And the consistency between his message around the region I think is pretty obvious.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Obama also gave his first formal interview as president to Al-Arabiya, an Arab news channel, sending a message to the region that he wants a dialogue.

CNN: In first week, Obama takes initial steps on ambitious agenda

And I also think it's important to send that message to the region, because I think that Iran, Syria, the other countries in the neighborhood, are going to find themselves in a very difficult position as we withdraw.

CNN: Transcript of Thursday's Democratic presidential debate