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U.S. President Speech on Islam
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Friday
Obama Speech with Replies
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Speech by American President Obama to the Muslim World
Cairo, Egypt – 4 June 2009
[Replies by ordinary muslims were given during the speech.]
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, had 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.
[reply: President of Egypt is a brutal dictator and you support him, Mr Obama.]
I'm grateful for your hospitality and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the good will of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalamu Alaikum.
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.
[reply: You name one religion but not the other. Why not. Be honest and say Islam and Christianity.]
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.
[reply: You forgot to mention the violent extremists in a small but potent minority of Christians who also exploited these age old tensions. Why didn’t you mention these neo-conservatives.]
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.
[reply: Continued efforts by the likes of Cheney and others in US don’t help either.]
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.
[reply: You are in power. End the discord by cleaning your own home in Washington. Get rid of neo-cons and pro-Israel lobbies that sow suspicions.]
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...
[reply: Mutual respect is a good idea. Muslims will wait and if US begins to act respectfully towards them.]
... 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.
[reply: So don’t expect the muslims to forgive you next week.]
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.
[reply: Its not complex at all. America treated muslims with contempt, and they in turn hate you for it.]
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.
[reply: Alright then, lets be open: Muslim world hates the United States for its oppression against muslims committed in the name of freedom and democracy.]
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.
[reply: Then why don’t you make this effort and call the President of Iran who has been asking for years to go on US television to remove misunderstandings between Christians and Muslims. Don’t just talk. Act on your wishes.]
As the holy Koran tells us: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth."
[reply: US is not interested in the truth. Its only concerned with exploitation of Islamic nations.]
That is what I will try to do today, to speak the truth as best I can.
[reply: Don’t try to lecture the muslims. They already know what the American version of truth is: Lies, deception, illegal wars, tortures, abductions, selective democracy, installing puppets, invasions, rapes, waterboarding, car bombings, supporting despots, state terrorism, pre-emptive strikes... ]
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.
[reply: Mr Obama, you seem ashamed that your dad was a muslim. You couldn’t even say that your father followed Islam.]
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...
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 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 tranquillity 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.
[reply: If Islam has done so much for Europe and America, then you are indebted to Islam. Why didn’t you simply do the right thing and say “thank you Islam and thank you muslims. We would not have achieved preogress without you”. That would have been a proper way to show appreciation and it would have removed a lot of hatred of Islam caused by US and EU politicians and media.]
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.
[reply: Prove it by giving Islam and muslims equality and protection as you give to Jews in case of anti-semitism in US media. You, Mr Obama, have the power to do this. ]
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as...
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.
[reply: Then in whose interests does Washington support unelected dictators in the Arab world?]
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.
[reply: Then you should not be opposing any popular revolution in Arab lands. But the US tried for 30 years to destroy Iran’s 1979 popular uprising. Why exactly do Americans stand on freedoms and democracy?]
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.
[reply: America enslaved blacks. Right up to 1960s they were treated as animals. Racism continues in your country even today. Look at New Orleans after Katrina disaster. Just go and ask the blacks and the latinos in your country.]
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.
[reply: You know very well that you won not because America loves black people; but rather Americans reacted against economic collapse caused by Bush administration and because of the defeat of America in Iraq in a disastrous war. They want a black man to mop up things. American elite are still racist to the core. We all know what they tried to do in the media during the election campaign in 2008.]
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.
[reply: 7 million muslims in US and only one representative in the congress. That speaks volumes of minority suppression.]
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 hajeeb, and to punish those who would deny it.
[reply: American allies like France, Turkey and Germany force women to take off head cover and deny them education and jobs if they wear an Islamic dress. What have you done about that? Nothing.]
So let there be no doubt... ... 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.
[reply: Muslims will be watching you closely, Mr Obama, to see if you act on your own words. Muslims hate hypocrites.]
These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead.
[reply: You are a leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Lead by example. Why dont you start acting boldly against injustices done by your ally Israel, and the Arab tyrants?]
And if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
[reply: Is that a threat. It seems that US is still preparing for a war with Islam while talking of peace with Muslims. Who are you fooling Mr Obama? You actually think that America after all might not get along with Islam.]
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.
[reply: Yes, and when Israel massacres innocent civilians in Gaza, all the world hates America for its support of this crime. US gives Israel the weapons as well the green light. That makes US an accomplice to the massacre of muslims. ]
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.
[reply: In her list of injustices, how easily America overlooks the barbaric treatment of Palestinians by its brutal ally Israel.]
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, 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.
[reply: Then stop the US being a prisoner of 9/11.]
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.
[reply: Lets see if Mr Obama can achieve a balance and names his countries mess ups as well. Muslims think CIA has taken your soul to the dark side.]
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all its forms.
[reply: Does that violence exclude pre-emptive wars, invasions, drone bombings, and brutal occupations, like that in Iraq by America, and suppression of Palestine by Israel?]
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not and never will be at war with Islam.
[reply: Muslims don’t believe you, Mr Obama. They see that America is still at war with Muslim nations in order to further its agenda of exploitation and suppression.]
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.
[reply: And whose duty is it to protect innocent men, women and children in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and other nations being attacked and occupied by America? Is killing innocent muslims part of the method of protecting Americans?]
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al-Qaida 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 offense of 9/11.
But let us be clear. Al-Qaida killed nearly 3,000 people on that day.
[reply: Yes, Al Qaeda is an evil seed planted and nurtured by the United States. Lets be even more clear. American occupation killed over 900 million muslims in Iraq, and counting. Not to mention hundreds of people being killed weekly by US air stikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Clinton and Bush are worse than Bin Laden. Obama is yet to catch up to their evil.]
The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody.
[reply: What harm did innocent men, women and children killed by US do to anyone. American military attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan are still killing them every day.]
And yet al-Qaida 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.
[reply: Firstly, American also murders innocent muslims ruthlessly; and it allows Israel to do the same. Us also threatens wars on Islamic nations in order to kill muslims on a mass scale. Do you even know the death toll caused by US occupation in Iraq? Secondly, Mr Obama, do you really expect muslims to believe this story!! Even American don’t accept that 9/11 was carried out by muslims. Muslim world doubts very much the US claims. Bush kept his so-called evidence very secret. Why? Clearly, this 9/11 tale is a Bush-Cheney version; the same White House team who lied about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and then used this fabrication to attack an innocent muslim nation. Now, the US is considered a lying nation. To restore your credibility, you need to independently investigate who carried out attacks on your country on September 11, 2001.]
