Evidently change and hope don't have quite the same resonance in a war zone. Arab Americans and Mona Eltahawy demonstrate a bit more optimism. Amir Taheri advocates taking a strong – but diplomatic – line immediately, as apparently showing weakness will mean squandering the brief window the now-President has to implement his agenda. Presumably, since he's been silent, especially on Gaza, for weeks now, said agenda will be the result of careful thought and reflection.