Former US President Barack Obama addresses the Muslim world from Cairo University in 2009. AFP
Former US President Barack Obama addresses the Muslim world from Cairo University in 2009. AFP

2009 - The Obama Doctrine: Good intentions gone bad

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Updated 22 April 2025
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2009 - The Obama Doctrine: Good intentions gone bad

2009 - The Obama Doctrine: Good intentions gone bad
  • Despite key diplomatic wins, Barack Obama’s cautious approach drew criticism for major failures in the Middle East and beyond 

RIYADH: In 2009, the first year of Barack Obama’s presidency, a distinctive approach to US foreign policy began to emerge, now often referred to as the “Obama Doctrine.” 

It was characterized by a pragmatic, multilateral and diplomacy-first strategy that aimed to restore Washington’s standing in the world after years of unilateral, aggressive interventions, spearheaded by his predecessor George W. Bush. 

At its core, the doctrine sought to redefine US leadership in a multipolar world. It was not apparent in any single document or speech, it was fashioned through a series of policy decisions, speeches and actions after Obama took office. 

One of the earliest signs of the doctrine can be found in the president’s inaugural address in January 2009, when he pledged to “seek a new way forward” with the Muslim world “based on mutual interest and mutual respect,” and to “extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” 

This rhetoric of engagement marked a departure from the more confrontational policies of the previous administration, particularly in the Middle East. 

Obama’s speech in Egypt in June 2009 further solidified this approach. Addressing an audience at Cairo University, he underscored his administration’s commitment to soft power and diplomacy as tools to address global issues, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation and regional conflicts. 

Departing from the discourse on democratization that had become too closely associated with the “war on terror” and the neoconservative ideology that had formed the theoretical framework for the 2003 military intervention in Iraq, Obama instead focused on rebuilding relations with Egypt, as well as “reaching out” to Syria and Iran. 

In an article published by Foreign Affairs magazine in 2007, Obama wrote of the need to “reinvigorate American diplomacy.”  

How we wrote it




Arab News’ front page covered Obama’s Cairo University speech, where he pledged to mend ties with the Arab world.

He warned that the US policy of “issuing threats and relying on intermediaries to curb Iran’s nuclear program, sponsorship of terrorism and regional aggression is failing. Although we must not rule out using military force, we should not hesitate to talk directly to Iran.” 

His administration’s approach, rooted in engagement with long-standing adversaries, translated into the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, and was also evident in dealings with Cuba. After Obama’s inauguration, diplomatic efforts began in an attempt to thaw relations with Havana, culminating in the reestablishment of diplomatic ties in 2015. 

While he was not averse to using military power, his administration sought to limit large-scale interventions, focusing instead on targeted operations and partnerships. The drawdown of US forces in Iraq, announced in February 2009, signaled this shift toward the winding down of protracted wars. 

His foreign policy, in response to criticisms of America’s previous “go-it-alone” strategy, focused on strengthening ties with NATO and Russia, building alliances with Asia, reengaging with the UN, and participating in international forums such as the G20 to tackle issues ranging from economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis, to climate change. For instance, under Obama the US took a leading role in the 2016 Paris Agreement. 

Despite these successes, however, his doctrine would soon prove less effective in the Middle East, where his policies, or absence thereof, drew criticism for undermining Washington’s credibility, emboldening adversaries and shaking the confidence of allies. 

His military intervention in Libya, which was authorized by the UN Security Council with the aim of protecting protesters from the crackdown by Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi on unrest in 2011, left the country in chaos and under threat from violent extremists. 

In a 2016 Fox News interview, Obama admitted that the operation in Libya was the “biggest mistake” of his presidency, for its failure to plan for the aftermath of ًQaddafi’s ouster. His stance would later be reflected by his inconsistent approach to the Middle East, in particular when Syria descended in civil war in 2012.

 

Key Dates

  • 1

    Barack Obama takes office as US president; during inaugural address vows “a new way forward” with the Muslim world “based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”

    Timeline Image Jan. 20, 2009

  • 2

    Obama addresses issue of US-Middle East relations during a speech at Cairo University.

    Timeline Image June 4, 2009

  • 3

    Obama receives 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

    Timeline Image Oct. 9, 2009

  • 4

    UN Security Council passes Resolution 1973, spearheaded by the Obama administration, which authorizes airstrikes to protect civilians in Libya.

