Addressing the Muslim World from Cairo is the New Black

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by Sara Elghobashy

11/17/09 - 12:48 PM

By Sara Elghobashy
November 17, 2009

I know that the Obamas are trendsetters and I’m not just talking about Michelle’s wardrobe. The idea of “change” has caught on like wildfire, from car commercials to NJ gubernatorial campaigns. (Really, Chris Christie?) But who could have expected that making speeches to the Muslim world from Cairo would be the new “it” thing? (And you thought thigh-high boots were the hottest new trend.)

Earlier this month, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiaboa wanted to reaffirm his ties with Muslim-majority countries and ensure that recent criticisms caused by the poor treatment of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in China, had not affected important trade relations. So what did he do? He set out to give a speech at the Arab League meeting in Cairo.

The Prime Minister borrowed a couple of notes, as well. He focused on highlighting the relationship between the Chinese civilization and Islamic civilizations in the past (sound familiar?) and told the audience that China is committed to respecting its multi-ethnic, multi-religious population. Whether or not they actually do that is irrelevant because money seems to be more important than the truth these days.

China has increased its aid and investments in Africa and the Middle East over the past couple years, soaring from $491 million in 2003 to $7.8 billion in 2008. These investments are, of course, concentrated in the oil industry as China’s large economy is heavily dependent on this natural resource while it develops useful alternatives. Therefore, relationships with the Middle East are highly important.

The Prime Minister’s speech at the Arab League was well received and I’m sure Cairo is basking in the glory of being the center of attention over and over again. The arrival of Wen Jiaboa was not as big as President Obama’s, nor was the world watching as closely, but still, it has bragging rights. And surely it will mend their shaky ego. It’s been a long time since the age of the Pharoahs.

Photo Credit: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images

Keywords: Cairo speech to Muslims, Wen Jiaboa, Chinese Prime Minister speech, Arab League

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By Sara Elghobashy November 17, 2009 I know that the Obamas are trendsetters and I’m not just talking about Michelle’s wardrobe. The idea of “change” has caught on like wildfire, from car commercials to NJ gubernatorial campaigns. (Really, Chris Christie?) But who could have expected that making speeches to the Muslim world from Cairo would be the new “it” thing? (And you thought thigh-high boots were the hottest new trend.) Earlier this month, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiaboa wanted to reaffirm his ties with Muslim-majority countries and ensure that recent criticisms caused by the poor treatment of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in China, had not affected important trade relations. So what did he do? He set out to give a speech at the Arab League meeting in Cairo. The Prime Minister borrowed a couple of notes, as well. He focused on highlighting the relationship between the Chinese civilization and Islamic civilizations in the past (sound familiar?) and told the audience that China is committed to respecting its multi-ethnic, multi-religious population. Whether or not they actually do that is irrelevant because money seems to be more important than the truth these days. China has increased its aid and investments in Africa and the Middle East over the past couple years, soaring from $491 million in 2003 to $7.8 billion in 2008. These investments are, of course, concentrated in the oil industry as China’s large economy is heavily dependent on this natural resource while it develops useful alternatives. Therefore, relationships with the Middle East are highly important. The Prime Minister’s speech at the Arab League was well received and I’m sure Cairo is basking in the glory of being the center of attention over and over again. The arrival of Wen Jiaboa was not as big as President Obama’s, nor was the world watching as closely, but still, it has bragging rights. And surely it will mend their shaky ego. It’s been a long time since the age of the Pharoahs. Photo Credit: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images http://www.elanthemag.com/index.php/site/blog_detail/addressing_the_muslim_world_from_cairo_is_the_new_black-nid169128412/

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