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“We have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek,” he said. “A world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God’s children are respected.”
He dwelled on Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan but reserved some of his sharpest words for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He offered no major initiatives on the West Asia peace process although he put Israelis and Palestinians on notice that he intends to deal directly with what he sees as intransigence on key issues, asking both to shift ground significantly.
The speech in Cairo, which he called a “timeless city”, redeemed a promise he made nearly two years ago while running for President.
“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition,” he said. “Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”
His message was sweeping and forceful — promoting democracy in Egypt, warning Israelis against building new settlements, and acknowledging that the US had fallen short of its ideals, particularly in the Iraq war. It also evoked a new and nuanced tone, and some of Obama’s language drew appreciative applause from his audience of 3,000 invited guests in the Major Reception Hall at Cairo University.
He spoke of “Palestine”, rather than the more ambiguous term often used by American leaders, “future Palestinian state”. And, in reference to the Palestinians, he pointedly mentioned “the daily humiliations... that come with occupation”.
He described the bond between the US and Israel as “unbreakable”, and urged Hamas, the Islamic militant group in control of the Gaza Strip, to stop violence. But in his next breath, Obama said Israel must curtail its expansion of West bank settlements and recognise Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
Obama said: “The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security,” he said.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, called it “a good start and an important step towards a new American policy”.
“America is not and never will be at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security,” Obama said.
“I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.”
“I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Asalamu Alaikum,” Obama said.
Obama said the 9/11 attacks caused “enormous trauma to our country”. He reminded his audience that he has “unequivocally prohibited the use of torture” and has ordered the prison to be closed at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
The President divided his speech into seven sections. He touched on “sources of tension” from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, democracy, religious freedom, women’s rights and economic development and opportunity.
While the message touched upon a litany of challenges, it boiled down to simply this: Barack Hussein Obama was standing at the podium as the US President.
Excerpts from US President Barack Obama’s address to the Muslim world from Cairo:
On himself
I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk.
On war
We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al-Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations.
On Pakistan
... we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses...
On Iraq
Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world... Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear... that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own.
On Israel, Palestine
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people... Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
On iran, n-weapons
I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation — including Iran — should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
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OBAMA'S CANDID SPEECH HAS TILTED THE SIDES IN MID EAST .TIME HAS COME FOR ISRAEL TO " CHANGE " ALONG WITH OBAMA ,AND SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH LASTING PEACE IN WEST ASIA AND ALSO GET ARAB RECOGNITION IN RETUNT , INSTEAD OF SHOWING INTRANSIGENT ATTITUDE , CALLING OBAMA AS ANTI JEW . ONCE THE CONTENTIOUS ISSUES ARE SOLVED EVEN THE PROBLEMS OF ANTI WEST TENDENCIES PROPPED BY TERROR ELEMENTS WILL FADE AWAY EVENTUALLY .MUTUAL TRUST AND RESPECT CAN BUY MANY THINGS WHICH HATRED CANNOT . HOPE THIS NEW POLICY OF " CHANGE " IN MIDDLE EAST CAN BRING PEACE TO THIS REGION. OBAMA WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS OUT OF BOX THINKING AND EVEN AMERICA WILL GAIN A LOT RESPECT IN THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF MUSLIMS THE WORLD OVER .GOD BLESS OBAMA AND HIS PEACEFUL VISION.
CERTAINLY OBAMA -- THINKS DIFFERENTLY. HIS HISTORIC SPEECH TO EFFECT CHANGE IN THE MINDSET
Islam is no problem to the world except it's interpretation in different ways is a problem. In that respect no religion is a problem to the world.
If the past offers some inspirations to move forward or some lessons to learn,we should take them with us for the present and the future.Obama may think so.this.And he seems to be in the White House to remove some black spots from the minds of people at home and abroad.Optimism is the essence of his speech.But actions should take over all the pleasing words he deliveres.Abraham Lincoln once told he had destroyed his enemies by making them friends.What an insight! In politics, political opportunism is dangerous.Even if he is sincerely on the move towards peace and tranquility, the hardliners from every part of the world await for chances of his wrong steps.Religious interferences often deviate the process of a good proposal or come as stumbling blocks.He has to brave and take up all such challenges,if he really wants to translate his vision.So, the peace favourites around the world hope that all the long standing conflicts will come one by one in the funeral queue with an epitaph
Obama is pandering to the Muslims. May be because it's because his middle name is Hussein. The whole world is falling to pseudo-secularists. We must save India from evil secularists. Why everyone cries when Muslim hurt. No one cares about Hindus. This is appeasement. Hindus should rise. Kashmir! Afzal Guru! Aurangzeb! Ram Setu! Mandir! Pani puri! Bhel puri! Yay I am patriotic!
