Khaleej Times ( a Dubai Newpaper) says this:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/international/2009/June/international_June396.xml§ion=international



CAIRO - Egyptians across the social spectrum hailed US President Barack Obama’s “historic” speech to the world’s Muslims on Thursday, while looking forward to assertive actions in the Middle East.
Former Islamic Jihad leader in Egypt Kamal Habib echoed the words Obama used during his speech at Cairo University, describing the address as “truly a new beginning.”

“This was a historic speech that laid the foundation for a relationship based on mutual respect, it’s truly a new beginning,” he told AFP.

“Regarding extremism, I believe this speech should provide Al-Qaeda with an opportunity to seek dialogue with the West, to give him (Obama) a chance to resolve the problems in Afghanistan and elsewhere.”

“This speech was different, it opened new horizons for people. He spoke about the rights of Muslims in the United States, that’s a very, very important topic,” Habib said, adding that “I hope he has the strength to follow up.”

Ayman Nur, Egypt’s best known dissident, said the speech was “delivered by a very talented man with a great deal of charisma and on the surface it sounded impressive... But the content was rather weak and the talk on democracy was too general.”

“It is a speech one can build on however,” Nur said. “I wish he was clearer on the issue of US commitment to democracy, and had a clearer vision of what dictatorship is.”

“There had been talk about meeting him on this trip, but I think there may have been pressures on him not to meet (activists),” Nur said.

Renowned Egyptian blogger and activist Wael Abbas levelled similar criticism, saying Obama “did not go into specifics about the most important thing of all which is democracy.”

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I think if the intent was to engage the Muslim community - the speech is turning out to be a success. I remember the reaction to Dumbya's 'Freedom is on the march' (Idiotic smile comes gratis ) Speeches - "Yeah Whatever!"

talking to..not lizard cheney that the corporatemedia is trotting out.