    Timeline Image March 17, 2011

  • 5

    Obama declares his intention not to launch airstrikes against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, despite evidence it had used chemical weapons.

    Timeline Image Sept. 10, 2013

  • 6

    UN Security Council passes resolution ordering destruction of Syrian regime’s chemical weapons

  • 7

    Iran nuclear deal signed, delaying Tehran’s continued development of nuclear weapons in return for reduced sanctions.

    Timeline Image Jan. 17, 2016

  • 8

    Obama visits Cuba, the first such visit by an incumbent US president since 1928.

 

Obama’s reluctance to intervene in Syria led to accusations of complicity in the violence of the regime of President Bashar Assad, which killed at least 400,000 people, devastated civilian neighborhoods, and triggered one of the worst immigration crises in Europe since the Second World War. 

His hesitant approach was most evident when, in August 2012 he pledged military intervention if Assad used chemical weapons in Syria, describing this as a “red line.” A year later, on Aug. 21, 2013, Obama’s “red line” was crossed when images of victims emerged as evidence that Assad had used sarin and chlorine gas against towns near Damascus. 

In a September 2013 speech, Obama, haunted by a decade of failed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, backed down from launching air strikes against the Assad regime in favor of diplomacy, saying: “I’ve spent four-and-a-half years working to end wars, not to start them.” 

Instead, he settled for a deal with Russia, later enshrined in UN Resolution 2118, which required Syria to dismantle its stockpiles of chemical weapons and provided for some covert military aid for the moderate opposition, to help diffuse the power of Islamist fighters. 

Soon, however, that proved not to be enough. Washington’s absence from Syria solidified Assad’s grip on cities, empowered Iran and Russia in the region, and created a vacuum that allowed Daesh to emerge. 

In August 2014, a US president who had once rejected the notion of a “global war on terror” found himself entangled in one. He authorized air strikes on Daesh targets in Iraq and, later, Syria, as he organized an international coalition to combat the terror group. 

In less than two years, he shifted from ordering airstrikes to deploying more than 475 additional military advisors in Iraq, and more than 4,000 ground troops, including special operations forces, in both Iraq and Syria. 




Michelle and Barack Obama with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman during the US president’s 2015 visit to the Kingdom. AFP

The rise of Daesh complicated Obama’s plans for winding down the US military presence in Iraq. At the same time, it forced him to authorize limited airstrikes in Libya. 

The influx of refugees and spill over of repercussions from the civil war in Syria destabilized the country’s neighbors, including US security partners such as Jordan and Turkey, and undermined trust in Obama’s administration, the cautious approach of which was seen as a missed opportunity to shape the outcome of the war in Syria. 

Some viewed the Obama doctrine as appeasing Iran, with the lifting of multilayered sanctions allowing the Islamic Republic to freely trade and receive foreign investment, leading to the regime in Tehran strengthening its proxy networks across the region and its corridor, via Iraq and Syria, to Lebanon. 

In addition, his reliance on drone strikes as a counterterrorism tool, particularly in Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, which was portrayed as a more favorable alternative to large-scale military interventions, attracted significant criticism for the ethical and legal implications, as well as the effects on civilian populations.  

Overall, the legacy of the doctrine continues to be debated. Some hail it as a necessary recalibration of US foreign policy after the war in Iraq, while others consider it a retreat from leadership, or an overly cautious approach to global challenges. 

At a time when the Middle East was undergoing radical transformations, Washington appeared to favor hesitation over initiative, raising questions about the effectiveness of this strategy in achieving regional stability. 

  • Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami is head of the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah). 


Where We Are Going Today: Magical Matcha

Where We Are Going Today: Magical Matcha
Updated 3 min 19 sec ago
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Where We Are Going Today: Magical Matcha

Where We Are Going Today: Magical Matcha

If you’re a matcha lover in Saudi Arabia, you’ve probably come across Magical Matcha — and yes, the name delivers. I recently tried their Magical Matcha Box, and let me just say: the entire experience felt like a pastel-hued, matcha-scented dream. 

From the moment you receive the lavender-colored box, you’re greeted with whimsical, themed packaging that makes it feel like you’ve ordered a little piece of magic. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to start your matcha ritual: a chasen (bamboo whisk), scoop spoon, and a 30g packet of ceremonial-grade matcha, plus a few adorable and very cute stickers.

