A golden tongue will go a long way

TWO centuries ago Napoleon referenced the Qur'an, at least twenty times, to justify his presence in Egypt; and the Egyptians revolted. Last week, President Obama spoke from Cairo, the so-called "Mother of the World," and was received with a thunderous applause.
From the halls of Cairo University to television sets across the world, Obama's every word was weighed in what many considered to be his most important speech to date. Many also critiqued that eloquent rhetoric can only achieve so much in mending relations with the "Muslim world." But the truth is that a golden tongue, with the right message, can and will go a long way in re-framing America's global-policy objectives and building trust with Muslims and Muslim nations.
Recognising the need to say, "the things we hold in our hearts," Obama addressed specific grievances by name, from the Cold War to the present day, that have contributed to tensions in the Middle East. In doing so, he took accountability for US policy decisions that have led to negative consequences for the region. These were grievances held for generations, yet disarmed by a simple but courageous acknowledgement. It demonstrated a level of honesty rarely seen on the diplomatic stage, and set an example for others in the region to follow.
When Obama declared that US seeks no long-term military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, and insisted that no system of government "can or should be imposed by one nation upon another," the clarity dealt a blow to elements which exploit the fear of uncertainty. It further served to ease anxiety on the part of those who have viewed US policy over the last eight years as reminiscent of a colonial legacy, which had no intention of leaving.
What is most effective about Obama's approach is his active deconstruction of the perception that US is engaged in a war against Islam. Author and scholar of Islamic history, Dr. Reza Aslan writes that over the past eight years, US security objectives were framed as a prolonged and polarised Cosmic conflict "between good and evil." This empowered militant extremists, who used the same theoretical and rhetorical framework to brand the conflict to their own audiences.
The irony of a Cosmic War, Aslan writes, is that neither side is prepared to lose since what is at stake is civilisation or identity itself. Such a war, therefore, is unwinnable. The solution? Do not engage in a Cosmic War.
By dropping Cosmic terminology and polarising statements, Obama's address sought unity through universal values; a point driven home with his recitations of peace from the Qur'an, Thalmud, and the Bible.
The current administration has been aware of the power of words. Ridding public addresses with terms such as "Islamofascists" and "Islamic terrorists," for example, has effectively aided Obama's cause in changing the perceptions of Muslims towards US. So has something that goes beyond the realm of diplomacy: His personal story as the son of an immigrant Muslim, with childhood memories of the azaan sung from the minarets of Indonesia -- a tangible image held close to the hearts of Muslims around the world.
Obama repeated in Cairo, as he did in Ankara that "America is not -- and will never be -- at war with Islam." This message was delivered by the previous administration as well. What makes it resonate this time is an approach based on clarity and respect. By further acknowledging the contributions of Islamic history in the way of innovation, philosophy, and human rights, he has underscored the necessity of engaging the Islamicate as an equal partner in addressing contemporary challenges to peace and justice.
The challenge ahead will be for the Obama administration to translate his words and ambitious policies into actionable programs. US troops still remain in Iraq and Afghanistan. US drones still graze the Pakistani skies. US policy has yet to significantly change; but the rhetoric has. While words alone will not grow olive branches, the gesture at Cairo planted the seeds for a new beginning -- and perhaps, a coming peace.

Samier Mansur is a project analyst for an Arlington, VA based international trade and development agency.