International Empathy, is what we saw today. A truly incredible speech that seeks to draw parallels and commonalities among countries that have grown accustomed to drawing upon historical differences to justify contemporary failures to advance in a more productive direction. President Obama didn’t chafe at those differences, rather he explained them, he empathized with the plight of Israel, and Palestine, and the Muslim world. He articulated the story of America, and made it accessible to those who have been told for far to long that our country is to blame for their grievances. I am proud of the President today, but even more so, I’m inspired to see diplomacy move in this direction and to see empathy emerge as a tenant of President Obama’s administration.

From his 2004 Convention speech as a candidate for the US Senate, to his race speech as a candidate for President, to this speech today as President of the United States- Mr. Obama has aimed to see the world in the eyes of others. No doubt, this approach complicates things, and in many cases good intentions will not be enough. Nonetheless, today marks a new beginning for international diplomacy. Today is when the promise of his Presidency began to come to fruition.

Full transcript here.