Obama Talks to Al-Arabiya in the White House

by Maggie M. Thornton at Maggie's Notebook

Members of al-Aribiya, the Arab Dubai-based satellite network entered the White House and President Obama "sat" for an interview...in the White House.

Video
Obama in the White House - Interview with al-Arabiya

I'm putting this up out of sync with the linked article. This is the most important and abhorrent part of what we know so far (Washington Post):

WAPO says that in "stark contrast" to President G. W. Bush, Obama said:

"...IF America is ready to initiate a new partnership [with the Muslim world] based on mutual respect and mutual interest, then I think that we can make significant progress."

This borders on treasonous. What kind of "partnership" can America have now, how can we believe Islam wants a "partnership," and what broke an assumed "partnership" in the first place?

How does America embark on a "new partnership?" Does he have a clue? Will his Envoy, George Mitchell take his message to al-Qaeda or the Taliban? Or maybe they'll see this video in a tricked out cave somewhere.

How does he think he can deal with Hamas? Pre-conceptions. What can be "Pre." We acted "after," not "Pre." We were just sitting here minding our business and they took the towers down.

(NOTE: I just got the video. His comment is not exactly as stated above).

From the Washington Post:

All too often the United States starts by dictating -- in the past on some of these issues -- and we don't always know all the factors that are involved," Obama told al-Arabiya. "So let's listen. He's [George Mitchell] going to be speaking to all the major parties involved. And he will then report back to me. From there we will formulate a specific response."

He said "I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries,..."
I'm also reading that the interview airs at 11 p.m. EST in the U.S. tonight, January 26th.

As George Mitchell, new Middle East Envoy, prepared to leave for the Middle East, Obama told reporters that that peace in the ME is important to America, and also personally important to him.

Read this from The Politico's Ben Smith, and run for the toi-ty:

President Barack Obama presented a humble and conciliatory face of America to the Islamic world Monday in the first formal interview since he assumed office, stressing his own Muslim ties and shying away from any hint of belligerence even when asked if he could “live with” an Iranian nuclear weapon.

More later...