President Obama arrived back in the White House today in the wee hours of the morning, following a stint in Europe and the Middle East, where he sought to refresh and build alliances. Transporting his campaign-proven town hall format abroad, he told a Turkish audience, “Let me say this as clearly as I can: The United States is not — and will never be — at war with Islam.”

He elaborated to the Turkish Parliament:

I also want to be clear that America’s relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to al Qaeda. Far from it. We seek broad engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. We will listen carefully, bridge misunderstanding, and seek common ground. We will be respectful, even when we do not agree. And we will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over so many centuries to shape the world for the better – including my own country.

A Chicago Sun-Times editorial today said his efforts to reach out to the moderate Muslim world would pay big dividends, “salving the wounds that the previous administration inflicted on our country’s reputation.”

It was a critical step to deprive terrorist leaders of a recruiting tool. It’s a lot harder to sell the United States as the Great Satan when the nation’s chief executive visits with words of tolerance and partnership — and a friendly smile.

I seem to remember President George W. Bush saying Islam is “a religion of peace,” talking about “our Muslim friends and citizens,” immediately following the 9/11 attacks and thereafter.

But anyway – do you think the country’s posture towards Islam has changed? Is Obama being too soft, as some of his critics have lodged? And how do you condemn violent Muslims and embrace the rest?