Obama's decision to deliver his speech to the Islamic world from Cairo was tantamount to a surprise for all. By these words, Dalia Megahed started her talk, confirming that Obama saw in Cairo what he could not see in other Islamic capitals. This proves that Egypt still enjoys political and religious weight enabling it to be a lighthouse attracting the attention of all the countries despite the allegations that its regional role has retreated. In a phone call with Al-Masry Al-Youm, Megahed said the peace treaty Egypt signed with Israel and its neutrality and balance in dealing with critical regional issues enabled it to be the pulpit from which Obama would deliver his speech to the Muslims around the globe, especially as he gives top priority to peace in his political agenda. Egypt has been selected not only for its political rule, but also thanks to its importance to the entire Islamic world, especially Al-Azhar to which the Muslims come from all over the world to learn. This is why I proposed Cairo as one of the most symbolic places for Obama's speech. I believe Obama will welcome my proposal in this regard, as this is consistent with the formula I referred to in my speech that the Islamic world is a beacon of science and culture throughout history.
With regard to the role played by Megahed in this visit, she said it was very likely she would not accompany Obama in this visit, confirming that Obama's speech will include what was published in Al-Masry Al-Youm yesterday. She touched upon a number of points, such as the importance of cooperation between the United States and the Islamic world, and the fact that problems do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians, as evidenced by swine flu, which affects ministers, presidents and ordinary people as well. The second point covered by Obama's speech – according to Megahed – is the mutual respect between peoples; recognition of the leading role played by Islam and the Middle East, and abandoning the idea that Islam is a mono-religion. The speech stresses that Muslims are allies to the Americans away from any political purposes or presuppositions caused by the previous administration. The speech was supposed to be delivered during the first hundred days of Obama's rule, but the delay in taking the decision and naming the capital from which the speech would be delivered had a positive effect, as the selected capital has the strategic importance and political weight it deserves. Obama selected Cairo after several advices from his advisors on some capitals including Jakarta and Ankara. Obama was most concerned about the delay of the speech because his relationship with the Islamic world represents a very important thing for him. The delay was due to assessing the country's security stance and foreign affairs position. He was intending to deliver his speech from Turkey, but he backtracked without giving reasons, Megahed said.
