Message of common ground in Obama Cairo speech
June 4th, 2009 by Menachem Wecker
[UPDATE: Did anyone else notice Obama refers in his Cairo talk to “Holy Koran” and “Holy Bible” but simply “Talmud” and “Torah” sans the “holy” epithet?]
I just finished listening to the Obama Cairo Speech, and was particularly interested in this part:
I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.”
It seems to me that this is an area where art can help us find common ground. In the President’s words,
It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation.
Reminds me of the beginning of this piece I wrote on Islamic art (more on the anti-Muslim letter here).