These are not opinions to be debated.
[reply: Yes they are. Why do you fear debating them. It seems you are scared of open investigation.]
These are facts to be dealt with.
[reply: No they are not. They are your twisted thoeries. They are not the facts that are accepted by others in the world.]
Make no mistake, we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan.
[reply: Neither do Afghan people. So why are you sending more US troops there.]
We see no military — we seek no military bases there.
[reply: You must think muslims are really stupid. US already has military bases in Afghanistan. Who are you trying to fool.]
It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.
[reply: It must be agonising for muslim mothers to lose their innocent young sons killed by US military. It must be agonising for muslim fathers to see their daughters raped and killed by US soldiers who then get away with murder in US courts. These crimes are not politically costly for muslim parents. It’s just heartbreaking. You are so cold Obama. You have no heart.]
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.
[reply: US wants to kill every person who might possibly one day in the future kill Americans. It seems you are planning a long war on muslims nations. How can you Mr Obama ever be certain no muslims will ever hate America. Its impossible. People all over the world will always hate you because you are an unjust and evil nation. Muslims already call you the Great Satan. This is not going to stop until you start acting fairly towards Muslims. ]
And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries.
[reply: Muslims know that America and Europe have ganged up against Islamic nations. You don’t need to confirm it. ]
And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken.
[reply: US is already seeking a way to run away. America will lose the war and retreat like it did in Vietnam, and like Russia did in Afghanistan. History will tell you that occupations never succeeds. But Bush and Obama would rather sink America than stop aggressive attacks on muslims.]
Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists.
[reply: Muslim world does not tolerate American extremism and violence either. They will always hit back.]
They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths but, more than any other, they have killed Muslims.
[reply: How many have America killed. Oh I forget, Pentagon does not keep body count of innocent muslims it kills.]
Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.
[reply: Are US military attacks in muslim countries reconcilable with human rights and with Christianity?]
The holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as it if has killed all mankind.
And the holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.
[reply: That’s right. And when US kills one child, the muslims see that America has killed all muslims. When your soldiers rape and kill innocent young muslim girls, it is as if you raped the entire Islamic world. They see that when your drone kills one innocent man woman or child, it is as if you murdered the entire population of the earth. That verse should be a warning. Islam takes life seriously.]
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.
[reply: If you really see Islam as part of the solution to America’s security, then tell that to US congress, and pass a law in favour of Islam. But somehow muslims know that Islam will always be a target by America and Europe. You need to prove your intentions by deeds, Mr Obama. Muslims currently see that America hates Islam.]
Now, we also know that military power alone is not going solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
[reply: Its good that you realised this after 8 years of getting no where. Better late than never. You should have learnt the lesson from Russia and Vietnam.]
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.
[reply: Isn’t it even better for America to not force people to flee their homes in the first place. Change the stupid and absurd US policies. Muslims are not fools. They blame the US when its policies force them to leave their homes. ]
That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.
[reply: You can help Afghans by not killing them with US drones, and breaking into their home in middle of the night. That creates more hatred and damage for America than your 2.8 billion dollars can undo.]
Now, 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...
[reply: Actually, it is the brave Iraqi people that have made it clear to Washington that they will not allow the US to get away with its plans in Iraq.]
I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no basis 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.
[reply: The truth is that US military will finally retreat from Iraq after its humiliating defeat at the hands of the Iraqi resistence against illegal American occupation of their country. Its like Vietnam. The whole world knows that US did not pull out of Vietnam. No. America was kicked out. ]
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.
[reply: US has realised that the Iraqis will never be its puppets like other Arab nations.]
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles.
[reply: Is Guantanamo Bay one of American principles of fairness and justice? Muslims see Abu Ghraib as a clear symbol of what US really stands for. For God’s sake, America had a Vice President promoting torture openly on TV. That’s pure evil. ]
9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country.
[reply: 9/11 was also a disaster for millions of innocent muslims killed by rampaging US military. Bush was no different from Bin Laden. ]
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.
[reply: So, why are Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld still roaming free. Is it also a US tradition to let the criminal walk? Muslims all over the world now believe that crimes committed muslims are not punishable in US.]
We are taking concrete actions to change course.
[reply: Until America punishes the torturers and murderers and invaders, the muslim world is simply not going to believe empty and deceptive claims coming from the White House. US needs to put the wrongs right.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that Mr Obama unequivocally has let go of those officials who tortured muslims. Muslims believe that in America some officials are above the law. Your actions only prove this charge. You gave immunity to criminals.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that US is only concerned with supporting its puppets in Arab countries. The very fact that you stand in Egypt where your ally Mubarak fills the torture chambers with political prisoners proves to muslims that you are not interested in their freedom and liberty. Muslims see that age old US policies will continue forever.]
Now, 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.
[reply: Nothing is unbreakable. Muslims believe that if the US does not alter its unfair and biased policies, not only Israel will be harmed, the US itself may be attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists. America cannot win unless it respects wishes the muslim populations.]
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.
[reply: Muslims are not responsible for Jewish sufferings in Europe. So, don’t try to shift the blame to Arabs. It was Christians who persecuted and murdered the Jews. Holocaust was not carried out by the Muslims.]
Around the world the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries. And anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust.
[reply: Its is not unprecedented to Muslims. As far they are concerned, they see their own holocaust being carried out by Israel with full US assistance.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that West remembers the dead but not the living who suffer right now. Would you Mr Obama also visit Gaza where population is being imprisoned in the world’s largest jail; where men women and children are being bombed daily, shot, kidnapped and being starved to death by the Fourth Reich. Muslims see that America has no love for them.]
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.
[reply: One President’s fact is another President’s lie. Muslims would rather believe President Ahmadinejad than the deceptive US presidents.]
Threatening Israel with destruction or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews is deeply wrong and only serves to evoke in the minds of the Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
[reply: What about US and Israel threatening Muslim countries with wars or repeating racist anti-muslim views? Is that deeply right?]