Obama is traying to make peace with everyone and that include with muslim people too. I am SURE NON OF U HAVE EVER HEARD A PRESIDEN OF THE US FROM THE PAST SPEACK GOOD THINGS ABOUT ISLAM THAT IS WHY EVERY ONE IS IN BIG SHOCK.THISE THINGS NEED TO BE SAID AND DONT FORGET THAT MUSLIMS ARE JUST AS MUCH AS CHRISTIONS THE NUMBER IS GROWING EVERY DAY SO SOME OF U NEED TO SEE THE REALITY. EDUCATE YOUR SELF AND SEE WHAT REALY ISLAM TEACH AND U WOULD BE SERPRIOSE. DO NOT JUDGE MUSLIMS LOOK AT ISLAM BECASUE REMEBERE MUSLIMS CAN MAKE THE WRONG distion HOWEVER ISLAM IS THE PERFEC RELIGION THAT DOES NOT HAVE ANY ERROR.
Part One: It is too early to say how far will the neo-cons allow President Barack Obama to befriend Muslims. We have to wait and see the outcome of his policies and practices on the question of Palestine. It is likely that he is going to remain as President for the next 8 years as the American public seems to like his more professional, competent and honest approaches: the qualities that both the Senior and Junior Bush were lacking. Every American President for the past 62 years had been making a political statement saying that the US guarantees the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations in the Middle-East. For any one going through the history of the US, it is very obvious that the US has had scant respect for its guarantees not only in the Middle East but also in other countries. The best example is Palestine. In 1948, the UNO divided Palestine into three regions, (1) Israel getting about 51% of Palestine (2) The Arab Palestinians getting 49% of the land area.
America needs to re-align its Muslim policy again and again every now and then. These are the compulsions for it to sustain its so called super power status.Obama has carefully separated the hardliners and the peace seekers in the Muslim in an effort to woo the peace seekers on its side and seeking them to endorse its initiatives. Such initiatives to be accepted positively come with certain compromises. The ulterior aim of America is to take all the peace seekers from all major communities and isolating those who are capable of causing harm to America's geo-political ambitions. It cannot win those elements militarily alone hence a new political ploy. The Muslim world is too important to be ignored as its influence spreads across all the continents. They can make or break America economically , politically and militarily. Let us not forget the Islamic world is the only potential political grouping which can challenge the US led NATO/west.
SOmebody said, "If all the religions, in the world, are well interpreted, there would have been only peace in the world and nothing more" it is wrong. Religions especially middle eastern do not teach peace to all but to only the co-religionalists. Peace - "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is only in Hindusim. Beaware - so called sickularists teach you that and cry only when a Muslim is put in jail Australia, not for a student who is killed there.
Each of 1.5 billion $ given to pakistan will be used against India, obama. Presume you know that all money given to pakistan will be going for terrorism. Think n times before arming pakistan with more money that will be pumped into terrorism by terrorist country pakistan and in building nuclear weapons. Congress led UPA govt in India should stop kneeling in front of America to take action against pakistan which will never happen. If govt of India has enough guts and patriotism (which all Indians doubt) they should handle pakistan and its supporters in India with an iron hand (which again we doubt because congress led upa govt does not want to hurt there vote banks)
The muslim regimes listen to reason as long as they are week. Once they become strong (having nuclear weapon) they will use them on the west.You may ask why Pakistan has not used. It is because they are not strong or can deliver the weapon!Obama please do not believe in your speech, if you believe your words, you and US might get hurt!
Mr Obama, do you afraid from a particular religion. Why not you gave a call of new beginning between US and all peace loving human beings?
Keeping all emotions aside here is what i make of it.Timing:American people are tired,want break from wars.American economy may not recover for few more years.America has worst image in Arab world.Timing is to see if this 'Obama' thing worksObjective : How to make Arabs feel good about themselves.Give them hope and say sorry to all that happened in last 8 years.Make them Believe Obama could be muslim and wish them well.Place :Arab country,Giving clear message that there is change of course( give me some time).Person Obama:Nobody knows who he really is,but America is betting big on building image of him to buy more time to get their house in order.Once America take rest,rebuild.
America and Islam may not be exclusive but evangelical Christianity and evangelical Islam most definitely are. There will be fight to the finish some day. In India the evangelical Christians are winning by converting large sections of the Hindu population.
Keeping all emotions aside here is what i make of it.Timing:American people are tired,want break from wars.American economy may not recover for few more years.America has worst image in Arab world.Timing is to see if this 'Obama' thing worksObjective : How to make Arabs feel good about themselves.Give them hope and say sorry to all that happened in last 8 years.Make them Believe Obama could be muslim and wish them well.Place :Arab country,Giving clear message that there is change of course( give me some time).Person Obama:Nobody knows who he really is,but America is betting big on building image of him to buy more time to get their house in order.Once America take rest,rebuild.
