Obama reaches out to Mideast auds
President gives first TV interview to Al-Arabiya
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The newly inaugurated U.S. prexy, who was criticized by some Arab commentators for his silence during the recent conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, has given a lengthy interview with major pan-Arab newscaster Al-Arabiya detailing his hopes for encouraging peace in the volatile region.
"Ultimately, we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what's best for them," said Obama. "They're going to have to make some decisions. But I do believe the time is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people."
The interview is something of a coup for the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya. The satcaster, which is part of the Arab world's leading TV net MBC Group, is engaged in an intense battle with rival newscaster Al-Jazeera for Arab auds.
The channel has been criticized by some Arab leaders, most notably Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, for not being critical enough of Israel during the Gaza conflict.
Nasrallah, who is politically affiliated with Syria and Iran, dubbed the channel "Al-Abriya" ("the Hebrew One," in Arabic), in a widely publicized swipe.
While Al-Jazeera is generally believed to be more sympathetic to the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah and the governments in Syria and Iran, Al-Arabiya has carved itself a reputation as being more closely aligned with governments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Obama discussed a number of pertinent topics during the wide-ranging interview, including the challenges of dealing with Iran's nuclear program as well as the need to improve America's standing in the Arab and Muslim worlds.
It was for Al-Qaeda's fugitive leaders, however, that the president saved his strongest words.
"When you look at the rhetoric that they've been using against me even before I took office, what that tells me is that their ideas are bankrupt," said Obama. "You will be judged on what you've built, not on what you've destroyed. And what they've been doing is destroying things. And over time, I think the Muslim world has recognized that that path is leading no place, except more death and destruction."