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 and 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.
[reply: Why don’t you name the country that is doing this to the Palestinians. Muslims say that for past 60 years, it is US and its ally Israel that are involved together in the brutal oppression of innocent Palestinian people. Both countries continue to violate basic human rights of muslims in Palestine.]
So let there be no doubt, the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable.
[reply: US can end the suffering of Palestinians muslims right now, but it does not chose to do so. Muslims know that America turns a blind eye again and again to the murder and suppression of Palestinians by Israel. Why?]
And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own.
[reply: America has always turned its back on Palestine since 1948. Muslims do not have any hope that US will change its practices. Nice speeches cannot fool 900 million muslims.]
For decades, then, there has been a stalemate.
[reply: No Mr Obama. That is not true. There is no stalemate. One side has won albeit through cheating. Israel has won a state with US help. Palestine is not even on the map; it has been wiped out by Israel with US backing.]
Two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers.
[reply: And why does US points its fingers only at muslims and never towards Israel?]
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.
[reply: For their suffering, the Muslim world points fingers only at the United States. America not only refuses to help muslims in a real way, but it supports enemies of muslim. Israel is a glaring example. ]
But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth.
[reply: Muslims believe that US already blindly follows Israel.]
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.
[reply: Muslims believe that the only solution is to get the US to become less biased and be a bit more just.]
That is in Israel's interests, Palestine's interests, America's interests and the world's interests. And that's why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all of the patience and dedication that the task requires.
[reply: That is so true. Muslims think that all US Presidents are so patient when it comes to Palestine that they are willing to pass the problem to their grandsons. But Muslims are not so patient when America and its allies are violating their rights. They will begin hating US more and more. ]
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.
[reply: US only fulfils its responsibilities towards Israel. Palestinians are left to the dogs. Compare the billions of dollars given to Israel with $230.85 handed to Gaza after the destruction of muslim homes bombed with US made planes and explosives.]
Palestinians must abandon violence.
[reply: What MUST the Israeli’s do? Why doesn’t America ever give orders like this to the chief terrorist state in Middle East. Show some guts Mr Obama. Can Israel continue with its violence against the innocent Palestinians?]
Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed.
[reply: Didn’t you just tell us that America came to exist through resistance against the British Empire? Or was your victory achieved by having cups of tea with the British forces in Pennsylvania. It’s a great shame that any American President speaks against the idea of resistance against occupation and oppression. Such hypocrisy is shocking to any reasonable person.]
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.
[reply: Let me remind you Mr Obama, that it was large scale riots and violence across America that led to black being granted equal rights and freedoms. Your CIA assassinated Blacks leaders.]
This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia, to Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: 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.
[reply: Or to kill innocent men women and children by unmanned US drones that dropping bombs on wedding parties. Or to kidnap muslim suspects and hold them in secret prisons, waterboard. Is that very brave of US soldiers? ]
That's not how moral authority is claimed, that's how it is surrendered.
[reply: Thats exactly why the muslim world sees America as morally bankrupt, and not in a position to lecture anyone about what is moral and immoral. US has lost its moral high ground. It is now in the gutter. ]
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.
[reply: Muslims think that US wont let Hamas do any good for its people. US even allowed Israel to destroy Gaza and kill democratically elected Hamas.]
Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.
[reply: If Israel does not recognize past agreement, why should Hamas. US is always one sided, hypocritical.]
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.
[reply: Why do you not simply call Israeli settlements illegal.]
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.
[reply: Israel only does all those terrible things with your money Mr Obama. It is US green light that makes Israel oppress muslims in Gaza and West Bank. White House helps devastate Palestinian families.]
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.
[reply: Muslims want US to take concrete steps against Israel to ensure it stops brutality and humiliation of Palestinians.]
And, finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibility. 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.
[reply: What!! Does US want Arabs to accept Israel BEFORE Israel accepts the basic rights of Palestinians. That is crazy. No wonder muslims say that US is blindly siding with Israel all the time. ]
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.
[reply: Muslims don’t trust you Mr Obama. You will continue to supply Israel with weapons and money to kills and destroy innocent muslim families in Gaza and West bank.]
We cannot impose peace.
But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away.
[reply: Actually most muslims believe that Israel’s days are numbered. Without US help it wont survive 72 hours. Muslims see the US as the only protecting guardian of Israel.]
Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state.
[reply: No they don’t. Polls show Israel would rather murder all Arabs than give up their promised land to muslims. US has to pressure them hard. This problem cannot be solved with nice speeches.]
It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
[reply: Everyone? Muslims world will not give up the fight until Israel gives up Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest city. No point denying this fact. Jerusalem is an occupied city since 1967 and US must order Israel to withdraw.]
Too many tears have been shed, too much blood has been shed.
[reply: Too much muslim blood has been shed. Islamic world knows that Israel has killed far more muslims with US weapons than Palestinians have killed Israelis. Violence against any civilians is wrong.]
All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians could, 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 — as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed — peace be upon them — joined in prayer.
[reply: That day can come if US compels Israel to be more just and less oppressive and seek serious peace with muslims. People want the US to set a timetable for establishment of Palestine.]
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.
[reply: Now US needs to officially apologise to Iran. Also, US needs to payback billion of dollars of Iranian money. ]
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.
[reply: US has kidnapped Iranian diplomats and took them hostages. US also took part in killing of millions of Iranians by supporting Saddam in Iraq. Us remained silent when Saddam used chemical weapons against Iranians and his own people. US has blood on its hands. ]
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.
[reply: US has constantly threatened Iran. It is still doing so.]
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 discussion between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.
[reply: Then White House needs to quickly invite Iranian leaders to Washington and hold practical talks to promote peace.]
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.
[reply: Muslim world knows that Israel already has started that nuclear arms race. America has done nothing to stop Israel.]
Now, I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nations 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.
[reply: So why does US picks on Iran and not on Israel. This is the double standards which makes muslims hate America.]
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.
[reply: Yes. Selective democracy. The symbol of US hypocrisy.]
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.
[reply: US was not willing to give democracy to people of Iraq. Iraqis then forced Bush to hold elections in 2005.]
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.