Naim Naqvi's comment saying that Mr.Barack Obama is posting the letter at the wrong address sums up the feelings, reactions, outrage, expectations, disappointments, vision, plans, actions, directions and the targets of the entire 1800 million Muslims of the world, except a few traitors who will sell their souls to the highest bidder. You have them in every nation and every clan, caste and community. The root cause of most of what the West considers as terrorism is the ISSUE OF PALESTINE and the US financially supporting Israel by giving about $US 10 Billion annually. Otherwise it is impossible for Israel that controls just 2% the Middle East to brutalise the rest 98%. We feel the spill over effects of the Muslim liberation movements in India and terms it as terrorism forgetting the fact that these are incomparably small reactions to well organised State Terrorism by the US, Israel, France and few others which is immeasurably gigantic compared to what Hamas or Hisbullah is doing.
Part Two: (3) Jerusalem would be under international control. What is the present situation? The Israelis made it impossible for the Palestinians to form a State of their own even on one-third of the original land area given to them? Their situation is much worse than the situation of black South Africans under the worst apartheid. As a matter of fact South Africa’s Apartheid was several times better. What had happened to the promises of the world’s super power? Pure deception and empty promises? There are clear indications that Israel’s ultimate goal is to enslave hundreds of millions of Muslims and Christians from Tehran to Mauritania and from Istanbul to Khartoum. Is the US using Israel as its Trojan Horse to achieve this?If Obama is serious let him insist on the UN General Assembly Resolution 198 of December 1948 and UN Security Council Resolution 242 of 1967. Unless the Palestine Problem is solved with full justice, there will be no peace between USA and the Muslim world.
YES, Obama creatd History in the History to wrold to differentiate between Islam and terrorists who destroy in the name of islam.and he reiterated that he is not against islam but against the terrorism let loose in the name of islam.all peaceloving nations must unite to face this undeclared war by the extremists who have no aim except destruction at all levels any democratic progres.and the entire world has to join to put down this menace for ever.shattered economic countries like pakistan irag, afganistan and othe smaller countries suffer much demage by thos extremist, who destroy the economy in the name of Islam.even in Islamic koran says peaceful path for attainment of ones path to salvation and attainment of god.He thus paved way for world peace among the countries and friends of america.the entire glove weldome his way of dealing with the terrorism.
Reaching out to Muslim Population in the world by this historic speech by barack Obama needs the appreciation of all world leaders. We don't have the illusion taht all Muslims in the world will have a change of heart towards a friendly view towards America by this one speech. But this new initiative will be a strong ground for those Muslim Contries and people who are the allies of USA to justify their friendly rlation with USA. It will also have a positive effect to dissuade more Youngsters to the path of terrorism. The biggest loosers of Barack Obamas neww approach towards the Muslim world will be the terrorist organizations such as alquida, who sell their distructive ideology and spread hatredness by misleadng muslim youth about Americas intentions and American values. sure the Bush administration was able to prevent another terrorist attack in american soil after 9/11, but we cannot contain Islamic Terrorism else where in the world. Hence this peace initiative is welcome.
I am a muslim living in US,and live as peacefully as other countryman and womens.Isee his speach motivating
Give each muslim country $1.5 billion stipend per year for the next 10 years without any conditions attached. This will allow the recepients to divert their own cash to train jehadis and attack their neighbours and any one else they do not agree with. Pretty soon, we will have total peace since everyone's middle name will be the same as Obamas! Good Plan!
Obama can launch his new beginning with the Muslims by making a law that all US citizens should be circumcised! Maybe, Obama was circumcised in his early Muslim years! He hasn't said anything about that!!!
Barrack Obama has the guts to face problems head on and he is striving to ensure we have a peaceful world. There are lots of problems -political, geographical, social, religious that he has to address and find a path that all warring parties can embrace. Since ordinary citizens can do little by themselves, let us have the moral courage and support a leader who has a vision.Today's world has inherited a lot of problems from colonial powers and unravelling and resolving them takes time, patience, understanding and compassion. Whatever religion you follow or don't follow - at the end of the day ask yourself - what is the kind of world that you want your grandchildren to inherit? If you have done some introspection and answered the question truthfully.. you will have PEACE.
Very optimistic and encouraging. He is a great speaker; he also seems to have the vision of his own.My only fears ... and may God not come those true please ... with his utterances about Israel, Palestine etc., would he be on the target now from the "extremists" within is "own fold" i.e. from disgruntled elements from USA, Israel and such other places who may not like his "speaking of the truth" ... MAY GOD BLESS HIM WITH LONG LIFE. At least, there is a leader of substance who wants to address what is being avoided by most of the buggers on the world stage.
If all the religions, in the world, are well interpreted, there wpuld have been only peace in the world and nothing more.