On June 4, 2009, US President Barack Obama arrived in Cairo to deliver a speech intended to reconcile America with Islam. Obama went to Egypt to counter the perception that his country was the enemy of Islam, a perception that was only reinforced during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and because of its firm friendship with Israel.

"I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world,” Obama explained in his speech. "One based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."

Obama also touched on a very important point about the legacy of democracy that America strives to share with the nations of the world, as the first murmurings of the revolution could be heard among the students listening to his talk at Cairo University.

“... There are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.”