President Obama’s speech today from Cairo University addressed seven major topics: violent extremism, the Israeli-Palestinian situation, nuclear weapons, democracy, religious freedom, women’s rights, and economic development and opportunity.

This speech was inspiring but more importantly it was frank and urgent – an action plan. Each topic was discussed in clear and matter-of-fact terms, and concrete proposals were presented. Some are saying that his speech needs to be backed up with action; I think he made a clear case not just for the action that needs to be taken, but made it clear that the parties involved need to publicly demonstrate their commitment to that action.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. (Applause.) We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

That’s a bold, honest statement for anyone to make in public, let alone a sitting leader with a direct stake in this process. Several presidents have tried to play a role in solving this complex and deeply-rooted issue, but most only turn to it near their end of their tenures, when they are looking for something to distract from the less positive aspects of their time in office. Taking on all seven of these issues, but especially Israel-Palestine so early in his term is a bone-fide, genuine overture on President Obama’s part that deserves an equally good-faith response.