What is Cairos view of the new US administration and of its approach toward the region?
The new administration comes with a fresh outlook, with a fresh style. Every president has his own style; every administration has its own character. I don’t believe that the main objectives of American foreign policy have changed. What will change is the style, the way business is conducted. [US President Barack] Obama gave an indication when he instructed his Middle East peace envoy [George] Mitchell to “go and listen,” and not to go and convey certain messages. Now this change of style will definitely bring changes because certain things could have been avoided in the past if the style would have been different. Some misunderstandings would have been avoided if there was better dialogue. I’m cautiously optimistic with the new administration. Optimistic because they have indicated from the very first day that they are willing to get involved in the peace process in the Middle East, which was not the case with the previous administration. That’s why I’m optimistic. But I’m cautious be
