Dore Gold: Obama and Israel: A Global Perspective - '...Since his June 4, 2009 address in Cairo, Obama has made it clear that he seeks to fundamentally transform the relations of the West with the Islamic World. He connected the 9/11 attacks to the historic tensions between the Islamic states and the West, which he explained, al-Qaeda exploited. By changing the relationship, Obama believes he is also removing the motivation for the next attack. He also may see his own personal role as a historical figure who can bridge between the two civilizations. In short, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Obama believes that by creating a Palestinian state as soon as possible, his administration would be transforming the relations of the West with the Arab world and the Islamic countries, as well. If that is the case, then establishing a Palestinian state may be more important to the administration than creating the conditions for the parties to negotiate the issue among themselves...'