[reply: But you do act against the elected parties which the US does not like. You just said that US removed democratically elected government in Iran. US refuses to accept Hamas whom public voted for. US is in denial about Hezbollah, another popular choice of people in Lebanon. Yet, US welcomes unelected Arab leaders and makes deals even with dictators.]
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.
[reply: That’s not true. Please do not lie. US does not recognise Hamas who were freely chosen by the Palestinians people.]
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.
[reply: US recognises non-peaceful governments like Israel; and it also accepts tyrants around the world who are unelected. Muslims cannot figure out where exactly does US stand. ]
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.
[reply: During the election campaign, you, Mr Obama, wanted to ban torture and arrest those who did it. But some lobbies have changed your fair mind. You are now protecting the criminals. ]
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.
[reply: Terrific speech, but its all hollow. You don’t practice what you preach Mr Obama. Why don’t you condemn your allies who ban muslim ladies from wearing a head scarf. Or, could it be that minority rights do not apply to muslims?]
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 first hand as a child in Indonesia where devout Christians worshipped 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.
[reply: And some Bible preachers in America openly pour hatred for Islam in order to prove they are good Chrisitians.]
The richness of religious diversity must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
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.
[reply: Shia and Sunnis are sects among Muslims just like Catholics and Protestants are sects among Christians. They are not the business of Washington who tries its best to play one side against the other. US promotes sectarian divisions and fans the flames. Muslims know American plans of divide and rule. ]
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which people protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfil their religious obligation.
That's why I'm committed to work with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfil 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.
[reply: Why don’t you name and condemn your allies who deny people to practice their religion freely? Tell France and Germany to stop oppression the rights of muslims ladies to wear the hijab.]
We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
[reply: Say it plainly Mr Obama, that France is now an oppressive nation after it is preventing women from practicing their faith.]
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.
[reply: The king is unelected and does not represent the will of the people. How can US welcome him?]
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.
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.
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.
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.
[reply: Islamic world has kept its moral and traditional family values that were abandoned by liberal west in the 1960s. US dreams are not muslims dreams. Muslims see the West as decadent and sinful, letting their daughters be abused by boys and exploited for commercial interests. Muslims think that US plans to corrupt muslim societies by introducing nightclubs where girls and boys dance with other and commit all sort of immoral acts as they do in western nations during the weekends.]
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
[reply: To muslims that means exploitation of their resources by US in order to make them more poorer. ]
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.
[reply: Why don’t you ban such filth, and punish those who promote pornography. America is only corrupting its own children with sin and evil.]
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.
[reply: Mr Obama, you are in position to set things on a right and moral course. Why don’t you invite Bishops and Imams and Ayatollahs and other great thinkers to make set a change for a better human society in this age of high technology. ]
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. And in too...
And in too many Muslim communities, there remains under investment in these areas. I am 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 new seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand change programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to America.
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 core 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 country and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more 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, digitise 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 to 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.
[reply: You are a President Mr Obama. You can make laws to make sure that at least in your own country this does not happen. Please don’t blame others when you are holding the power.]
Many more are simply sceptical that real change can occur. There is 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 re-imagine the world, the 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 is 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 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,
[reply: We don’t have that much power Mr Obama, but YOU do. Act on it.]
but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The holy Koran tells us: "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. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
END
--
Speech by American President Obama to the Muslim World
Cairo, Egypt – 4 June 2009
[Replies by ordinary muslims were given during the speech.]
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, had 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.
[reply: President of Egypt is a brutal dictator and you support him, Mr Obama.]
I'm grateful for your hospitality and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the good will of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalamu Alaikum.
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.
[reply: You name one religion but not the other. Why not. Be honest and say Islam and Christianity.]
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.
[reply: You forgot to mention the violent extremists in a small but potent minority of Christians who also exploited these age old tensions. Why didn’t you mention these neo-conservatives.]
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.
[reply: Continued efforts by the likes of Cheney and others in US don’t help either.]
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.
[reply: You are in power. End the discord by cleaning your own home in Washington. Get rid of neo-cons and pro-Israel lobbies that sow suspicions.]
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...
[reply: Mutual respect is a good idea. Muslims will wait and if US begins to act respectfully towards them.]
... 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.
[reply: So don’t expect the muslims to forgive you next week.]
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.
[reply: Its not complex at all. America treated muslims with contempt, and they in turn hate you for it.]
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.
[reply: Alright then, lets be open: Muslim world hates the United States for its oppression against muslims committed in the name of freedom and democracy.]
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.
[reply: Then why don’t you make this effort and call the President of Iran who has been asking for years to go on US television to remove misunderstandings between Christians and Muslims. Don’t just talk. Act on your wishes.]
As the holy Koran tells us: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth."
[reply: US is not interested in the truth. Its only concerned with exploitation of Islamic nations.]
That is what I will try to do today, to speak the truth as best I can.
[reply: Don’t try to lecture the muslims. They already know what the American version of truth is: Lies, deception, illegal wars, tortures, abductions, selective democracy, installing puppets, invasions, rapes, waterboarding, car bombings, supporting despots, state terrorism, pre-emptive strikes... ]
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.
[reply: Mr Obama, you seem ashamed that your dad was a muslim. You couldn’t even say that your father followed Islam.]
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...
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 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 tranquillity 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.
[reply: If Islam has done so much for Europe and America, then you are indebted to Islam. Why didn’t you simply do the right thing and say “thank you Islam and thank you muslims. We would not have achieved preogress without you”. That would have been a proper way to show appreciation and it would have removed a lot of hatred of Islam caused by US and EU politicians and media.]
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.
[reply: Prove it by giving Islam and muslims equality and protection as you give to Jews in case of anti-semitism in US media. You, Mr Obama, have the power to do this. ]
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as...
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.
[reply: Then in whose interests does Washington support unelected dictators in the Arab world?]
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.
[reply: Then you should not be opposing any popular revolution in Arab lands. But the US tried for 30 years to destroy Iran’s 1979 popular uprising. Why exactly do Americans stand on freedoms and democracy?]
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.
[reply: America enslaved blacks. Right up to 1960s they were treated as animals. Racism continues in your country even today. Look at New Orleans after Katrina disaster. Just go and ask the blacks and the latinos in your country.]
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.
