OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO: INDIA MEDIA REPORT II

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SUBJECT: OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO: INDIA MEDIA REPORT II

SUMMARY: President Obama's address to the Muslim World
generated extensive commentary in the Indian media over
the weekend. Opinions ranged from wild praise to
warnings to fellow Muslims not to be deceived by the
speech. The common refrain was that the speech marked
a potential significant shift in U.S. policy, welcomed
by most, however, with a degree of skepticism. While
acknowledging President Obama's sincerity and his
understanding of the current issues facing Muslims,
newspapers generally opined that "ultimate credibility
lies in positive action."

Notable reactions published in the English press follow
in Section A below; reactions in the Urdu press in
Section B; and all other vernacular press in Section C.
END SUMMARY.

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SECTION A
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1. "OBAMA'S CANDOUR IN TIMELESS CAIRO," opinion piece
in June 6 centrist English daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS:
"Barack Obama's speech is quite simply one of the most
important articulations by any world leader on the
relationship between Islam and the West-indeed, between
Islam and the rest of the world. It is heartening to
see the president of the United States approach many
global issues from the standpoint of truth and
justice."


2. "OBAMA'S CAIRO SERMON," editorial in June 6
centrist, nationally circulating leading business
daily, THE ECONOMIC TIMES: "The speech does seem to
mark a decisive end to the confrontational and brazen
ways of the US in the recent past. Not less important
was the acknowledgement of the need to challenge
stereotypes of Islam and Muslims, while yet gently
reminding people of the existence of extremist thought,
lack of human rights, or gender discrimination."


3. "POLITICS AND PROSE," editorial in June 6
independent, centrist, nationally circulating English
daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "Obama's success lay in a
fine touch; in a speech utterly realistic, but with an
idealistic sweep. In seeking the common ground of
"mutual interest and mutual trust" between America and
the Muslim world, in urging to break mutual
stereotypes, Obama's speech itself was "a new
beginning" in that this "dialogue" was long-needed and
long-awaited, given the intractable differences
steadily entrenched over the last eight years."


4. "STATEMENT OF PURPOSE," editorial in June 6
nationally circulating English daily, THE TIMES OF
INDIA: "It also packed much substance and, in some
ways, marks a paradigm shift in US foreign policy.
Expect no miracles overnight, but if even some of the
tensions between parts of the Muslim world and America
were lessened during Obama's tenure, it would have
benefited the entire world."


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5. "GOING BEYOND THE OBAMA SPEECH," editorial in June 6
left-influenced nationally circulating English daily,
THE HINDU: "It is already clear that President Barack
Hussein Obama's address to the Muslim world has gone
some way towards correcting the widespread perception
that the United States government is 'anti-Muslim.'"


6. "THE PROMISE OF OBAMA'S ADDRESS," op-ed in June 6
THE HINDU: "West Asia's history of violence, hatred and
divisions notwithstanding, Mr. Obama's eloquence might
have generated a powerful impulse which could help lay
the foundations for a relatively less confrontationist
political discourse in the region."


7. "OBAMA NEEDS SOME MORE LESSONS IN ISLAM," opinion
piece in June 6 independent, centrist, nationally
circulating English Daily, THE INDIAN EXPRESS: "It is
not just President Obama who should be required to do
all the 'outreaching'; the Muslim world has its share
to do as well. President Obama seems not to know that
there are more Muslims in the Indian sub-continent than
anywhere and that we lived in relative harmony till
Saudi money started to fund Wahabi Islam."


8. "SALAAM FROM BARACK OBAMA," editorial in June 7
centrist, nationally circulating English Daily, THE
HINDUSTAN TIMES: "His speech struck the right
rhetorical notes: scriptural quotations, the humble
superpower and even a bit of Israel bashing. The real
test will be about converting sentiment into
substance."


9. "VOICE OF THE FUTURE," editorial in June 6 centrist
THE TELEGRAPH: "The speech made by Obama is significant
because it presages a change in U.S. attitudes and
policies towards a very volatile part of the world.
Mr. Obama has used the rhetoric of healing, the tone
from that of superiority to that of partnership."


10. "NEW HORIZON," editorial in June 7 English
independent THE ASSAM TRIBUNE: "Obama's desire for a
complete change in relationship has struck a chord with
the Islamic mind across the world and has been
universally welcomed, though occasionally with a degree
of scepticism. However, words and intentions are by
themselves not enough, for ultimate credibility lies in
positive action."


11. "THE OBAMA OUTREACH," in June 8 independent
English daily, DNA: "For the first time, a US President
with a Muslim ancestry and a Muslim middle name is
attempting to appeal to the Muslim world. It is a new
experience for the Muslim leaders and clergy."

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SECTION B
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12. "NEW BEGINNING," editorial in June 6 right-of-
center Urdu daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "By giving an
outstanding speech in Cairo, without a doubt Obama has
scored successfully with the Islamic world. If the U.S.

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can honestly translate these ideas into actions, he
will go down in history. But the million-dollar
question is whether Obama will succeed in changing
America's age-old anti-Islamic policy, and will his
country's anti-Islamic lobby will allow him to do so?"


13. "OBAMA HAS EXTENDED HIS HAND," front page editorial
in the June 6 right-of-center Urdu daily MILAP: "A mere
speech can't solve the problem, the US should take
concrete steps. Obama has extended his hand of
friendship and Muslim leaders should also reply with a
positive approach."


