35b9e5d7d2188210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRDapproved/thenational/Articles/Migration/2009-Q2US president must carry his message home25b9e5d7d2188210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____For a world weary of war, President Barack Obama's speech to the Turkish parliament gave an assurance that should never have been in doubt.<p>For a world weary of war, President Barack Obama's speech to the Turkish parliament on Monday gave an assurance that should never have been in doubt. "Let me say this as clearly as I can," Mr Obama said in Ankara, "The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam." Simple words. Indeed, his predecessor said almost the same in speeches that sought to clarify and win support in the later stages of the "war on terror" campaign. The difference may be that people actually believe Mr Obama.</p> <p>He began by acknowledging that he was in Turkey to "send a message to the world". There are a number of reasons particular to bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States for the location of his first address from a Muslim nation, but at heart there are wider ambitions. "Turkey's greatness lies in your ability to be at the centre of things. This is not where East and West divide - this is where they come together."</p> <p>The speech has already drawn comparisons in terms of historical significance with one of the defining moments of George W Bush's tenure at the White House. In June 2002, Mr Bush is judged to have put his personal stamp on subsequent US policy towards the Middle East with the words "nations are either with us or against us in the war on terror". An ultimatum to US allies and a threat to its enemies, there were few more direct ways to polarise world opinion.</p> <p>Since the primary campaign of the US elections, Mr Obama has consistently assailed this world view. Shortly after assuming office, he gave an interview to Al Arabiya news station and addressed the Middle East peace process, one of the most intractable conflicts in the world that has fuelled an us-against-them mentality. In that interview, which coincided with George Mitchell's first trip to the region as special envoy, Mr Obama was optimistic but vague, reiterating the primacy of Israel's security concerns but alluding to "sacrifices" that needed to be made. In Ankara, the President again avowed support for the two-state solution, but again steered clear of the details on which peace plans have so often foundered.</p> <p>Even his detractors, perhaps especially his detractors, will agree that Mr Obama is a charismatic orator who can carry the crowd. His most persistent criticism, and perhaps an unfair one at this stage in his presidency, is that he is long on charm and short on heavy lifting. We shall soon see. In an exclusive report yesterday, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz said that the president will visit Israel and the West Bank in June. His trip is to be preceded by another visit from Mr Mitchell, who has recently indicated the president's support for the Arab Peace Initiative, the most comprehensive framework for a lasting settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.</p> <p>In the current climate, notably Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition of intransigence in Israel, a fair test may not be whether Mr Obama can move peace forward immediately but simply how much pressure that he brings to bear on those who have refused peace. It is increasingly clear that a true friend to Israel will have to challenge its present course. As Mr Obama has won over Europe and makes strides in Turkey, the next test of his charm may not be in the Middle East but at home. If he can change American attitudes, and particularly those of American Jews, many of whom are at odds with the uncompromising hawks in Israel, and bring them into the camp of peace, there is a much better possibility of healing the divide.</p> 84YYOPINION2009040800000020090408000000100ARhttp://adedit.ad.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090408/OPINION/995284859599528485920090408100000000