I disagree with your assessment that Obama just talked. At least in Israel there are political ramifications, as his speech is seen as a signal of a new approach to USA-Israel relations. The government is already changing their tone about the two state solutions. The settlement movement declared Obama public enemy number one. They relate to him as "nigger" – "Koshon" in Hebrew.

His speech is seen as a marker of a new attitude that will be followed by action, including freezing of the settlements and giving a real chance for the Palestinians to voice their view on the solution. Obama found the soft belly of Bibi Netanyahu’s government. Most Jews in the USA, and the Obama administration, do not have any understanding of the messianic dreams of the settlers.

However, it could be that I am too optimistic, as I believe that you should watch what politicians do and not what they say. Still, I think that your judgment does not give a reasonable time span or perspective for a new policy to happen.

I think that not only are the settlers afraid of him, but so are Al Qaeda. They notice that Obama presents the Muslim world with new options. He ruins the one-dimensional Bush view of the "axis of evil." Bush made Al Qaeda's work very easy as a recruiting tool. Obama challenges all of us, Jews, Muslims and Christians, to listen to the "other" point of view.

Well, it has been a week since Obama gave his historical speech to the Muslim world in the Mother of the World (Um Al Dunya) in Egypt. Now that the sand has settled and reactions have tempered, it is fair to say that although there was alot of optimism and hype surrounding his landmark speech, not much is going to change. While Muslims can appreciate President Obama for recognizing Islamic achievement throughout history and the need to re-engage based on mutual respect, it will be his actions that will ultimately be judged--particularly concerning the Arab-Israeli/Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 

Israel is continuing its settlements and its policy of displacement. On today's Mosaic, Syria TV reports that a Palestinian man was forced to demolish his home with his own hands so that he would be spared the cost of having to pay for an Israeli bulldozer to do it. Israeli settlers are erecting Obama huts to protest President Obama's calling for a two-state solution and a halt to settlement building. Meanwhile, the Palestinians continue to bicker among themselves over who has the right to represent a people who are becoming more impoverished and more hopeless with every passing day. Arab leaders continue to prove their ineffectiveness as they watch from the sidelines waiting for their cue from Washington, or better yet, Tel Aviv.

Well so much for big talk and small action!

Palestinian issue is definitely central to any attempt to  solve and change Mid East-USA relations. However if you read the  recent reports about the way Israeli soldiers relate to Palestinians as moving targets,you must realize the challenges facing OBAMA. Palestinians also distrust American emissaries,and despise Israeli double talk.

The level of distrust and hate between the warring people on the ground has increased many fold in the last 9 years. There is so much work that needs to be done, to get to any real understanding. So even if Obama would declare that Palestine is his priority, he would have to take many preparatory steps.

The President would have to start in DC/Congress to get them out of the AIPAC agenda. How many partners does he have for this? So it is a long road towards the first REAL peace intitaitive.

While I agree that Obama seems to be taking a multi-pronged approach to the Muslim world, which may help his efforts in Palestine-Israel, he still needs to tackle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict full force from the start. All problems stem from this long lasting conflict that seems to have no end. But is Obama willing to challenge Israel on its unfair policies towards the Palestinians? Like many Presidents before him, probably not.

Israel has had many hard-lined right wing governments in the past, but this fact alone did not stop Tel Aviv from making peace with some of its Arab and Muslim neighbors.

The wait continues and unfortunately, this will mean more bloodshed on both sides, more confiscated lands, demolished homes and dashed dreams.

There is a huge gap between the West whose view of Islamist as anti democratic and the East who think they should participate in Democratic election. However if you to www.worldopinion.org you will see that inside the Muslim world there is also a split. Pakistanis believe-83% that they should participate but Turkey and Jordan the figure is around 50%. So there is alot of ambivalence about Islamist wining and than canceling the democratic system they used to get into power. The Hamas is a good example of this.

The USA encouraged the election in Palestine but when Hamas won they immediately distances themselves. I think this is a challenging issue, as you can not eat the cake- democracy- and keep it- abolish Islamist parties.

What is your stand on this?

The larger issue is:

Is Turkey a role model for A Muslim ruled country, which has a democratic election and open media? Can Arab countries see the positive side of the way that Turkey has evolved?

For me Turkey is on the right side of history-- while many Mid East countries are looking at the Middle Ages rulers  as role models…

Many Americans do not realise that Iran is not an ARAB country. This is a unique culture and has 5000 years history. We Israelis have also a very long history with the Iranians. Now we are at a turning point as the Nuclear issue is looming above us all. Obama comes in at a crucial moment, and could start a new page if the regime in Iran will listen. The scorched earth that BUSH left behind,is difficult to overcome. Also Ahmadinejad Holocaust denial speeches are a major obstacle!

A dialog of the deaf is redefinable only by bold moves on both sides.

I agree, David. We have to wait and see. Obama is making the right gestures, which is good. But Arab and Muslim publics are not easily fooled.  If Obama chooses the same track of diplomacy towards Israel then little will have changed. But let us agree to wait at least 100 days before passing any judgment. What is the Hebrew equivalent of ‘be patient’?

Meanwhile, what are your thoughts on Iran? I just read this story, which reports that President Obama is drafting a letter to Iran. I think that it is in both the U.S. and Israel’s interest to begin a rapproachment with Iran. What do you think?

You need to give Obama at least a 100 days. Even the longest march starts with words and attitudes. I believe that if Obama and the Arab world can not create a bridge,than no one else can. Stana Schwiue- please be patient-in Arabic.

So watch what he does and not what he says. He will be out of Iraq sooner than later, and will talk to Israel in a different way.

It a shame that we in the Mideast-Arab and Jews have to repeat these cycles.

As usual the pawns are civilians who pay the highest price

Cycles that leave scorched earth behind and no real attempt to understand the the other  side. Self delusion about being correct and just in whatever you do, is apparently the block to any change, it goes for both religious and secular actors in the Middle east