Reaching for middle east opinion

Obama gives his first full sit down interview as President to the Dubai based 24 hour Arabic cable network Al-Arabiya.

And, George Mitchell started his work on the Middle East peace process today.

Later: In that interview with al Arabiya,

"My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy," Obama said....

Obama's interview was seen widely in Pakistan and has received a generally positive response from analysts there.....

Hamid said the real litmus test for the Muslim world is what Obama does with the crisis in Gaza.

And, (AFP) US vows 'direct' diplomacy with Iran.