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"I have come here to Cairo seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world," Obama said. |
CAIRO – US President Barack Obama on Thursday, June 4, vowed to forge a new beginning with the Muslim world, after a decade of mistrust and discord between the two sides.
"Assalum Alayukum," Obama said in the beginning of a much-waited speech to the globe's 1.5 billion Muslims on television, the Internet and on social networking sites.
"I have come here to Cairo seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world."
Greeted with a standing ovation as he stepped up to the podium, Obama admitted that US-Muslim relations have been defined by mistrust, discord and suspicion.
"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace," Obama said, from the domed Great Hall of Cairo University.
"(Letting divides fester would) promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity," he said.
America's relations with the Muslim world have been tense during the eight-year presidency of Obama's predecessor George Bush.
Many Muslims were particularly angered by Bush's so-called war on terror which saw the invasion of two Muslim countries, Afghanistan and Iraq.
A series of Muslim detainees abuse scandals in Afghanistan, Iraq and the notorious Guantanamo detention center also fanned anti-Americanism across the globe, but specially in Muslim countries.
"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," Obama said, vowing to fight "negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
"But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America."
Civilizational Islam
Obama said that Islam has enriched the whole world since the early years of civilization.
"Throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality," he said.
Obama weaved his biography, with Islamic lineage among family members in Kenya, and several years growing up as a boy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim state.
"As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam," he said.
"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."
Obama said that Islam has also been a part of America's success 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."
"Since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States," Obama said.
"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 Qur'an 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."
Mideast
Obama also laid out a new blueprint for US Middle East policy, vowing to buckle mistrust, forge a state for Palestinians and defuse a nuclear showdown with Iran.
"America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own," he said.
The US president admitted that the Palestinians have been suffering for six decades.
"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."
Obama said that the two-state solution is the key to solving the decades-long Middle East conflict.
"That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires."
Though he stressed support to Israel, Obama called for an immediate halt to settlement activities in the Palestinian lands.
"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. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
"Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society."
The US president also renewed his offer for dialogue with arch-US foe Iran, over, after a decades-long Cold War style conflict.
"It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve," Obama said.
"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 is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path."
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