[reply: You know very well that you won not because America loves black people; but rather Americans reacted against economic collapse caused by Bush administration and because of the defeat of America in Iraq in a disastrous war. They want a black man to mop up things. American elite are still racist to the core. We all know what they tried to do in the media during the election campaign in 2008.]
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.
[reply: 7 million muslims in US and only one representative in the congress. That speaks volumes of minority suppression.]
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 hajeeb, and to punish those who would deny it.
[reply: American allies like France, Turkey and Germany force women to take off head cover and deny them education and jobs if they wear an Islamic dress. What have you done about that? Nothing.]
So let there be no doubt... ... 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.
[reply: Muslims will be watching you closely, Mr Obama, to see if you act on your own words. Muslims hate hypocrites.]
These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead.
[reply: You are a leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Lead by example. Why dont you start acting boldly against injustices done by your ally Israel, and the Arab tyrants?]
And if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
[reply: Is that a threat. It seems that US is still preparing for a war with Islam while talking of peace with Muslims. Who are you fooling Mr Obama? You actually think that America after all might not get along with Islam.]
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.
[reply: Yes, and when Israel massacres innocent civilians in Gaza, all the world hates America for its support of this crime. US gives Israel the weapons as well the green light. That makes US an accomplice to the massacre of muslims. ]
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.
[reply: In her list of injustices, how easily America overlooks the barbaric treatment of Palestinians by its brutal ally Israel.]
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, 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.
[reply: Then stop the US being a prisoner of 9/11.]
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.
[reply: Lets see if Mr Obama can achieve a balance and names his countries mess ups as well. Muslims think CIA has taken your soul to the dark side.]
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all its forms.
[reply: Does that violence exclude pre-emptive wars, invasions, drone bombings, and brutal occupations, like that in Iraq by America, and suppression of Palestine by Israel?]
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not and never will be at war with Islam.
[reply: Muslims don’t believe you, Mr Obama. They see that America is still at war with Muslim nations in order to further its agenda of exploitation and suppression.]
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.
[reply: And whose duty is it to protect innocent men, women and children in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and other nations being attacked and occupied by America? Is killing innocent muslims part of the method of protecting Americans?]
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al-Qaida 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 offense of 9/11.
But let us be clear. Al-Qaida killed nearly 3,000 people on that day.
[reply: Yes, Al Qaeda is an evil seed planted and nurtured by the United States. Lets be even more clear. American occupation killed over 900 million muslims in Iraq, and counting. Not to mention hundreds of people being killed weekly by US air stikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Clinton and Bush are worse than Bin Laden. Obama is yet to catch up to their evil.]
The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody.
[reply: What harm did innocent men, women and children killed by US do to anyone. American military attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan are still killing them every day.]
And yet al-Qaida 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.
[reply: Firstly, American also murders innocent muslims ruthlessly; and it allows Israel to do the same. Us also threatens wars on Islamic nations in order to kill muslims on a mass scale. Do you even know the death toll caused by US occupation in Iraq? Secondly, Mr Obama, do you really expect muslims to believe this story!! Even American don’t accept that 9/11 was carried out by muslims. Muslim world doubts very much the US claims. Bush kept his so-called evidence very secret. Why? Clearly, this 9/11 tale is a Bush-Cheney version; the same White House team who lied about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and then used this fabrication to attack an innocent muslim nation. Now, the US is considered a lying nation. To restore your credibility, you need to independently investigate who carried out attacks on your country on September 11, 2001.]
These are not opinions to be debated.
[reply: Yes they are. Why do you fear debating them. It seems you are scared of open investigation.]
These are facts to be dealt with.
[reply: No they are not. They are your twisted thoeries. They are not the facts that are accepted by others in the world.]
Make no mistake, we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan.
[reply: Neither do Afghan people. So why are you sending more US troops there.]
We see no military — we seek no military bases there.
[reply: You must think muslims are really stupid. US already has military bases in Afghanistan. Who are you trying to fool.]
It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.
[reply: It must be agonising for muslim mothers to lose their innocent young sons killed by US military. It must be agonising for muslim fathers to see their daughters raped and killed by US soldiers who then get away with murder in US courts. These crimes are not politically costly for muslim parents. It’s just heartbreaking. You are so cold Obama. You have no heart.]
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.
[reply: US wants to kill every person who might possibly one day in the future kill Americans. It seems you are planning a long war on muslims nations. How can you Mr Obama ever be certain no muslims will ever hate America. Its impossible. People all over the world will always hate you because you are an unjust and evil nation. Muslims already call you the Great Satan. This is not going to stop until you start acting fairly towards Muslims. ]
And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries.
[reply: Muslims know that America and Europe have ganged up against Islamic nations. You don’t need to confirm it. ]
And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken.
[reply: US is already seeking a way to run away. America will lose the war and retreat like it did in Vietnam, and like Russia did in Afghanistan. History will tell you that occupations never succeeds. But Bush and Obama would rather sink America than stop aggressive attacks on muslims.]
Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists.
[reply: Muslim world does not tolerate American extremism and violence either. They will always hit back.]
They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths but, more than any other, they have killed Muslims.
[reply: How many have America killed. Oh I forget, Pentagon does not keep body count of innocent muslims it kills.]
Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.
[reply: Are US military attacks in muslim countries reconcilable with human rights and with Christianity?]
The holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as it if has killed all mankind.
And the holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.
[reply: That’s right. And when US kills one child, the muslims see that America has killed all muslims. When your soldiers rape and kill innocent young muslim girls, it is as if you raped the entire Islamic world. They see that when your drone kills one innocent man woman or child, it is as if you murdered the entire population of the earth. That verse should be a warning. Islam takes life seriously.]
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.
[reply: If you really see Islam as part of the solution to America’s security, then tell that to US congress, and pass a law in favour of Islam. But somehow muslims know that Islam will always be a target by America and Europe. You need to prove your intentions by deeds, Mr Obama. Muslims currently see that America hates Islam.]
Now, we also know that military power alone is not going solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
[reply: Its good that you realised this after 8 years of getting no where. Better late than never. You should have learnt the lesson from Russia and Vietnam.]
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.
[reply: Isn’t it even better for America to not force people to flee their homes in the first place. Change the stupid and absurd US policies. Muslims are not fools. They blame the US when its policies force them to leave their homes. ]
That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.
