"Unclench your fist"

Posted By Joshua Keating Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 12:53 PM Share

According to a very scientific poll of the FP lunch table, this was the highight:

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

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SAM

1:14 PM ET

January 20, 2009

Business as Usual

What's special about it? He is telling them to take the first step. Previous presidents used to say that too. Also this is what those countries say to America too. North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba,... they ask US to take the first step. This is exactly business as usual. What where you guys having for lunch? lol

FERN

8:18 PM ET

January 20, 2009

Joshua -- I agree, that was

Joshua -- I agree, that was the best line from an otherwise uninspiring speech. I disagree with some of the commenters who think Obama's approach as outlined in his inauguration speech indicated "business as usual." Our previous foreign policy posture was not "Hey, we want to be friends, so please stop acting like a bully so that we can invite you over for dinner." It was more like, "You're evil, do all the things we say or we'll crush you."

Don Bacon -- I think you've fallen off your rocker if you think that line was a reference to Israel and Gaza.

KORDO

9:14 PM ET

January 20, 2009

Direct reference to Israelis & Arabs, I'd argue.

I think the section of the speech Joshua quoted, and the line Don mentioned, both bear directly on recent events in the Middle East. I wouldn't characterize it as a "slam" on Israel; I see it as a very direct & impartial heads-up to both sides of the I/P conflict that their behavior needs to change. Both sides have had eight years of rollicking through an old-school bottle drunk. Hangovers hurt, but they have a way of bringing you back to reality. IMHO, the sober assessment of reality in that region is vital, for them as well as for the US.

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