- Roni Bart
President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo continued to illustrate his basic approach towards the international arena. In previous speeches, particularly those in Europe, Latin America, and Ankara, the president explicitly or implicitly apologized for past American mistakes, promised to listen and consult rather than issue edicts, and suggested exchanging disagreements and conflicts with cooperation to promote common goals, all of this on the basis of “mutual respect and interest.” Obama also is wont to list popular steps that the United States under his leadership has taken and will take. There is no doubt that his election to the presidency, his approach to international issues, and his rhetoric have measurably improved the international atmosphere surrounding the United States.
