It is too early to say whether or not Barrack Hussain Obama’s approach to the Muslim world would be any different to that of the Bush administration. He has made big promises and committed himself to ‘change’, however there isn’t much time left before he actually steps into the White house as President of the United States of America.

The past two months have been difficult for the world. First, it was Mumbai and then barbaric Israeli terrorism in Gaza. Both India and Israel enjoyed full support of the White house and George W. Bush.

It seems as if the Mumbai drama, staged by the Indians and the Israeli’s together, has failed to achieve its objective and Pakistan has come out of it clean. It is interesting to note, however, that once we noticed the dust settling here in South Asia – the Israeli’s launched a full scale war on the Gaza strip. The Indian-Israeli nexus of terror is strong and requires a dedicated column to explain.

So what I have been pondering over the past few weeks is the possibility of these events (Mumbai and Gaza) being ‘Litmus tests’ conducted by the Indians and the Israeli’s to check what Obama’s stance would be and, on a larger scale, to have him enter the White house in a difficult situation – where he would find it difficult to either support India and Israel or condemn them. Supporting Israel once he assumes office would mean an end to all hopes of ‘change’ he brought to his countrymen and the world.

For Kashmir, this is what he had to say:

“Kashmir in particular is an interesting situation where that is obviously a potential tar pit diplomatically. But for us to devote serious diplomatic resources to get a special envoy in there, to figure out a plausible approach, and essentially make the argument to the Indians, you guys are on the brink of being an economic superpower, why do you want to keep on messing with this?” he asked the Indians.

These remarks were not at all welcome in New Delhi and became a cause of concern immediately. Obama, thus far, has expressed keen interest in having the Kashmir issue resolved – understanding and stressing the fact that it is disputed territory.

A glimpse on his Israel-Palestine commitments:

He has said that he will “advance the cause of peace by taking appropriate steps consistent with it security to ease the freedom of movement for Palestinians and improve economic conditions in the West Bank and to refrain from building new settlements as it’s agreed to do with the Bush Administration at Annapolis.”

The quote above is consistent with Hamas demands. Freedom of movement in particular and the opening of all entrances into Gaza, including the Raffah crossing.

His silence on the Israeli offensive on Gaza should have angered the Israeli administration as he has NOT publicly supported Israeli terrorism. However, it may only be because he does not want the change bubble to burst so soon. Earlier, when he was visiting Israel, he had assured Israel of unswerving support by his administration.

While I am not hopeful of any ‘change’ in terms of major foreign policy issues (including that of Muslim bashing in the name of terror), even the slightest of efforts on his part would be welcome.

I believe Obama is entering the White House only to be welcomed by a storm of socio-economic problems and problems associated with the worldwide mess the Bush administration is leaving behind.

As I write, a one week ceasefire has been announced by the Israeli state terrorists. The Hamas has also announced a one week truce to allow Israeli forces to withdraw and accept Hamas demands.

Is this the beginning of the end? Let us all hope for the best.