Let’s talk taste. The matcha itself is stunning! smooth, vibrant, and earthy without any bitterness. I paired mine with vanilla oat milk, and it blended like a charm. The color is also worth mentioning: a rich, vivid green that makes every pour feel like a tiny moment of luxury. 

I also tried their vanilla matcha and and with a few drops of their Vanilla Potion and it was magically pleasing. Also tried their Salted Caramel Potion with the original matcha and couldn't believe how strythe flavor is, 2-3 drops are more than enough! both flavor syrups are delicious. They instantly elevated the drink with a subtle sweetness that didn’t overpower the matcha. Together with the dreamy packaging and tools, this became my favorite way to start the day.

Now for the honest part: the only downside is the quantity. While the quality is top-notch, 30g goes by fast, especially if you drink matcha daily. For the price, I was hoping for a little more product or perhaps a refill option within the same kit.

Still, if you’re new to matcha or looking for a beautiful giftable set, this one hits the mark. It’s Instagrammable, high-quality, and clearly made with care.

For more information, check their Instagram @magicalmatcha.sa. 


Trump says he’s OK with taxing the rich but warns of political fallout

Trump says he’s OK with taxing the rich but warns of political fallout
Updated 21 min 16 sec ago
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Trump says he’s OK with taxing the rich but warns of political fallout

Trump says he’s OK with taxing the rich but warns of political fallout
  • Trump suggests higher taxes on the wealthy
  • Taxing the rich gets boost from leading hard-line Republican

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “OK” with raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans, as his fellow Republicans consider scaling back the scope of the ambitious tax-cut package they aim to pass this year.
“Republicans should probably not do it, but I’m OK if they do!!!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform.
Speaking to reporters later at the White House, Trump gave a stronger endorsement.
“I would love to do it, frankly,” he said in the Oval Office. “What you’re doing is you’re giving up something up top in order to make people in the middle income and the lower income brackets save more. So it’s really a redistribution, and I’m willing to do it if they want.”
Trump, a wealthy businessman with properties all over the world, indicated he would be willing to pay more in taxes himself. “I would love to be able to give people in a lower bracket a big break by giving up some of what I have.”
The Senate’s top Republican, John Thune, said he was not enthusiastic about the idea. “We don’t want to raise taxes on anybody. I mean, we’re about lowering taxes on Americans,” he said on Fox News.
Trump’s message comes as US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson weighs whether to reduce the total tax package.
Johnson told some House Republicans on Thursday that he is now looking at $4 trillion in tax cuts, rather than an initial $4.5 trillion, according to a Republican aide.
Republicans are also fighting over spending cuts needed to pay for Trump’s “one big beautiful bill,” jeopardizing the goal of making all of the expiring provisions of his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Trump privately urged Johnson this week to raise the tax rate and close the carried-interest loophole for Wall Street investors, sources told Reuters on Thursday.
The Republican president suggested an increase to 39.6 percent from 37 percent for individuals earning $2.5 million or higher and joint filers earning at least $5 million, with carve-outs for small businesses, one source said.
“I don’t think they’re going to be doing it, but I actually think it’s good politics to do it,” Trump said.
Spending cuts to Medicaid and other programs are likely to fall short of a $2 trillion goal over a decade.
Johnson and other top Republicans have resisted the idea of raising taxes on the wealthy.
But Representative Andy Harris, who chairs the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, said a higher top tax bracket would help pay for the Trump agenda.
“Personally, I’ve always believed that if we can’t find spending reductions elsewhere, we should look at restoring the pre TCJA tax bracket on million dollar income,” the Maryland Republican wrote on X.
Trump views higher taxes on the rich as a way to help pay for massive middle and working-class tax cuts, and to protect Medicaid, the health care program for lower-income Americans.
But the president warned on Friday that Democrats would seize on “even a ‘TINY’ tax increase for the ‘RICH,’” citing former Republican President George H.W. Bush, who lost his 1992 re-election bid after breaking his promise not to hike taxes.
Trump and Republican lawmakers have cited the potential extension of the 2017 tax cuts as relief for Americans and an economic boost amid Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.
They have vowed to enact the extension as part of a larger budget bill that would also fund border security, the deportation of undocumented immigrants, energy deregulation and a plus-up in military spending.


