This is a link to Obama's speech in Cairo:


http://www.salon.com/news/primary_sources/2009/06/04/obama_speech/index.html


It wanders a bit towards the end, but the first two thirds is quite astonishing. It really takes the mental fight to the whole Middle East apparatus. It is essentially a repudiation of the entire mission of the Bush administration, admits to the overthrow of the Iranian government by the CIA, and tells the Israelis and the Palestinians what's what. I don't think people are really ready to absorb the full "Obama Doctrine" laid out in this speech -- if he means it, and can do what he says he wants to do. Even if he doesn't, setting the situation as he does is quite an amazing feat of intelligence (something sorely lacking in the gamesmanship of the Middle East).

yours,

Peter T.