Arab World Gives Nobelist Obama Mixed Review (FOXNews Arab world hopes for more from Obama)

Los Angeles Times ^ | October 9, 2009 | Jeffrey Fleishman

[nickcarraway]

The Nobel prize-winning American president is given credit for reaching out to Muslims rhetorically, but many in the Arab world see him as having caved in the face of Mideast peace difficulties.

The Arab world greeted President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize with praise for his efforts at reaching out to Muslims but also with frustration -- and sometimes sharp criticism -- that the president's eloquence and charisma have not forced dramatic change on the ground.

Bloodshed continues in Iraq, Afghanistan drifts in violence and uncertainty, and talks to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have stalled. Obama inspired the region in his Cairo address to Muslims in June, regarded as a wise and conciliatory gesture to erase the combative years of the Bush administration and mend relations with the Arab world.

But as months passed, passionate words and good intentions were seldom enough. Success here is traditionally measured by the progress the White House makes toward the creation of a Palestinian state. And, for many Arabs, Obama has been stymied and outflanked by a stubborn Israeli government that shows little inclination for peace.

"From the Arab perspective, Obama seems to have caved in to Israeli pressure rather than the reverse -- he couldn't even get Israel to agree to a temporary settlement freeze," said Paul Salem, head of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. "That's the moment we're at right now. People feel let down. They like Obama, they want him to succeed, but in their view he caved at the very first step."

Many believe Obama has been awarded for his vision, not his accomplishments, akin to a thoroughbred with great potential winning the roses before its time.

[La Lydia]

The Arab work wants him to submit, and make us submit as well.

[Las Vegas Ron]

He is submitting, just not fast enough for them.