The White House announced today that Egypt has been chosen as the site for President Obama’s upcoming major speech to the Muslim World.  Obama had promised during his campaign to deliver the address from a Muslim capital city but deciding on its location has proven difficult due to both political and security concerns.  The speech will take place in Cairo on June 4th, as an added stop to a trip the President had planned to Normandy, France for the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

If ever there was a time for President Obama to utilize his widely admired oratory skills, it is this speech.  Obviously not speaking Arabic will present an obstacle in reaching out to the Muslim world, but the approach of the United States to the Islamic world that the President will signal in this address will have profound implications for our foreign policy going forward.  LINKS:

WaPo: Obama to Address Muslim World From Egypt

AFP: Obama to address Muslims in Egypt in June

BBC News: Obama to address Muslims in Egypt