[reply: You can help Afghans by not killing them with US drones, and breaking into their home in middle of the night. That creates more hatred and damage for America than your 2.8 billion dollars can undo.]
Now, 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...
[reply: Actually, it is the brave Iraqi people that have made it clear to Washington that they will not allow the US to get away with its plans in Iraq.]
I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no basis 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.
[reply: The truth is that US military will finally retreat from Iraq after its humiliating defeat at the hands of the Iraqi resistence against illegal American occupation of their country. Its like Vietnam. The whole world knows that US did not pull out of Vietnam. No. America was kicked out. ]
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.
[reply: US has realised that the Iraqis will never be its puppets like other Arab nations.]
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles.
[reply: Is Guantanamo Bay one of American principles of fairness and justice? Muslims see Abu Ghraib as a clear symbol of what US really stands for. For God’s sake, America had a Vice President promoting torture openly on TV. That’s pure evil. ]
9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country.
[reply: 9/11 was also a disaster for millions of innocent muslims killed by rampaging US military. Bush was no different from Bin Laden. ]
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.
[reply: So, why are Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld still roaming free. Is it also a US tradition to let the criminal walk? Muslims all over the world now believe that crimes committed muslims are not punishable in US.]
We are taking concrete actions to change course.
[reply: Until America punishes the torturers and murderers and invaders, the muslim world is simply not going to believe empty and deceptive claims coming from the White House. US needs to put the wrongs right.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that Mr Obama unequivocally has let go of those officials who tortured muslims. Muslims believe that in America some officials are above the law. Your actions only prove this charge. You gave immunity to criminals.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that US is only concerned with supporting its puppets in Arab countries. The very fact that you stand in Egypt where your ally Mubarak fills the torture chambers with political prisoners proves to muslims that you are not interested in their freedom and liberty. Muslims see that age old US policies will continue forever.]
Now, 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.
[reply: Nothing is unbreakable. Muslims believe that if the US does not alter its unfair and biased policies, not only Israel will be harmed, the US itself may be attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists. America cannot win unless it respects wishes the muslim populations.]
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.
[reply: Muslims are not responsible for Jewish sufferings in Europe. So, don’t try to shift the blame to Arabs. It was Christians who persecuted and murdered the Jews. Holocaust was not carried out by the Muslims.]
Around the world the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries. And anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust.
[reply: Its is not unprecedented to Muslims. As far they are concerned, they see their own holocaust being carried out by Israel with full US assistance.]
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.
[reply: Muslims see that West remembers the dead but not the living who suffer right now. Would you Mr Obama also visit Gaza where population is being imprisoned in the world’s largest jail; where men women and children are being bombed daily, shot, kidnapped and being starved to death by the Fourth Reich. Muslims see that America has no love for them.]
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.
[reply: One President’s fact is another President’s lie. Muslims would rather believe President Ahmadinejad than the deceptive US presidents.]
Threatening Israel with destruction or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews is deeply wrong and only serves to evoke in the minds of the Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
[reply: What about US and Israel threatening Muslim countries with wars or repeating racist anti-muslim views? Is that deeply right?]
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 and 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.
[reply: Why don’t you name the country that is doing this to the Palestinians. Muslims say that for past 60 years, it is US and its ally Israel that are involved together in the brutal oppression of innocent Palestinian people. Both countries continue to violate basic human rights of muslims in Palestine.]
So let there be no doubt, the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable.
[reply: US can end the suffering of Palestinians muslims right now, but it does not chose to do so. Muslims know that America turns a blind eye again and again to the murder and suppression of Palestinians by Israel. Why?]
And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own.
[reply: America has always turned its back on Palestine since 1948. Muslims do not have any hope that US will change its practices. Nice speeches cannot fool 900 million muslims.]
For decades, then, there has been a stalemate.
[reply: No Mr Obama. That is not true. There is no stalemate. One side has won albeit through cheating. Israel has won a state with US help. Palestine is not even on the map; it has been wiped out by Israel with US backing.]
Two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers.
[reply: And why does US points its fingers only at muslims and never towards Israel?]
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.
[reply: For their suffering, the Muslim world points fingers only at the United States. America not only refuses to help muslims in a real way, but it supports enemies of muslim. Israel is a glaring example. ]
But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth.
[reply: Muslims believe that US already blindly follows Israel.]
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.
[reply: Muslims believe that the only solution is to get the US to become less biased and be a bit more just.]
That is in Israel's interests, Palestine's interests, America's interests and the world's interests. And that's why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all of the patience and dedication that the task requires.
[reply: That is so true. Muslims think that all US Presidents are so patient when it comes to Palestine that they are willing to pass the problem to their grandsons. But Muslims are not so patient when America and its allies are violating their rights. They will begin hating US more and more. ]
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.
[reply: US only fulfils its responsibilities towards Israel. Palestinians are left to the dogs. Compare the billions of dollars given to Israel with $230.85 handed to Gaza after the destruction of muslim homes bombed with US made planes and explosives.]
Palestinians must abandon violence.
[reply: What MUST the Israeli’s do? Why doesn’t America ever give orders like this to the chief terrorist state in Middle East. Show some guts Mr Obama. Can Israel continue with its violence against the innocent Palestinians?]
Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed.
[reply: Didn’t you just tell us that America came to exist through resistance against the British Empire? Or was your victory achieved by having cups of tea with the British forces in Pennsylvania. It’s a great shame that any American President speaks against the idea of resistance against occupation and oppression. Such hypocrisy is shocking to any reasonable person.]
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.
[reply: Let me remind you Mr Obama, that it was large scale riots and violence across America that led to black being granted equal rights and freedoms. Your CIA assassinated Blacks leaders.]
This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia, to Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: 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.
[reply: Or to kill innocent men women and children by unmanned US drones that dropping bombs on wedding parties. Or to kidnap muslim suspects and hold them in secret prisons, waterboard. Is that very brave of US soldiers? ]
That's not how moral authority is claimed, that's how it is surrendered.
[reply: Thats exactly why the muslim world sees America as morally bankrupt, and not in a position to lecture anyone about what is moral and immoral. US has lost its moral high ground. It is now in the gutter. ]
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.
