Transcript of Obama's Speech at Cairo

[doodlebugg 10]

Although I'm in my cubbie I felt like standing up and clapping after reading this He has a huge task ahead of him but this was a very good start imho.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/0...ewbeginning.pdf

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

(Cairo, Egypt)

________________________________________________________________________

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

ON A NEW BEGINNING

Cairo University

Cairo, Egypt

June 4, 2009

1:10 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored

to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For

over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a

century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. And together, you

represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I'm grateful for your hospitality,

and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the

goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in

my country: Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the

world -- tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The

relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and

cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by

colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in

which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their

own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization

led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of

Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these

extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view

Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human

rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who

sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that

can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and

discord must end.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims

around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon

the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition.

Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress;

tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of

publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I

answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to

this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each

other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed

doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other;

to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be

conscious of God and speak always the truth." (Applause.) That is what I will try to do

today -- to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my

belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces

that drive us apart.

Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm 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

at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many

found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam -- at places

like Al-Azhar -- that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the

way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim

communities -- (applause) -- it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the

order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and

printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic

culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished

music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout

history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious

tolerance and racial equality. (Applause.)

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to

recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second

President, John Adams, wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity

against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American

Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have

served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses,

they have taught at our universities, they've excelled in our sports arenas, they've won

Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first

Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our

Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers -- Thomas

Jefferson -- kept in his personal library. (Applause.)

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first

revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and

Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my

responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of

Islam wherever they appear. (Applause.)

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause.) Just

as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a selfinterested

empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that

the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were

founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled

for centuries to give meaning to those words -- within our borders, and around the world.

We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a

simple concept: E pluribus unum -- "Out of many, one."

Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack

Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause.) But my personal story is not so

unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in

America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores -- and that includes nearly

7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and

educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause.)

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion.

That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within

our borders. That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the

right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it.

(Applause.)

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds

within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share

common aspirations -- to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with

dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share.

This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words

alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly

in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our

failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one

country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are

at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all

nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are

endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that

is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause.) That is what it means to share this

world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human

beings.

And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a

record of nations and tribes -- and, yes, religions -- subjugating one another in pursuit of

their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our

interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over

another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners

to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.

(Applause.)

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the

opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as

clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally

confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not -- and never will be -- at war with Islam.

(Applause.) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave

threat to our security -- because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject:

the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to

protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work

together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with

broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I'm

aware that there's still some who would question or even 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 who had done

nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people,

claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive

scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These

are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no

military -- we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young

men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would

gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were

not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many

Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs

involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate

these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of

different faiths -- but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are

irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.

The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as -- it is as if he has killed all

mankind. (Applause.) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if

he has saved all mankind. (Applause.) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so

much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in

combating violent extremism -- it is an important part of promoting peace.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in

Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why 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, and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced. That's why we

are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver

services that people depend on.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that

provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that

the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also

believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build

international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.) Indeed,

we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will

grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future -- and to

leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people -- (applause) -- I have

made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory

or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our

combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's

democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July,

and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. (Applause.) We will help Iraq train

its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq

as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never

alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The

fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act

contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change

course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I

have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)

So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law.

And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened.

The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the

sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between

Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based

upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish

homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in

Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald,

which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and

gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed -- more than the entire

Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is

hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction -- or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews --

is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of

memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and

Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they've

endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza,

and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to

lead. They endure the daily humiliations -- large and small -- that come with occupation.

So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And

America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity,

opportunity, and a state of their own. (Applause.)

For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations,

each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers --

for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for

Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its

borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other,

then we will be blind to the truth: 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. (Applause.)

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest.

And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and

dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations -- the obligations that the

parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for

them -- and all of us -- to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong

and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the

whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full

and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center

of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to

South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that

violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at

sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That's not how moral authority is

claimed; that's how it is surrendered.

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. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to

recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to

unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past

agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, 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. (Applause.) This construction violates previous

agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to

stop. (Applause.)

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work

and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing

humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing

lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people

must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable

such progress.

And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an

important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict

should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems.

Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the

institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and to choose

progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

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.

Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a

responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see

their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the

place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home

for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to

mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra -- (applause) -- as in the story of Isra,

when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of

nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic

Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my

country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold

War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian

government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostagetaking

and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather

than remain trapped in the past, I've made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my

country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but

rather what future it wants to build.

I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with

courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two

countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of

mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons,

we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It's about

preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the

world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No

single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's

why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations

hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) 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. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it

must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region

can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)

I know -- I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent

years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear:

No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the

people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions

of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as

we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an

unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind

and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal

administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the

people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are

human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear:

Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure.

Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of

all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree

with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments -- provided they

govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only

when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of

others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by

the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your

power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and

participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your

people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without

these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) The fifth issue that we must address

together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and

Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout

Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we

need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based

upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for

religion to thrive, but it's being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the

rejection of somebody else's faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld --

whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are

being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions

between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always

examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on

charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.

That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can

fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from

practicing religion as they see fit -- for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim

woman should wear. We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence

of liberalism.

In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in

America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That's why we welcome

efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in

the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith

service, so bridges between peoples lead to action -- whether it is combating malaria in

Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue -- the sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights. (Applause.) I

know –- I know -- and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about

this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her

hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is

denied equality. (Applause.) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are

well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now, let me be clear: Issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for

Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority

countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues

in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.

(Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men

and women -- to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the

same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live

their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United

States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for

girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps

people live their dreams. (Applause.)

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and

television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and

mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also

huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations -- including America -- this

change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic

choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities -- those things we most cherish

about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions

between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their

economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the

astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In

ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of

innovation and education.

And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what

comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work.

Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are

beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that

education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century -- (applause) -- and in

too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I'm

emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has

focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader

engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one

that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage

more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim

students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children

around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can

communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner

with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on

Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders,

foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities

around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological

development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace

so they can create more jobs. We'll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the

Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on

programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean

water, grow new crops. Today I'm announcing a new global effort with the Organization

of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with

Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens

and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim

communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility

to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- 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. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But

we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- who question whether we can forge

this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the

way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort -- that we are fated to

disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real

change can occur. There's so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the

years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I

want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country -- you, more

than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we

spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an

effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for

our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward.

It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we

should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart

of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

(Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't

black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in

the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's

a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a

new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we

have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of

God." (Applause.)

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now

that must be our work here on Earth.

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

(Applause.)

END 2:05 P.M. (Local)

[Nothing1234 2]

There is also a Youtube video available of the entire speach if you prefer to watch it.

My hubby posted it on his fb page. He's super excited about his speach. Sweet!

[caybee 21]

I'm speechless.

Seriously.

Thanks for posting this.

[Nagishkaw 510]

[AlHayatZween 2]

i liked it...

Enormous task ahead of him, but a really good speech.

[sandinista! 1,816]

obscene, insulting, degrading and hollow. that's from my first read through. i'm sure i'll grow even more disgusted with subsequent readings and the sycophantic media fawning that's sure to follow.

[MrsAmera 41]

[HLM 1]

obscene, insulting, degrading and hollow. that's from my first read through. i'm sure i'll grow even more disgusted with subsequent readings and the sycophantic media fawning that's sure to follow.

What would you have wanted him to say instead?

[doodlebugg 10]

obscene, insulting, degrading and hollow. that's from my first read through. i'm sure i'll grow even more disgusted with subsequent readings and the sycophantic media fawning that's sure to follow.

If that was from your first read through why bother giving it a subsequent reading? Granted his speech isn't going to cure/solve anything but it wasn't intended to. It is a start, that's all.

Suprisingly Annie my husband could have cared less. His response to my questioning why he didn't watch it, "it will change nothing."

oh well I thought it was a hopeful speech and I'll reserve judgement on Obama until some more time has passed.

[Staashi 371]

I loved it - yes, there was some pandering but I also thought it was brilliant. We have to start somewhere, and who better to do that than someone who is intricately entwined with Islam himself. If it changes just one Muslim's attitude about America and one American's heart about Islam then it is a success.

[Henna Rose 0]

I loved it - yes, there was some pandering but I also thought it was brilliant. We have to start somewhere, and who better to do that than someone who is intricately entwined with Islam himself. If it changes just one Muslim's attitude about America and one American's heart about Islam then it is a success.

What's scarey, tho is he is intricately entwined also (past and present) with other groups that noone wants to talk about

Edited June 5, 2009 by Henna Rose

[Staashi 371]

I loved it - yes, there was some pandering but I also thought it was brilliant. We have to start somewhere, and who better to do that than someone who is intricately entwined with Islam himself. If it changes just one Muslim's attitude about America and one American's heart about Islam then it is a success.

What's scarey, tho is he is intricately entwined also (past and present) with other groups that noone wants to talk about

Like whom?

[AlHayatZween 2]

i thought it was a good start.

my mister watched it in Arabic on Al Jazeera online... he wasn't as impressed with it as me...

[MrsAmera 41]

Yea like who?

I seem to recall Cheney and his group have intrinsic ties to Saddam Huessein ala 1990ish.....the end all devil of the world Saddam...hmmm....

Edited June 5, 2009 by MrsAmera

[aisha kandisha 0]

obscene, insulting, degrading and hollow. that's from my first read through. i'm sure i'll grow even more disgusted with subsequent readings and the sycophantic media fawning that's sure to follow.

a good analysis http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10576.shtml

and for those who understand Arabic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk7QWOPY404