In attempt to mend relations with the Muslim world, President Obama is going to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Obama is attempting to change the tone of confrontation with the Arab world that characterized the Bush years. The President is expected to give a major speech in Egypt where he will call for a common mission between the U.S. and the Arab world. The focus of this mission is expected to be some sort of justice for the Palestinian people.
The news coverage in Egypt leading up to Obama’s visit has been positive and optimistic, but some worry that Obama will give a free pass to the Egyptian government’s repression of dissidents.
One time Egyptian presidential reformist candidate Ayman Nour was released from prison several months ago. He believes that his release was a diplomatic show to appease the U.S. Nour, who was attacked by a flamethrower on a street corner, accuses the government of being responsible for the attack.
Obama is expected to downplay the push for democratic reform in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic political opposition group in Egypt, warns that the U.S. could face political blowback if it doesn’t address authoritarianism and democratic reform.
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