[Reader-list] Obama's in Cairo

[Rajendra Bhat Uppinangadi]

Dear all,

   what was most impressive in the talk of Barak Obama, president of US.  ?
   For one, the sincerity  and honest commitment to the world that he would
not be policeman nation to the comity of the nations, was good one,
secondly, his frank admission that military power in action in the nations
that US chose to rectify into democracies is no solution for such malady of
those nations. This is particularly touching because few days ago, Tony
Blair, ex Prime minister was frank, being devout, THAT HE WAS INSPIRED FOR
he was on crusade in these countries that he used the armed forces of the
UK.

 What is of more interest is efforts of US to involve India and possibly
make efforts to put Indian army on peacekeeping mission in Afghanistahan and
Iraq, as US has a honest PM in India, who was on its rolls as world bank
executive who unashamedly told the nation and Mr. Bush that indians love mr.
Bush.! With honest PM using dishonest means and loosing the trust of the
nation in winning vote on N-deal, it is no surprise if the netas decide to
depute armed forces to Iraq or Afghanistan  for this "peace keeping" as the
loss is not for the netas, only to the grieving wives, mothers and children
of those soldiers, who obey and never question such orders.

  If at all such decision is taken by this honest PM, I would strongly
protest such move as no nation has won a war going to another territory and
nation, Srilanka lesson is not to be forgotten.

Regards,

Rajen.
On Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 10:32 PM, Monica Narula <monica at sarai.net> wrote:

> Despite the president's soaring speech on partnering with the world,
> one foreign-policy expert sees globalization splintering the Arab
> Islamic world — to the tune of an Israeli air strike, Saudi-Iranian
> proxy wars, more nuclear weapons, and Obama's tough re-election battle
> in 2012.
>
> http://www.esquire.com/the-side/war-room/obama-cairo-speech-060409
>
> Monica Narula
> Raqs Media Collective
> Sarai-CSDS
> www.raqsmediacollective.net
> www.sarai.net
>
>
>
> On 04-Jun-09, at 8:02 PM, faiz ullah wrote:
>
> > From The US Consulate..
> >
> >
> >
> > 009
> >
> > *REMARKS OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA*
> >
> > *A New Beginning*
> >
> > *Cairo**, Egypt*
> >
> > *June 4, 2009*
> >
> > 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.
> >
> >        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, ignorant, and 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 sixty years they have 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.
> > America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian
> > aspiration for
> > dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
> >
> >        For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with
> > legitimate
> > aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise
> > elusive. It
> > is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the
> > displacement
> > brought 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.
> >
> >        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. 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 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 of neither courage
> > nor
> > power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women
> > on a
> > bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is 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 responsibilities. To
> > play a role
> > in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian
> > people,
> > Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and
> > 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. 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. And 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 part of a road to peace, and Israel must take
> > concrete steps
> > to enable such progress.
> >
> >        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 say
> > in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and
> > Arabs. 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 flowed. 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 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, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be
> > upon
> > them) joined in prayer.
> >
> >        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 indeed 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
> > hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This
> > history
> > is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have 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.
> >
> >        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 is 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 nations
> > hold
> > nuclear weapons. That is why 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. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be
> > kept
> > for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries
> > in the
> > region can share in this goal.
> >
> >        The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
> >
> >        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
> > upon 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. Those are
> > not just
> > American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will
> > support them
> > everywhere.
> >
> >        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 are out of power; once in power, they are
> > ruthless
> > in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold,
> > government of the people and by the people sets a single standard
> > for all
> > who 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.
> >
> >        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, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential
> > for
> > religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.
> >
> >        Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure
> > one’s
> > own faith by the rejection of another’s. The richness of religious
> > diversity
> > must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts
> > in
> > Egypt. And 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 is
> > why I am
> > 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 cannot disguise
> > hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
> >
> >         Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are
> > forging
> > service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims,
> > and
> > Jews. That is 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 that I want to address is women’s rights.
> >
> >        I know there is 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. 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 and
> > Indonesia, we
> > have 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.
> >
> >        Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our
> > sons,
> > and 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. 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.
> >
> >        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. Trade can bring new
> > wealth and
> > opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities.
> > In all
> > nations – including my own – this change can bring fear. Fear that
> > because
> > of modernity we will lose of 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 contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like
> > Japan and
> > South Korea grew their economies 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.
> >
> >        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, and in too many Muslim
> > communities
> > there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such
> > investments within my country. And while America in the past has
> > focused on
> > oil and gas in 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, while
> > encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we
> > will match
> > promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-
> > line
> > learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a
> > new online
> > network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a
> > teenager
> > 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 jobs. We will 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,
> > and
> > grow new crops. And today I am 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 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 is so much fear, so much mistrust. 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 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 is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to
> > blame
> > others than to look inward; 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 is also one rule that lies at the heart of every
> > religion –that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
> > 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 heart
> > of billions. 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.”
> >
> >        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.
> >
> >
> > --
> > faiz
> > _________________________________________
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> _________________________________________
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> Critiques & Collaborations
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>



-- 
Rajen.