President Obama’s historic speech this week at the State
Department on the political changes sweeping through the Middle East and North
Africa made it very clear that facilitating the Arab World’s transition to
freedom and democracy is a priority concern for the United States. Saying so,
and simultaneously releasing a statement more clearly outlining the economic
strategies for assisting the region’s peoples, were important steps in
clarifying how the U.S. intends to respond to and interact with the new
political realities abroad.

Comparing Mohammed Bouazizi to revolutionary patriots and
civil rights legends in the United States, the President clearly stated that
America stands with those who are seeking their rights in a part of the world
where those rights have for too long been denied. “Our message is simple:
If you take the risks that reform entails, you will have the full support of
the United States.”

It was welcome news. While Obama has been on the side of the
seekers in Egypt and Tunisia, he also called in the speech on Yemen and Bahrain
to do what it takes to let their peoples’ aspirations be realized. Obama chose
not to mention Saudi Arabia by name, but he did say “We look forward to
working with all who embrace genuine and inclusive democracy. What we will
oppose is an attempt by any group to restrict the rights of others, and to hold
power through coercion – not consent. Because democracy depends not only on
elections, but also strong and accountable institutions and respect for the
rights of minorities.”

After announcing Wednesday new sanctions against Syrian
President Bashar Assad and those around him, Obama in his speech nevertheless
gave the Syrian president the option of leading the revolution or getting out
of the way. 

Obama acknowledged that U.S. interests have in the past been
the major guide to our interaction in the region. But he added: “Yet we
must acknowledge that a strategy based solely upon the narrow pursuit of these
interests will not fill an empty stomach or allow someone to speak their mind.
Moreover, failure to speak to the broader aspirations of ordinary people will
only feed the suspicion that has festered for years that the United States
pursues our own interests at their expense.”

The he outlined the principles that will guide U.S.
interaction in the future:

“The United States opposes the use of violence and
repression against the people of the region.

“We support a set of universal rights. Those rights
include free speech; the freedom of peaceful assembly; freedom of religion;
equality for men and women under the rule of law; and the right to choose your
own leaders – whether you live in Baghdad or Damascus; Sanaa or Tehran.

“And finally, we support political and economic reform
in the Middle East and North Africa that can meet the legitimate aspirations of
ordinary people throughout the region.

“Our support for these principles is not a secondary
interest– today I am making it clear that it is a top priority that must be
translated into concrete actions, and supported by all of the diplomatic,
economic and strategic tools at our disposal.

“Let me be specific. First, it will be the policy of
the United States to promote reform across the region, and to support
transitions to democracy.

“That effort begins in Egypt and Tunisia, where the
stakes are high –as Tunisia was at the vanguard of this democratic wave, and
Egypt is both a longstanding partner and the Arab World’s largest nation. Both
nations can set a strong example through free and fair elections; a vibrant
civil society; accountable and effective democratic institutions; and
responsible regional leadership. But our support must also extend to nations
where transitions have yet to take place.”

Finally, on the Arab-Israeli conflict, Obama clearly told
Israel that “The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be
fulfilled with permanent occupation.” He said the world was weary of the
conflict and the parties’ inability to settle it. 

Obama said that the 1967 borders of Israel should be the
basis for restarting peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis. It was
another welcome — and surprising — statement. Made against the backdrop of the
visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu this week to Washington and the
impending AIPAC conference there next week, the statement took on added
significance.

Israel, of course, is where the very obvious and very
provocative double standard in our
approach to the region is still so painfully clear. The U.S. will get involved in the villages of Syria
and Libya, telling the governments what they should and should not do, but let
the Israelis go on shooting innocent Palestinians in non-violent protests on
illegally occupied land, as they just did on Al Nakba. Why not tell the
Israelis to stop doing that or get out of the way? Why not tell the Israelis to
withdraw to the 1967 borders or get out of the way? Aren’t the aspirations of
the Palestinians as legitimate as those of the Syrians and Libyans? That’s what
the people of the region will be thinking this week.

The people will also be watching to see whether the Arab
Spring speech goes the way of the Cairo speech.  Unfulfilled promises there, most importantly that of making
progress in the peace process, has further disillusioned many on the Arab
street.  Obama’s acceptance of
ongoing settlement construction has inflamed passions too.

For as far as they did go, however, we commend Obama on his
positions and his courage. And we hope that he will find the will and the
wiggle room this time to translate them into real action.