Yes we can

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The Arab and Muslim worlds await the arrival of United States President Barack Obama. Egypt is gearing up to warmly welcome Obama on 4 June. He comes at a most opportune moment. Perhaps as Arabs and Muslims we put too much faith in the American political system's capacity to champion the cause of the underdog. We have to come to terms with reality and the fact that Israel, whatever differences it might have with Washington, is the staunchest ally of the US in the region. This has always been a bone of contention between Arabs and Washington.

However, this does not mean that we cannot do business with the US or try and change the hard facts. Indeed, with a new and different leader in the White House, the time is ripe for discussing the details of Palestinian statehood. He seems to be willing and eager to accept the very notion of Palestinian nationhood and Arab leaders should take full advantage of his enthusiasm to lay the foundations of that state.

We like to think, moreover, that Obama is another man with a keen sense of justice. He is attentive and says that he wants to listen to Arab and Muslim viewpoints. He comes with no preconceived ideas about the people of the region. He is visiting the region to exchange views and ideas.

His visit is an attempt to change America's image in this part of the world and obliterate the bitter legacy of successive American administrations whether in the occupied territories, Iraq, Afghanistan or other parts of this troubled area. All this, nonetheless, has more to do with deeds rather than mere words, however eloquent and articulate.

The knot of bitterness that characterises Arab feelings towards America must be undone. The Palestinian question will no doubt top the agenda, but there are other pressing issues and concerns that should find a proper place in his widely anticipated address. There is perhaps the question of how best the West should deal with Islam and to prove that the two camps are not at war with each other, nor should they be. Then of course there is Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Lebanon at the end of a very long list.

We do not want apologies for past mistakes. And, we know that Obama is not responsible for the blunders of the Bush administration. We earnestly want to begin a new chapter in relations between America and the Arab and Muslim worlds. Possibly, the best move that the US president can make after his address is to send a fact-finding mission, one in which Arab and Muslim grievances are listened to for a change. This alone is a wise measure that will help both parties start anew.

We want to build on Obama's goodwill and we want to make sure that the Bush bungles have been consigned to the dustbin of history. This is a golden opportunity to radically transform relations between the world's superpower and the Arab and Muslim worlds that shouldn't be wasted. And, yes together we can.