SOTU

President Obama may have vowed not to quit when it comes to battling the politics of the Hill in his State of the Union address last night, but his talk of foreign policy sounded more fatigued.

Outlining the ways in which he plans to protect and advance the country in the context of foreign policy, Obama seemed to have changed his tone towards the Muslim world from one of dialogue to one of control:

That's the leadership that we are providing –- engagement that advances the common security and prosperity of all people. We're working through the G20 to sustain a lasting global recovery. We're working with Muslim communities around the world to promote science and education and innovation. We have gone from a bystander to a leader in the fight against climate change. We're helping developing countries to feed themselves, and continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS. And we are launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond faster and more effectively to bioterrorism or an infectious disease -– a plan that will counter threats at home and strengthen public health abroad. [emphasis added]

Compare that tidbit about the need to enlighten Muslim societies to his famous Cairo speech given last summer to the Muslim world in which he acknowledges the innovation Muslim communities have already provided and pushes for more dialogue:

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

What the Cairo speech had done so well was recognize the complexities of the Muslim world that could help lead to prosperity. Obama essentially acknowledged that while some communities may foster fanaticism, others are pushing the limits of science, philosophy and politics. But after last night, it seemed as if Obama had reduced foreign policy towards the Middle East to one-sided action rather than two-sided engagement: Iran got an ultimatum, the discussion of Iraq mainly focused on getting the troops out, Afghanistan was spoken of in the context of terrorists rather than state-building, democracy and civil society.

It’s clear that Obama is desperately trying to regain control and leadership as his poll numbers plunge and the situation in Af-Pak grows increasingly dire. I can’t blame him. With a tough year of failures at home and abroad, Obama needs to remind others he is a leader. But like he said, leaders must do what is difficult, not what is easy. It’s difficult to engage in dialogue that test our assumptions and challenge our limits, but all I’m saying is, don’t quit.