The Saudi papers have a lot of coverage of Pres. Obama’s speech in Cairo. In addition to various reports on global action, both Arab News and Saudi Gazette report specifically on Saudi reactions.
Arab News:
Speech draws mixed reaction
Galal Fakkar & Sultan Al-Tamimi | Arab NewsJEDDAH: Local reactions to US President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo yesterday were mostly positive, with a few expressing reservations over whether the president’s eloquent words would result in actions — especially pertaining to Palestinian sovereignty and the statehood.
“In all of Obama’s seven-part speech, the part about the Palestinian issues was his weakest point,” said Yasser Darwish, a Palestinian supervisor at food processing company in Jeddah. “He did not necessarily say anything new other than mentioning that the current Israeli settlement activity has to stop.”
…
Saudi Gazette
Saudis happy about Obama visit but look for action
Donna Abu-NasrRIYADH – Saudi cardiologist Osama Al-Amoudi praised President Barack Obama as the US leader visited the Kingdom, saying he believes the new president has made a good first impression and appreciates his overtures to Muslims.
But Al-Amoudi said it will take more than speeches and pleasantries to convince him that Obama is really serious about changing his country’s policies toward the Arab World and “mend the bad image” former president George W. Bush left in the minds of many Arabs about Americans.
Al-Amoudi’s words reflected the sentiments of many Saudis, who have a favorable view of Obama but are worried that he will not be able to deliver on his promises, especially those concerning the issue Arabs care about most: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
…
The Saudi media also take a look at regional reactions, as with this Asharq Alawsat piece (which also includes non-Muslim reaction, despite the headline):
Reaction to Obama’s Speech to the Muslim World
Associated Press
Notable reaction to President Barack Obama’s speech Thursday to the Muslim world:
___
“President Obama is a brave president. … We hope he will open a new chapter with the Islamic world and Arab nations in particular.” — Mithwan Hussein, a Baghdad resident.
___
“Bush and Clinton said the same about a Palestinian state, but they’ve done nothing, so why should we believe this guy?” — Ali Tottah, 82, a Palestinian refugee at the Baqaa refugee camp in Jordan.
___
“There is a change between the speech of President Obama and previous speeches made by George Bush. But today’s remarks at Cairo University were based on soft diplomacy to brighten the image of the United States.” — Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza.
___
“Obama’s speech is an attempt to mislead people and create more illusions to improve America’s aggressive image in the Arab and Islamic world.” — A joint statement by eight Damascus, Syria-based radical Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
…
Arab News also runs a piece by Siraj Wahab that focuses more on how women received the speech, in a generally more positive manner:
Women delighted at Obama’s address
Siraj Wahab | Arab NewsALKHOBAR: For women across the Muslim world, US President Barack Obama’s historic address from Cairo was nothing short of a blessing.
He acknowledged his respect for their personal choices and at the same time underscored his belief that their choices should be personal.
“God bless him,” said Asya Al-Ashaikh, founder and CEO of the Jeddah-based Tamkeen Development and Management Consulting. “He is a courageous man. It was a fascinating speech. He said all the right things. I am sure he will be able to translate all that he has spoken in Cairo into real action. His words will open a new chapter in our relationship with the US. He touched almost all the issues that concern us. What struck a chord within me was his focus on education and the empowering of women through education. ‘Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.’ I will always remember that line forever. It is so true.”
…
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
June:05:2009 - 10:46
is unfortunate that some arab idiots thinks he’s some sort of messiah
June:09:2009 - 07:53
I think Pres. Obama genuinely wants to work for a new day in the Middle East and good relations with the Muslim world. He is of course no Messiah, but I would think regular everyday Muslim folks (people with children, who want a good life and peace for them) will be happy with the attitude of the speech. Hopefully actions will follow words. I hope his administration will result in some good things for the people of the Middle East, icluding those suffering most, like the Palestinians. Note: I am not an Obama groupie. I did not vote for him.