahead of President Obama’s Middle East trip and highly anticipated address to the Muslim world, Carnegie experts in the Middle East and D.C. discussed regional expectations for his speech, the administration’s approach to the Arab-Israeli peace process, and the significance of his stops in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Key points:
- Middle East audiences will want to hear from President Obama on two major issues: his stance towards political reform and the future of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Obama is unlikely to outline a detailed Middle East peace plan in his speech, which will cause some disappointment in the region. But if the speech is followed by progress over the next few months, it will have a positive mid to long-term effect.
- The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as with Turkey previously, is an attempt to build on U.S. alliances, marshal momentum in the wider Islamic world, and leverage goodwill into progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Cairo is a significant location for the speech as Egypt has historically been the most influential presence in the Arab and Muslim world (though the trip to Saudi Arabia shows recognition of its central role as well). The introduction of the president in Cairo will come from a religious leader—the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar—which signals that Obama will address wider Muslim issues, not just the political crisis.
About the Authors
Marina Ottaway
Former Senior Associate, Middle East Program
Before joining the Endowment, Ottaway carried out research in Africa and in the Middle East for many years and taught at the University of Addis Ababa, the University of Zambia, the American University in Cairo, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
Nathan J. Brown
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Nathan J. Brown, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, is a distinguished scholar and author of nine books on Arab politics and governance, as well as editor of five books.
Paul Salem
Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute
Paul Salem is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.
Amr Hamzawy
Director, Middle East Program
Amr Hamzawy is a senior fellow and the director of the Carnegie Middle East Program. His research and writings focus on governance in the Middle East and North Africa, social vulnerability, and the different roles of governments and civil societies in the region.
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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