So, I stayed up ’til 6 am to watch Obama’s speech on live stream through YouTube and I must say it was worth it. Maybe, he came of as too catering to the expectations of the region and, maybe, he gave the conservatives in the US enough material to taunt him for the rest of his incumbency. But, to make recollection, there has never been a US President so humble, understanding and keen on helping the world as he is. It could be just propaganda, but that rhetoric is truly new territory for a President of the US and its foreign policy. He did his research and he looked as confident and direct as ever. It’s nice to have that after 8 years of buffoonery. 

This could all be just great speech writers, but, nonetheless, if he is willing to say those things and “apologize” for certain things, that could only mean progress. He kept asking for a “New Beginning” and distancing himself from the atrocities of Bush and Cheney. He also commented on his Muslim roots. Even when it got a bit too monotheistic, the gist was delivered and there was a cherry on top of it – the part of his speech on women’s issues. It was unexpected, yet more than welcome. He stressed on choice. Maybe, it is a new day in politics for the region, who knows? I’m convinced.

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