Rare bone-eroding disease ruining lives in Kenya’s poorest county

Rare bone-eroding disease ruining lives in Kenya’s poorest county
Updated 55 min 22 sec ago
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Rare bone-eroding disease ruining lives in Kenya’s poorest county

Rare bone-eroding disease ruining lives in Kenya’s poorest county

Joyce Lokonyi sits on an upturned bucket, fingers weaving palm fronds as the wind pulls her dress to expose the stump of her amputated foot, lost to a little-known disease ravaging Kenya’s poorest county.
Mycetoma is a fungal or bacterial infection that enters the body through any open wound, often as tiny as a thorn prick.
Starting as tiny bumps under the skin, it gradually leads to the erosion of tissue, muscles and bone.
The fungal variety is endemic across the so-called “mycetoma belt” — including Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and northern Kenya — with funding and research desperately lacking.
Once the disease has reached the bone the only option is amputation.
“I was able to slightly walk, although the disease had eaten all my toes,” Lokonyi, 28, told AFP.
She was shunned by the local community, she said.
“They used to say that when you go to someone’s home, you will leave traces of the disease where you stand.”
She was unable to afford medication despite her husband selling off his goats, and amputation became the only option.
“I accepted because I saw that it was going to kill me,” she said, a pair of battered crutches lying on the sand beside her two-year-old daughter.
But she has struggled with the aftermath.
“I have become a good-for-nothing, I can’t work, I can’t burn charcoal, I can’t do anything,” she said.
In Kenya’s poorest county, Turkana, around 70 percent of the population lives beneath the poverty line, with health care limited and hard to reach.
Mycetoma disproportionately affects rural communities of farmers and herders, according to the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative , a global NGO.
It was only recognized as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization in 2016. Ignorance and misdiagnosis remain widespread.
“Doctors are not aware of the disease,” Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, DNDi’s head of mycetoma research, told AFP.
“If you’re used to donkeys, you don’t start seeing zebras everywhere.”
The scale of the problem is difficult to estimate, but Ekiru Kidalio, director of Lodwar Hospital in Turkana, said they “rarely go a week without finding a case.”
He added that the local population, 80 percent of which is illiterate, often turns to traditional medicine.
By the time they come to hospital “the condition is already advanced such that it’s not easy to reverse.”
Medication is also expensive — treatment takes up to a year and costs as much as $2,000 — and comes with dizzying side effects.
Diagnosis and treatment are not free under Kenya’s overwhelmed health system, leaving patients at the mercy of foreign donors or seeking sums that are unimaginable for subsistence farmers.
In Lodwar Hospital, lab technician John Ekai bends over his microscope and examines a suspected mycetoma sample.
“Mycetoma is a very neglected disease, no-one is giving it attention,” he told AFP.
He has become the go-to man for suspected patients, handling his charges with a mischievous sense of humor that puts them at ease.
Ekai has treated more than 100 mycetoma patients in the past year, but has seen only five recoveries, with many simply vanishing back into Turkana’s arid plains.
He worries for those who have disappeared: “The mycetoma will grow and grow and maybe... lead to amputation.”
During AFP’s visit, he examined young mother Jennifer Ekal, 19, who had lived with the disease since she was 11.
“I was in school but I decided to leave because of my foot,” she said, showing her swollen and painful extremity, hidden beneath a red-and-white dishcloth.
Four doses of medication a day appeared to be helping, she said.
But as she gathered up her daughter, three-year-old Bianca, she admitted she was worried about the future.
“I do not want to think about the worst.”


Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone

Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone
Updated 10 May 2025
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Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone

Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone
  • Thamudic scripts, petroglyphs carved into rock in Hail offers a glimpse of Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations thousands of years ago

MAKKAH: Carved into the rocks of Hail, across its mountains and plateaus, Thamudic inscriptions stand as enduring testaments to a civilization that flourished over thousands of years ago.

More than mere markings, these inscriptions form a visual archive that offers rich insights into the lives, beliefs, customs and language of ancient Arabs, preserving their names, expressions, and everyday experiences.

Mamdouh Al-Fadel, a researcher into the history of Hail and ancient Thamudic Arabic inscriptions, told Arab News that Thamudic script was one of the most important early forms of Arabic writing.

“These inscriptions offer detailed insights into both religious and social life. They preserve a vivid record of names and ancient Arabic vocabulary.

“And portray animals that inhabited the region at the time, such as camels, ibex, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and ostriches, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the desert environment and way of life during that period.”

