‘Spending all day at the White House helping to draft Obama’s big Mid East speech tomorrow. So far we’ve agreed on “God bless America‘, says the tweet of Henry Kissinger, 56th United States Secretary Chairman. (The account is a parody)
Irony.
Explicitly throwing light on how America ended combat mission in Iraq, the recent return signal for US soldiers from Afghanistan from July and condemning of Osama bin Laden’s defiance against democracy, President Obama finally gave the much awaited speech for Middle east and Africa on Thursday.
Promising a new chapter in US foreign policy in the Middle-East, President Obama suggested that US is no longer going to support the atrocious dictators in the Middle East for the benefit of oil supply but rather would introduce long term economic and democratic changes.
‘Self immolation of a street vendor in Tunisia’
Speaking about how the entire Middle Eastern conflict started, President Obama spoke about the young vendor Mohammed Bouazizi from Tunisia who set himself on fire after the egregious police officer confiscated his cart and no government officialy paid heed to his need.
Giving more weightage to global economy than international politics, President Obama talked more about innovative technology, growing need of integrating the market economies and impact of business entrepreneurship.
Adding humane and naked ground realities of a common man’s world, Obama stated that ‘Politics alone has not put protesters into the streets. The tipping point for so many people is the more constant concern of putting food on the table and providing for a family.’
‘Initial goal of America’
Obama clearly mentioned that few important aspects of foreign policy of America in the region dealt with countering terrorism, free flow of commerce, protecting Israel’s security and guarding the security of the region.
He stated that ‘Societies held together by fear and repression may offer the illusion of stability for a time, but they are built upon fault lines that will eventually tear asunder.’
‘Current Obama plan’
President Obama stated that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund would present a plan in the coming G-8 summit to aid the economies in Tunisia and Egypt. Also, to avoid the democratic Egypt to be saddled by its past, America agrees to grant a one billion aid to the country. He also informed about the enterprise funds which the White House is trying to chalk out with the Congress to help the Middle east economy.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation(OPIC) aims to launch a 2 billion facility for financial empowerment.
‘Israel-Palestine Issue’
Undoubtedly, this part of Obama’s speech has been making headlines. Firstly, the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the White House on Friday. Secondly, Obama’s endorsement of Palestinian demands putting Netanyahu in a very unviable position in the international politics.
Though, he clearly stated that ‘Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won’t create an independent state. And Palestinians will never realise their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist.’
‘Lessons from the past’
Bringing the wide ranging audience back to the world of upheavel, President Obama stated that ‘there is no straight line to progress, and hardship always accompanies a season of hope.’
Reiterating the belief of United States of America, President Obama spoke how the government always supports to people who govern themselves. Thus, as he said, America would stand by the side of those brave protestors who chose to fight for their rights and existence.
Credit: Photo from Getty Images
shubhdachaudhary 