I seem to remember Obama giving a speech in Cairo toward the beginning of his presidency. “A New Beginning,” it was called. I don’t recall any specific lines from that speech — and isn’t it remarkable how few notable quotables the Greatest Orator in History has uttered during his endless string of speeches? — but I do remember that Obama was going to change everything. Repair relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world. Heal the divisions suffered during the presidency of the Evil George W. Bush. Stuff like that.
So far, so good! Jerusalem Post:
Palestinians in Bethlehem set fire to pictures of US President Barack Obama on Monday, saying he was not welcome in their city.
Scores of protesters gathered near Manger Square and threw shoes at a US diplomatic vehicle as it arrived at the scene as part of preparations for Obama’s visit to the city later this week…
Palestinian Authority policemen did not intervene to stop the Bethlehem demonstrators from burning the pictures of Obama…
There were even indications that the PA leadership was encouraging or initiating some of the protests.
But… didn’t they hear his speech? It was a speech.