Obama Bows Down to Guardian of Mecca

During the recent G20 Summit in London, President Obama was captured on video and pictured on camera bowing to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Now, this event may not seem like much to many. Some may even classify this as another “Presidential faux pas.” And there may be those who say, “What’s the big deal? He was doing it out of respect.” However, what might not be a big deal to some, has indeed become a big deal to others; including myself.

Many may not know this, but the king of Saudi derives authority and respect of his subjects not only because he is the king; he is also considered the Guardian of Mecca and Medina; two of Islam’s holiest sites, (the birthplace of Muhammad and Islam). Therefore, he not only derives authority and respect from his subjects, but from all Muslims who are in subjection to Islam. So, bowing to King Abdullah could also be considered as bowing down to Allah himself.

As President of the United States, I’m sure that Obama understands Presidential Protocol very well; he is not an ignorant man. Historically, protocol for the United States has been that America and its leaders are not to submit themselves in any manner or gesture to a foreign monarch or ruler. This would be a sign of subjection. A gesture of that sort compromises the sovereignty of the United States and its freedoms. A gesture of that sort implies that America is in subjection to a foreign power; whether political or religious. And this gesture (in the eyes of many) implies that the American President has subjected himself and America to the Guardian of Mecca, Islam, Allah and his prophet Muhammad.

Some could blame his gesture on the ignorance or misinformation of the Presidential Office of Protocol. Some may even go as far as to say, “He’s human, he made a mistake.” Yet, in all other instances when the President has met with foreign leaders and dignitaries, he followed protocol astutely. Never before had Obama displayed such a gesture. But for some unknown reason, during this visit with the Guardian of Mecca, protocol was breeched.

This gesture might not mean much to many. However, to those who know the significance of bowing to the “Guardian of Mecca” the symbolism speaks volumes. To my knowledge, no sitting President has shown this type of gesture to any foreign power; especially one that still practices slavery and persecutes Christians and Jews.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil quiet life in all godliness and dignity” – 1 Timothy 2:1 (NASB).

Shalom.