The attacks on September 11, 2001 sent shock waves throughout the world. This act of terrorism, despite its horrific brutality, created a global period of solidarity and mourning. It also presented an unprecedented crossroad where the world could choose a new era of engagement.

Today, in Cairo, President Obama began to work toward exactly that. He gave the speech that should have been given after the events of 9/11 setting the stage for a more abundant, prosperous and secure world not by demeaning others, but by asking them to join in creating a secure and affluent future for all. A feat that can only be accomplished by nations working together.

Make no mistake, changing the dynamics of the global propensity toward fear and mistrust will take time. Further, altering embedded systems that have been around for centuries is no easy task.

Alas, as Machiavelli tells us in The Prince:

"There is nothing more difficult to carry out, no more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order...because of the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it."

The experience has begun. Now, what will we the people make of it?

President Obama unmistakably proposed a new global partnership to the Muslim world. The goal: to promote a "new order" of common interests, honest discourse, equality and respect.

The events of September 11th were a clear indication that the current order is being challenged. To his credit, Obama therefore made the decision to directly address that challenge and he did so from the region where it grew to such destructive heights.

It is no secret that Muslims, especially those in the Arab world, have specific grievances that are quite frankly legitimate and they should be confronted. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the responses to these injustices are often violent, thereby removing the moral authority, they are never addressed or resolved.

The American president fortunately decided not to ignore them any longer. Alternatively, he took each one head on.

Obama candidly spoke to issues that are at the heart of many extremist movements and remain the basis of dire discontent. He addressed the fears of US military occupation, violent extremism (not specific to Islam), religious freedom, democracy and women's rights. Obama spoke of nuclear non-proliferation, economic development and Palestine.

All of these issues are exceptionally important. However, Obama went one step further speaking directly to Arab and Muslim history, honor and pride. He acknowledged their rightful place as inventors and scientists. He reminded the world of their contribution to religious freedom and tolerance rooted in an Islamic past. Obama acknowledged the mistakes of America, most notably the overthrow of a former Iranian leader who was freely elected by the people.

Through each point of recognition, he showed the people of the Islamic world something they cherish but feel they have lost and that is respect. Citing the Quran and speaking some words of Arabic additionally added significance to reverence.

Of course the main issue now will be not be what was said, but what is done. Questions remain: will promises of schools and technology centers be fulfilled; will the promise of cooperative business ventures really happen; and will democratic principles be supported rather than dictated, which usually only makes the extremist stronger. And in the forefront of everyone's mind, can America actually move Israel, despite domestic political constraints, to finally create a Palestinian State.

The audience was to say the least skeptical. There were long periods of silence. More noticeably there was fear. Obama called the people and their leadership to action. You could almost hear the apprehension, the concern among the people as to how this call would be answered not to mention what response it would solicit from its source.

The United States has a history of asking the Arab world to take action and failing to keep their part. This has been consistently true throughout the Israeli - Palestinian negotiations for peace and further in Iraq when Iraqis were abandoned in their effort to overthrow Saddam Hussein only to face certain death.

An uneasy feeling remains on both sides and questions will continue about how this new relationship will actually evolve. However, unless we would like to face an increasingly insecure world, we have no choice but to move forward together.

It is time, as Obama said, that we do "what is right, not what is easy." Americans for their part must curb their predisposition for dominant intervention and work to understand what it is means to be the receivers of assumed good works. Muslims must replace the fear of change and realize that they can in fact embrace it while maintaining a vibrant culture.

We must dare to "re-imagine and remake the world of our choice"- again one of cooperation, equality and respect. The alternative is war, resource depletion and ultimate destruction, which in essence doubts the possibilities within us and ensures that we will be beholden to those who prefer supremacy, suffering and strife.

In summary, Obama's speech or his message does not ensure anything. It only reminds us that we posses the power and it is up to us to use it for a negative, or preferably a productive and positive future.