Barack Obama’s decision to give his first sit down, formal presidential interview with Al-Arabiya is really inspired. He is “Mr. Engagement.” And this is a darned impressive move.
He is opening the door to new possibilities. I am going to scribble some more on this later, but this really needs to be seen and understood in its full context.
There is much more to do — and this progress can also be derailed.
It is important to remember that George W. Bush in the first bit of his administration also opened the door on the Palestinian question by actually referring to Palestine by name, with no qualifiers. And then progress was frozen as the administration changed course.
More soon.
— Steve Clemons
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