[reply: Muslims think that US wont let Hamas do any good for its people. US even allowed Israel to destroy Gaza and kill democratically elected Hamas.]
Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.
[reply: If Israel does not recognize past agreement, why should Hamas. US is always one sided, hypocritical.]
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.
[reply: Why do you not simply call Israeli settlements illegal.]
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.
[reply: Israel only does all those terrible things with your money Mr Obama. It is US green light that makes Israel oppress muslims in Gaza and West Bank. White House helps devastate Palestinian families.]
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.
[reply: Muslims want US to take concrete steps against Israel to ensure it stops brutality and humiliation of Palestinians.]
And, finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibility. 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.
[reply: What!! Does US want Arabs to accept Israel BEFORE Israel accepts the basic rights of Palestinians. That is crazy. No wonder muslims say that US is blindly siding with Israel all the time. ]
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.
[reply: Muslims don’t trust you Mr Obama. You will continue to supply Israel with weapons and money to kills and destroy innocent muslim families in Gaza and West bank.]
We cannot impose peace.
But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away.
[reply: Actually most muslims believe that Israel’s days are numbered. Without US help it wont survive 72 hours. Muslims see the US as the only protecting guardian of Israel.]
Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state.
[reply: No they don’t. Polls show Israel would rather murder all Arabs than give up their promised land to muslims. US has to pressure them hard. This problem cannot be solved with nice speeches.]
It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
[reply: Everyone? Muslims world will not give up the fight until Israel gives up Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest city. No point denying this fact. Jerusalem is an occupied city since 1967 and US must order Israel to withdraw.]
Too many tears have been shed, too much blood has been shed.
[reply: Too much muslim blood has been shed. Islamic world knows that Israel has killed far more muslims with US weapons than Palestinians have killed Israelis. Violence against any civilians is wrong.]
All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians could, 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 — as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed — peace be upon them — joined in prayer.
[reply: That day can come if US compels Israel to be more just and less oppressive and seek serious peace with muslims. People want the US to set a timetable for establishment of Palestine.]
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.
[reply: Now US needs to officially apologise to Iran. Also, US needs to payback billion of dollars of Iranian money. ]
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.
[reply: US has kidnapped Iranian diplomats and took them hostages. US also took part in killing of millions of Iranians by supporting Saddam in Iraq. Us remained silent when Saddam used chemical weapons against Iranians and his own people. US has blood on its hands. ]
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.
[reply: US has constantly threatened Iran. It is still doing so.]
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 discussion between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.
[reply: Then White House needs to quickly invite Iranian leaders to Washington and hold practical talks to promote peace.]
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.
[reply: Muslim world knows that Israel already has started that nuclear arms race. America has done nothing to stop Israel.]
Now, I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nations 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.
[reply: So why does US picks on Iran and not on Israel. This is the double standards which makes muslims hate America.]
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.
[reply: Yes. Selective democracy. The symbol of US hypocrisy.]
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.
[reply: US was not willing to give democracy to people of Iraq. Iraqis then forced Bush to hold elections in 2005.]
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.
[reply: But you do act against the elected parties which the US does not like. You just said that US removed democratically elected government in Iran. US refuses to accept Hamas whom public voted for. US is in denial about Hezbollah, another popular choice of people in Lebanon. Yet, US welcomes unelected Arab leaders and makes deals even with dictators.]
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.
[reply: That’s not true. Please do not lie. US does not recognise Hamas who were freely chosen by the Palestinians people.]
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.
[reply: US recognises non-peaceful governments like Israel; and it also accepts tyrants around the world who are unelected. Muslims cannot figure out where exactly does US stand. ]
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.
[reply: During the election campaign, you, Mr Obama, wanted to ban torture and arrest those who did it. But some lobbies have changed your fair mind. You are now protecting the criminals. ]
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.
[reply: Terrific speech, but its all hollow. You don’t practice what you preach Mr Obama. Why don’t you condemn your allies who ban muslim ladies from wearing a head scarf. Or, could it be that minority rights do not apply to muslims?]
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 first hand as a child in Indonesia where devout Christians worshipped 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.
[reply: And some Bible preachers in America openly pour hatred for Islam in order to prove they are good Chrisitians.]
The richness of religious diversity must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
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.
[reply: Shia and Sunnis are sects among Muslims just like Catholics and Protestants are sects among Christians. They are not the business of Washington who tries its best to play one side against the other. US promotes sectarian divisions and fans the flames. Muslims know American plans of divide and rule. ]
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which people protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfil their religious obligation.
That's why I'm committed to work with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfil 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.
[reply: Why don’t you name and condemn your allies who deny people to practice their religion freely? Tell France and Germany to stop oppression the rights of muslims ladies to wear the hijab.]
We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
[reply: Say it plainly Mr Obama, that France is now an oppressive nation after it is preventing women from practicing their faith.]
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.
[reply: The king is unelected and does not represent the will of the people. How can US welcome him?]
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.
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.
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.
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.
[reply: Islamic world has kept its moral and traditional family values that were abandoned by liberal west in the 1960s. US dreams are not muslims dreams. Muslims see the West as decadent and sinful, letting their daughters be abused by boys and exploited for commercial interests. Muslims think that US plans to corrupt muslim societies by introducing nightclubs where girls and boys dance with other and commit all sort of immoral acts as they do in western nations during the weekends.]
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
[reply: To muslims that means exploitation of their resources by US in order to make them more poorer. ]
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.
[reply: Why don’t you ban such filth, and punish those who promote pornography. America is only corrupting its own children with sin and evil.]
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.
[reply: Mr Obama, you are in position to set things on a right and moral course. Why don’t you invite Bishops and Imams and Ayatollahs and other great thinkers to make set a change for a better human society in this age of high technology. ]
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. And in too...
And in too many Muslim communities, there remains under investment in these areas. I am 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 new seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand change programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to America.
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 core 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 country and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more 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, digitise 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 to 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.
[reply: You are a President Mr Obama. You can make laws to make sure that at least in your own country this does not happen. Please don’t blame others when you are holding the power.]
