In his inaugural address President Obama offered a new engagement with the Muslim world, specifically addressing them by name and telling them, “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.” That new way forward was on full display today as he granted the Arabic satellite network Al-Arabiya his first interview with international reporters. Actually, it wasn't just his first formal interview with the international media, it was his first formal interview with the media since becoming president. According to this video report from MSNBC, that didn't sit too well with the domestic reporters, but Obama's charm offensive is expected to set the stage for a visit to the Mideast region by his new Mideast envoy George Mitchell:
It remains to be seen how this new engagement will be received in the region and if major regional powers (like Iran) will reciprocate Obama's openness to dialogue.
