Less than 100 hours in office, the new president of the United States presided over a short ceremony at the U.S. Department of State at which he named two special envoys.

Accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the president introduced his two representatives -- two high-caliber envoys, one to the Middle East peace talks and the other to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The appointment of special envoys to the Middle East was suggested in this very space several months ago as an essential contributor to resolving the Middle East dispute, given that the president would have to devote much of his time to resolving the economic crisis at home.

In one of several articles written by this correspondent on the issue of special Middle East envoys, it was stated that given the rising tension in the region, Obama would not have the luxury of time when he moved into the White House.

Yet the speed with which he moved surprised many observers. The amount of energy Obama emits and the pace at which he moved was something that Washington, usually resembling a sleepy Southern town more than the center of the free world, was not particularly used to.

Obama appointed George Mitchell as special envoy to the Middle East and Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to Pakistan/Afghanistan -- excellent choices in both cases.

Mitchell has a proven track record as a peacemaker in Northern Ireland. He knows the Middle East, he has historic ties to the region (his mother is Lebanese), and he is highly respected by both sides.

Holbrooke was involved in the peace talks in the former Yugoslavia.

The great deviation in policy from Bush neoconservative thinking was made apparent in the speech Obama delivered after his swearing-in ceremony. Whereas Bush pushed forward the fear factor, emphasizing the "axis of evil" and mentioning the word "terror" or "terrorists" with nearly every breath, Obama spoke of choosing "hope over fear" and said the United States would chose "unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

In lieu of the war on terror, Obama alluded to the nation being "at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred."

Speaking to the American people -- and to the world -- the president proclaimed "an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."

From Bush's "you are either with us or against us," Obama's words were: "To all the other peoples and governments who are watching today: Know that America is a friend of each nation and to every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."

Obama made a lot of promises during his bid for the presidency, and there are many who now question if the 44th American president might have overextended himself. Here is his reply: "There are some who question the scale of our ambitions. The cynics fail to understand that the ground has shifted beneath them. That the state of politics that has consumed us for so long, no longer applies."

In contrast to the arrogance of Bush's speeches, Obama's words flowed thus: "Our power alone cannot protect us," or then again, "Nor that it entitles us to do as we please."

Said the president: "To those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken, you cannot outlast us and we will defeat you."

No doubt addressing Iran, Obama said, "With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat." There was no mention of "all options being on the table."

Yet despite his overtures and extended hand of peace, Obama remained firm, saying America would "not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense."

And finally, showing that the United States was ready to start with a clean slate, Obama told those who might listen that the United States was ready to "extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

The onus is now with the parties concerned -- Iran, Hamas, Syria and Hezbollah, among others -- to show that they are willing, ready and able to unclench their fists.

(Claude Salhani is editor of the Middle East Times.)

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