Connecting with Islam

President-elect Obama is considering making a speech in an Islamic country within the first 100 days of his presidency. I think this is an excellent way to build solidarity between two communities that have lost touch, euphemistically. The top contenders seem to be Jakarta, Indonesia, where Obama spent much of his childhood, and Cairo, Egypt, a not too safe, but solid option. What kind of message would this send to the world? In terms of opening a cross cultural dialogue, Obama would grant recognition to the greater Muslim world, which for many is overdue, while meeting with leaders and other figures in an area of the world that presents an excellent opportunity to utilize a new, culturally apt approach to international relations.