Obama's speech in Cairo

[Mo]

In case anyone is interested:


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. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. 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: assalaamu alaykum.

"We meet at a time of 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 co-existence 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 11th, 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. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

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. 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. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly 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." That is what I will try to do - 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.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. 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. 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 University - 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 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.

I know, too, 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, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, 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.

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.

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. 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."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. 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 - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. 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.

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. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. 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.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve 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 of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

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 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. 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 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 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.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. 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 Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six 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 - 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, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. 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.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is 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 have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

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. 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. 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. That is 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 our troops from Iraq by 2012. 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 our principles. 9/11 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 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.

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.


You can say what you want, that man clearly has very good writers.
Thoughts?

[Starla]

[Mo]

Oh fuck off.

[Starla]

Why? He only slipped up and admitted the truth.

I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims.

It doesn't matter what he believes in. It's just unfortunate that he can't be honest about it.
He promised a transparent administration.

[Mo]

You really believe that he's a Muslim? Like... really?

[Debaser]

is starla serious

[Nimrod's Son]

I don't care what religion he is, that speech sucked the dick of Islamic Theocracies and put the blame of all of their problems on the west.

The first few paragraphs could have been lifted from a bin Laden speech for crying out loud.

Women should turn their back on this guy... he makes no mention about how Islam treats their women.

[Mablak]

Originally Posted by antipop

Oh fuck off.

Originally Posted by antipop

You really believe that he's a Muslim? Like... really?

Originally Posted by Debaser

is starla serious

.

[Luke's Wall]

If we can get the "muslin world" on our side, Russia and China better watch out. We cannot pay china what we owe them and the quick fix would be to erase that debt.

[Debaser]

Originally Posted by Nimrod's Son

I don't care what religion he is, that speech sucked the dick of Islamic Theocracies and put the blame of all of their problems on the west.

The first few paragraphs could have been lifted from a bin Laden speech for crying out loud.

not really

[Starla]

Originally Posted by antipop

You really believe that he's a Muslim? Like... really?

I'm only basing my opinions on what the man himself says.

And while addressing the Turkish Parliament two months ago, Obama said the United States has been "enriched" by Muslims.

"Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country -- I know, because I am one of them," Obama said.

[sppunk]

He means he has lived in a Muslim-majority country. In no way whatsoever does that even closely elude to the fact he is Muslim.

[Corganist]

He's not saying "I'm one of the Muslims." He's saying "I'm one of the Americans who have Muslims in their families," or "I'm an American who has lived in a Muslim-majority country."

[Starla]

He clearly said "My muslim faith". It doesn't matter to me what faith he identifies with. I just find it interesting that there's so many people with a need to defend that he's Christian.

[sppunk]

He didn't say anything about his Muslim faith in the quote you included in your prior post.

[Future Boy]

Shes talking about the youtube she posted. Not that its much better.

[mistle]

maybe that'll help you out, starla. it's not about defending that he's a christian it's about attacking the idiocy of people claiming he's a muslim

[Eulogy]

jesus christ, starla. this is why i said you need to stay out of these threads.

[Eulogy]

Originally Posted by Nimrod's Son

Women should turn their back on this guy... he makes no mention about how Islam treats their women.

dude, come on. isn't the idea to reduce the ire those nations feel toward the US and not to raise it? obviously that's an issue that must be dealt with, but right here and right now? probably not. there's nothing obama could say in a speech like this that would have any effect on the lives of muslim women living in muslim nations. you know that.

[Debaser]

Originally Posted by Starla

He clearly said "My muslim faith". It doesn't matter to me what faith he identifies with. I just find it interesting that there's so many people with a need to defend that he's Christian.

You're the one bringing this up in the first place.

Do you find it interesting that you have a need to allege that he's Muslim?

[Future Boy]

oh, here comes the racist stuff. See you all later.

[28if]

this board is retarded.

[Starla]

Originally Posted by Eulogy

jesus christ, starla. this is why i said you need to stay out of these threads.

why don't you stop acting like a petulant child and find the ignore button. your posts annoy the fuck out of me but I don't bitch about it every chance I get.

[Starla]

Originally Posted by Debaser

You're the one bringing this up in the first place.

Do you find it interesting that you have a need to allege that he's Muslim?

I don't know if he's Muslim and I already said I don't care if he is. He still slipped up and said "my Muslim faith" lol and you all wanna pretend that's not what came out of his mouth. I'm looking at this objectively but some of you are adamant that he can't possibly...... even identify with Muslim faith. The thought seems to rattle alot of cages. ::shrug::

[Mablak]

I think some of us are just adamant about interpreting what he said logically, and putting to rest the kind of stupidity that is on equal footing with the people who believe his middle name somehow connects him to Saddam Hussein.

A lot of us here are atheist or agnostic and probably couldn't care less what backwards ideology he believes in, I think the only cage being rattled is that of rationality.

[Starla]

Originally Posted by mistle

maybe that'll help you out, starla. it's not about defending that he's a christian it's about attacking the idiocy of people claiming he's a muslim

At 2:52 George stephanopolos has to correct him, which I do find interesting.
Anyway, what has always been downplayed is the fact that Obama was once registered as a Muslim in school. It doesn't matter if he was a Muslim then, what matters is that it's carefully swept under the rug now. In addressing the Muslim world, he chooses to leave portions of his past out. I voted for him, so it has nothing to do with racism or my personal feelings. I do think he has beliefs and connections he refuses to make public because people would go nuts if he did.

[Starla]

Originally Posted by Mablak

I think some of us are just adamant about interpreting what he said logically, and putting to rest the kind of stupidity that is on equal footing with the people who believe his middle name somehow connects him to Saddam Hussein.

A lot of us here are atheist or agnostic and probably couldn't care less what backwards ideology he believes in, I think the only cage being rattled is that of rationality.

it's open to interpretation and I'm simply looking at it objectively. the people up in arms over this are the ones freaking out about making sure he's not seen as a Muslim.

[Eulogy]

[=Starla;3495943]why don't you like a petulant and find the ignore . your posts annoy the out of me but I don't bitch about it every chance I get.[/quote]

Because I don't flaunt my blatant stupidity and uncanny ability to misinterpret and sensationalize things while not having a clue what I'm talking about. So. Yeah. Look, normally I don't mind your posts, but you repeatedly make a fool of yourself on this board and someone needs to tell you.

[Starla]

Do you know what looking at something objectively means? you really are a fucking idiot.

[Skradgee]

Originally Posted by Nimrod's Son

Women should turn their back on this guy... he makes no mention about how Islam treats their women.

i guess you didn't get to hear the actual speech, but he does make mention of this...how denying women an education denies them equality...apparently he added in those lines in himself