To sum up: Obama’s speech is designed to tell Muslims he understands and empathises. He wants them to trust him so they will hear him. But to get that trust he tells them they are actually victims of the West Obama represents, and of the Jews. Or so he will be understood. Of actual proposals to solve anything he has few. He’s offering not plans but himself. He is the Healer.

Will this work? Will Muslims, having been told they are victims, resolve to take more responsibility for peace and good governance? Will the West, having had reaffirmed a sense of their own guilt, keep any remaining resolve to defend their own interests and rights?

As you can tell, I’m deeply sceptical. I think Obama has given in, and, hoping to be liked, will earn only contempt..