He came. He spoke. He inspired. W alaykum al salama. [The proper response to the greeting Assalaamu alaykum Obama’s welcoming offer – literally translating “Peace be with you. And also peace with you.”] This was the headline of a local paper after Obama’s visit and speech last Thursday.
Last time we spoke, I was trying desperately to secure tickets to Obama’s speech in Cairo. After a few frantic and unproductive phone calls the White House and Uncle Teddy directly - Yes, of course I mean Senator Ted Kennedy. Who else would you have called at a time like this?!
OK, if any of you reading this seriously doubt that I actually made these phone calls from here and asked for tickets, you really don’t know me at all and should probably stop reading now.
After these efforts still failed to produce a coveted seat to the show, I resigned myself to finding a place to watch it on TV, like the rest of the world. I reluctantly but wisely decided against trying to spy the motorcade from the street. Honestly, all of the major streets in Cairo were closed to ALL traffic and pedestrians. Many businesses closed for the day due to the anticipated traffic problems; and schools in Giza (near Cairo University) and throughout Cairo closed. The British School declared it national Obama Day.
We had live TV coverage here and I gleefully watched President Obama skip down the stairs off Air Force One; and watched as the motorcade drove down the empty main streets of Cairo escorted by military men on horse back; and cringed as the Egyptian military band did their best to squeak out the American national anthem. By the time President Obama walked out on stage at Cairo University and beamed a huge smile to the world and uttered “Assalaamu alaykum” I cheered with tears in my eyes with the rest of Cairo and the world (I imagine).
By all accounts here it was a very smart and well received speech. I’ve waited to write again until after speaking with several different people about it. It seems to me that expats from all over the world and Egyptians from all walks of life (that I could ask) appreciated the speech and the visit. Simple but very important markers of respect stuck out in the Egyptian’s minds – that Obama spoke Arabic (or at least tried); he showed an understanding and appreciation of Islam and its contributions to the world; he took off his shoes when he visited a mosque – and Hillary respectfully wore a head scarf. Hamdy even commented on Obama’s big smile and many talk about how charismatic he is and they pray that he is sincere. I heard secondhand what a powerful and moving experience it was to be in the audience at Cairo University. It sounds like it was electric with positive energy and hopes. Even the Egyptian Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa spoke highly of American President Barack Obama’s address to the Muslim world in Cairo, describing the speech as a positive indicator of a new era of good relations between the US and the Arab and Muslim world.
Everyone seems pleased with his presence and his words they just patiently await the actions to follow.
Some other fun comments include:“I wish Obama would come everyday. It only took me 3 minutes to get to work instead of 30. The streets are empty and our street has been cleaned up, the paintings on the Military Academy’s mural has been washed so you can actually see the scenes from the Sixth of October war … thank you Obama
Last time we spoke, I was trying desperately to secure tickets to Obama’s speech in Cairo. After a few frantic and unproductive phone calls the White House and Uncle Teddy directly - Yes, of course I mean Senator Ted Kennedy. Who else would you have called at a time like this?!
OK, if any of you reading this seriously doubt that I actually made these phone calls from here and asked for tickets, you really don’t know me at all and should probably stop reading now.
After these efforts still failed to produce a coveted seat to the show, I resigned myself to finding a place to watch it on TV, like the rest of the world. I reluctantly but wisely decided against trying to spy the motorcade from the street. Honestly, all of the major streets in Cairo were closed to ALL traffic and pedestrians. Many businesses closed for the day due to the anticipated traffic problems; and schools in Giza (near Cairo University) and throughout Cairo closed. The British School declared it national Obama Day.
We had live TV coverage here and I gleefully watched President Obama skip down the stairs off Air Force One; and watched as the motorcade drove down the empty main streets of Cairo escorted by military men on horse back; and cringed as the Egyptian military band did their best to squeak out the American national anthem. By the time President Obama walked out on stage at Cairo University and beamed a huge smile to the world and uttered “Assalaamu alaykum” I cheered with tears in my eyes with the rest of Cairo and the world (I imagine).
By all accounts here it was a very smart and well received speech. I’ve waited to write again until after speaking with several different people about it. It seems to me that expats from all over the world and Egyptians from all walks of life (that I could ask) appreciated the speech and the visit. Simple but very important markers of respect stuck out in the Egyptian’s minds – that Obama spoke Arabic (or at least tried); he showed an understanding and appreciation of Islam and its contributions to the world; he took off his shoes when he visited a mosque – and Hillary respectfully wore a head scarf. Hamdy even commented on Obama’s big smile and many talk about how charismatic he is and they pray that he is sincere. I heard secondhand what a powerful and moving experience it was to be in the audience at Cairo University. It sounds like it was electric with positive energy and hopes. Even the Egyptian Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa spoke highly of American President Barack Obama’s address to the Muslim world in Cairo, describing the speech as a positive indicator of a new era of good relations between the US and the Arab and Muslim world.
Everyone seems pleased with his presence and his words they just patiently await the actions to follow.
Some other fun comments include:“I wish Obama would come everyday. It only took me 3 minutes to get to work instead of 30. The streets are empty and our street has been cleaned up, the paintings on the Military Academy’s mural has been washed so you can actually see the scenes from the Sixth of October war … thank you Obama
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PS - So of course after I posted I have heard more dissenting views. One, the speech lacked content, or new content. I can't argue with that but I think it served it's purpose nonetheless. It set a new tone and introduced the Arab world to a new President - who they overwhelming prefer compared to Bush. Two, Christians are upset and want to reaffirm that America is a Christian country; and/or Jews are upset and are angry he went to Cairo instead of Israel. HELLO?!?! Did any of you hear his words? One speech and one man cannot change the world. It is only a beginning and you and we all need to do our part for peace.
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