14. "THANK YOU FOR THE NILDUS SPEECH, MR. PRESIDENT,"
op-ed in the June 7 RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "It was extremely
important that a president of the United States quoted
the Quran's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism.
Barack Obama has offered the key, but it is up to
Muslims to open the door."


15. Some notable reactions published in prominent Urdu
newspapers dated June 6:

"Obama's speech is trying to make fools of Muslims.
Obama noted that 3,000 innocent people had died on
9/11, but we regret that he did not mention the
martyrdom of countless Palestinians. Obama shows no
sadness about the countless innocent deaths in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Palestine because he is the president
of America."
Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid, Delhi
(AKHBAR E MASHRIQ)

"We welcome the President's speech and we hope that
action will soon follow. Confidence will not be
restored simply by a speech. In revenge for the death
of a few hundred [referring to 9/11], America does not
regret killing thousands of citizens. This kind of
injustice is hard to forget. This wound cannot be
healed by a speech alone."
Dr. Mufti Mohammed Mokarram Ahmad, Imam of Shahi Masjid
Fatahpuri (RASHTRYA SAHARA, AKHBAR E MASHRIQ)

"This is the first American president who has confessed
with an open heart the mistakes made against Muslims,
thus giving a message of a new beginning. If the
president with good intentions desires peace and makes
positive steps toward resolving the Palestinian
problem, and calls the soldiers home from Afghanistan
and Iraq, then the Muslims must support him."
Prof. Akhtarul Wassey, Head Dept. of Islamic Studies
(RASHTRYA SAHARA)

"The President has taken the first solid step toward
protecting the world. There is no reason to doubt
Obama's intentions, because Obama has accepted the
mistakes of the past and their gravity, and has
promised the beginning of a new peaceful epoch."
Dr. Zafar Mahmood, President, Zakat Foundation of India
(RASHTRYA SAHARA)

"The President must make clear his own position on what

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has happened in Afghanistan and Iraq until today --
whether these policies have been correct or wrong. On
this declaration, we will decide whether we will trust
or not what the President has said"
Maulana Mohammad Salim Quasmi, Vice President, Muslim
Personal Law Board (HAMARA SAMAJ)

"We welcome the President's ideas and perspectives, but
it is imperative that action must immediately follow."
Maulana Khizar Shah, President Tanzeem Ulama e Hind
(HAMARA SAMAJ)

"The destruction occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan is
the murder of humanity. America must stop its double
standards and seriously try."
Maulana Sufian Quasmi, Member Muslim Personal Law Board
(HAMARA SAMAJ)

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SECTION C
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16. "OBAMA'S MESSAGE," editorial in June 6 nationalist
Hindi daily, RASHTRIYA SAHARA: "Barack Obama will go
down in history as someone who tried in earnest to
bridge the chasm between America and the Muslim world.
Obama is clearly not into rhetoric; the man genuinely
understands the Muslim psyche."


17. "NEW VISION," editorial in June 6 right-of-center,
mass circulating Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "It is a
good sign that President Obama has declared his intent
to improve America's relations with the Muslim world.
It remains to be seen how effective his strategies will
be."


18. "SALAM OBAMA," editorial in June 7 independent
Telugu daily, SAKSHI: "President Obama's speech is sure
to open a new chapter of reconciliation between the
largely aggrieved Muslim world and the West. The final
question that remains is - how far his words will
translate in to action?"


19. "EFFORT OF BRIDGING," editorial in June 6
independent Kolkata Bengali daily, ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA:
"This is the first time that any U.S. President had
uttered so many respectful words about the Islamic
world. However, its real value will depend on how the
Islamic world accepts his remarks. Obama's speech will
gain even more significance if it charts out the next
step of action."


20. "PROPOSAL FOR A NEW BEGINNING BETWEEN AMERICA AND
MUSLIM NATIONS," editorial in June 6 Gujarati daily,
DIVYA BHASKAR: "Obama's sincere approach reflects his
personal integrity filled with a sense of optimism. It
remains to be seen how Muslim nations respond to this
genuine offer for camaraderie"


21. "OBAMA'S ASSALAMAALEKUM," editorial in June 6
centrist Marathi daily, NAVSHAKTI: "President Obama
spoke from his heart, and he extended friendship to the

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Islamic world. The speech is a definite good beginning,
but Obama needs to make many more genuine efforts and
take tough decisions with regard to some of the
notorious Islamic nations."


22. "WHOSE BURDEN IS OBAMA CARRYING?" op-ed in June 6
centrist Marathi daily, LOKSATTA: "Just as one is happy
to see President Obama making a strong and firm case
for friendship with the Islamic countries, one is also
worried about the consequences. Obama is trying to
rewrite world history. Unfortunately, the U.S. history
has many mistakes which underline America's negative
role in world affairs."


23. "WHO'S CHRISTIAN? WHO'S MUSLIM?" op-ed in June 7
centrist Marathi daily, PRAHAAR: "President Obama has
spoken about love and friendship in Cairo. World
affairs do not change overnight, neither do violent
minds calm down after peace talks. But Obama wishes to
keep peace uppermost on the agenda, and that is a
success in itself."
BURLEIGH