People in the Muslim world have been giving their first reactions to President Obama’s keynote speech in Egypt. In Iraq, a country where many still feel resentment about American influence, the president’s words were closely listened to. For some, the speech helped to redress grievances.

‘‘I think President Obama is a courageous president. It’s a good start, I hope his openness to the Muslim world continues, particularly the Arab world,’‘ one man said. For others in Iraq, however, Obama’s words mean little without action. ‘‘As muslims we want to see that he delivers on his word and not just that he makes a speech in Cairo and then goes back to New York,’‘ another man said. In the Afghan capital Kabul, a city where there is also widespread distrust of US intentions, people reacted cautiously to the president’s comments on the war in Afghanistan. ‘‘The Americans should not do what they are doing in Muslim countries. They should put words into action so that innocent and poor people don’t get killed,’‘ said one man. While giving no specific commitment Obama stressed the US had no intention of permanently keeping its troops in Afghanistan.More about: Afghanistan, Barack Obama, Iraq

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