The Thamudic scripts had been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.  (Supplied)

Al-Fadel said that among the most significant sites preserving these rock arts and inscriptions are Jabal Umm Sinman in the city of Jubbah, as well as the sites of Yatab, Janine Mountain, Al-Tuwal Mountain, Al-Julf, Habran, Al-Musma, and Arnan.

He said the rich vocabulary and the diversity of names found at these sites reflect the depth and complexity of social and cultural life during that era.

He highlighted the significant global impact of these discoveries, which have turned the inscription sites in Hail into important destinations for researchers and visitors from around the world.

Several of these locations, such as Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting their profound archeological significance and cultural value on the global stage.

Al-Fadel said the Ministry of Culture is preserving these ancient petroglyphs by documenting archeological sites, conducting regular inspections, and fostering continuous research and academic studies.

When asked about the most striking aspects of life portrayed in the inscriptions, Al-Fadel explained: “They reveal a wealth of information about religious rituals, diverse hunting techniques, and the tools used, such as bows and arrows, spears, and even boomerangs.

“The inscriptions also depict clever hunting strategies, festive occasions like wedding dances, methods of adapting to the desert environment, the domestication of animals, and scenes of horse and camel racing, all illustrated with remarkable realism and detail.”

The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects. (SUpplied

The Thamudic inscriptions in Hail stand as timeless historical treasures that transport us to the far reaches of antiquity, placing the Kingdom among the earliest cradles of human civilization.

Saad Al-Sharif, a researcher in ancient Arabic inscriptions, notes that the Thamudic script is among the oldest and most significant writing systems used in the Arabian Peninsula.

It has been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.

He said that the script is not directly attributed to the Thamud tribe, but scholars had adopted the term “Thamudic” as a convenient label to categorize it.

The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects.

Al-Sharif said Thamudic inscriptions are a vital source for understanding the linguistic evolution of Arabic, acting as a transitional link between ancient scripts such as Lihyanite and Nabataean and the modern Arabic script.

He underscored the importance of continued research and exploration in this field to deepen understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s history.
 

 

 


Pakistan vows retaliation, saying three bases targeted by Indian missiles

 Pakistan vows retaliation, saying three bases targeted by Indian missiles
Updated 51 min 7 sec ago
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Pakistan vows retaliation, saying three bases targeted by Indian missiles

 Pakistan vows retaliation, saying three bases targeted by Indian missiles
  • Army says Nur Khan base, Murid base in Chakwal district and one Shorkot targeted by Indian missiles
  • Reports came after Chaudhry said in sudden statement India fired ballistic missiles that fell in Indian territory

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Military Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Saturday India had attacked multiple bases in Pakistan, vowing retaliation.

In the latest confrontation between the two longstanding enemies that began on Wednesday, India said it hit nine “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan in retaliation for what it says was a deadly Islamabad-backed attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. Pakistan says it was not involved and denied that any of the sites hit by India were militant bases. It said it shot down five Indian aircraft on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s military said on Friday it shot down 77 drones from India at multiple locations, including the two largest cities of Karachi and Lahore, and the garrison city of Rawalpindi, home to the army’s headquarters.

On Saturday early morning, panic rang out in Pakistan as reports emerged that Pakistan Air Force’s Nur Khan base had been hit. 

The Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, where the military has its headquarters, is around 10 kilometers from the capital, Islamabad.

In televised remarks, the military spokesman said three bases, Nur Khan, PAF Base Murid, an operational flying base of the Pakistan Air Force located near the village of Murid in the Chakwal District of Punjab, and one in Shorkot, had been targeted by Indian missiles. 

“Now you just wait for our response,” Chaudhry said.

The reports came after Chaudhry said India fired ballistic missiles that fell in Indian territory, announcing it in a sudden statement on national broadcaster at 1:50 a.m. local time on Saturday (2050 GMT), with no details provided to support the claim.

“I want to give you the shocking news that India fired six ballistic missiles from Adampur. One of the ballistic missiles hit in Adampur, the rest of the five missiles hit in the Indian Punjab area of Amritsar,” the army’s spokesman said in his short video statement.

Amritsar’s district commissioner in a text message between Friday and Saturday said: 

“Don’t panic. Siren is sounding as we are under red alert. Do not panic, as before, keep lights off, move away from windows. We will inform you when ready to resume power supply.”

Around 48 people have been killed since Wednesday’s conflagration, according to casualty estimates on both sides of the border that have not been independently verified.