The Turkey visit of US President Barack Obama was truely a triumph. He didn't care about being politically correct, he bravely emphasized the importance of secularism in the face of the Islamist government, yet he managed to win many hearts because he was always perceived as honest.
Unfortunately, Obama's visit to Cairo today is of a different nature. His words were sweet, but this speech will generally be perceived as a publicity stunt and its positive effect would be much more limited, comparing to his sincere performance in Turkey.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia were the worst choices to be made to speak to the Muslim world.
Egypt, ruled by a secular dictator, no democracy, no human rights... Try to be an Islamist dissident there and get ready to be killed or imprisoned.
Saudi Arabia, ruled by a religiously fanatic dynasty, no democracy, no human rights... Try to be a democratic dissident there and get ready to be killed or imprisoned.
Obama should answer two questions: Would the White House act the same way if the Saudis were not heavily investing in the Wall Street? And what about if Cairo suddenly stop being an "ally" of the US and act independenly -or in the same line with Iran?
Bottomline: George W. Bush would have visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia for a "new beginning" but Obama -as we know him- shouldn't have done it. If you still want to speak there, you should have at least cautiously criticized these anti-democratic regimes. That could be change.