Many more are simply sceptical that real change can occur. There is 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 re-imagine the world, the 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 is 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 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,
[reply: We don’t have that much power Mr Obama, but YOU do. Act on it.]
but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The holy Koran tells us: "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. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
END
--
Thursday
Revolutionary President of Iran
-
President Mahmud Ahmedinajad
Elected in 2005
Famous quotes:
"Holocaust did not happen. It is a myth invented to justify atrocities committed by Israel." [2005]
"Israel is a cancer that will soon be wiped off the map." [2005]
"Jews should evacuate from Palestine and move to Alaska, Canada or Germany." [2005]
"Truth about September 11 terrorism is not being told to the Americans." [2007]
"Israel is linked to world economic crisis and violant conflicts." [2008]
"Israelis are controlling major financial and media centres of the world." [2009]
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Iran tells UN: Israel is totally racist
Iran tells UN: Israel is totally racist
Switzerland - 20 April 2009
Walkouts as President Ahmadinejad calls Israel racist
The UN’s second conference on racism descended into farce yesterday when President Ahmadinejad of Iran used his address to single out Israel as the “most cruel and racist regime”.
Dozens of angry European diplomats, including the British delegation, stormed out as Mr Ahmadinejad used a rambling speech in Geneva to condemn the US and Europe for establishing Israel after the Second World War.
He said: “Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless under the pretext of Jewish suffering.
“They sent migrants from Europe, the United States and other parts of the world in order to establish a totally racist government in the occupied Palestine. In fact, in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe, they helped bring to power the most cruel and repressive racist regime in Palestine.”
The Iranian President was the only head of state to attend the anti-racism conference, to which most countries did not even send ministers, and his appearance there had all the hallmarks of an election stump speech.
In his 30-minute address, punctuated by walkouts, applause and the ejection of three protesters dressed as circus clowns, Mr Ahmadinejad condemned Israel as a racist state masquerading as a religious one. “The word Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religion and abuses religious sentiments to hide their hatred,” he thundered.
He went on to suggest that the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was also part of a Zionist plot. “Wasn’t the military action against Iraq planned by the Zionists and their allies in the US Administration then, in complicity with the arms manufacturing companies, and the owner of the world?” he asked.
Western diplomats walked out of the conference hall, following through on threats that they would leave if the meeting were hijacked by anti-Semitic rhetoric. David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, who did not attend, condemned the remarks as “offensive, inflammatory and utterly unacceptable”, adding that “such hate-filled rhetoric is an intolerable abuse of free speech and of the conference”.
Mr Ahmadinejad’s address — his first on the global stage since President Obama’s inauguration — deals a serious blow to hopes of American rapprochement with Iran, a key plank of the new President’s foreign policy. The US was one of eight Western nations that joined Israel in boycotting the conference.
While condemning Mr Ahmadinejad’s rhetoric, Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, confirmed that Washington was still seeking to talk directly with Iran.
However, the latest tirade will do nothing to help Mr Obama to persuade Israel or his domestic critics that he knows how to deal with Mr Ahmadinejad, who is seeking re-election in June with the support of the hardline ruling clergy.
Some had hoped that Mr Ahmadinejad might show restraint amid signs of a thawing of relations with Washington that is already at risk after the jailing of the American journalist Roxana Saberi. But his performance suggested that he felt confident he had the upper hand in any future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary-General, condemned Mr Ahmadinejad’s “hate speech” but was left embarrassed by earlier remarks in which he expressed “profound disappointment” at the boycott and by the admission that he had “gently warned” the Iranian President against attacking Israel.
The conference, dubbed Durban II, followed a similar event in the South African city in 2001. That gathering was marred by furious rows after Arab and African nations tried to hijack it to seek slavery reparations and cast the Middle East conflict as a struggle against Israeli racism.
Israel, which recalled its ambassador in protest at the decision by President Merz of Switzerland to meet Mr Ahmadinejad, expressed its disgust that a platform was afforded to the Iranian leader. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, accused Mr Ahmadinejad of distorting history.
He said: “Israel will not allow Holocaust deniers to carry out another Holocaust against the Jewish people.”
Dozens of angry European diplomats, including the British delegation, stormed out as Mr Ahmadinejad used a rambling speech in Geneva to condemn the US and Europe for establishing Israel after the Second World War.
He said: “Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless under the pretext of Jewish suffering.
“They sent migrants from Europe, the United States and other parts of the world in order to establish a totally racist government in the occupied Palestine. In fact, in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe, they helped bring to power the most cruel and repressive racist regime in Palestine.”
The Iranian President was the only head of state to attend the anti-racism conference, to which most countries did not even send ministers, and his appearance there had all the hallmarks of an election stump speech.
In his 30-minute address, punctuated by walkouts, applause and the ejection of three protesters dressed as circus clowns, Mr Ahmadinejad condemned Israel as a racist state masquerading as a religious one. “The word Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religion and abuses religious sentiments to hide their hatred,” he thundered.
He went on to suggest that the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was also part of a Zionist plot. “Wasn’t the military action against Iraq planned by the Zionists and their allies in the US Administration then, in complicity with the arms manufacturing companies, and the owner of the world?” he asked.
Western diplomats walked out of the conference hall, following through on threats that they would leave if the meeting were hijacked by anti-Semitic rhetoric. David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, who did not attend, condemned the remarks as “offensive, inflammatory and utterly unacceptable”, adding that “such hate-filled rhetoric is an intolerable abuse of free speech and of the conference”.
Mr Ahmadinejad’s address — his first on the global stage since President Obama’s inauguration — deals a serious blow to hopes of American rapprochement with Iran, a key plank of the new President’s foreign policy. The US was one of eight Western nations that joined Israel in boycotting the conference.
While condemning Mr Ahmadinejad’s rhetoric, Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, confirmed that Washington was still seeking to talk directly with Iran.
However, the latest tirade will do nothing to help Mr Obama to persuade Israel or his domestic critics that he knows how to deal with Mr Ahmadinejad, who is seeking re-election in June with the support of the hardline ruling clergy.
Some had hoped that Mr Ahmadinejad might show restraint amid signs of a thawing of relations with Washington that is already at risk after the jailing of the American journalist Roxana Saberi. But his performance suggested that he felt confident he had the upper hand in any future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary-General, condemned Mr Ahmadinejad’s “hate speech” but was left embarrassed by earlier remarks in which he expressed “profound disappointment” at the boycott and by the admission that he had “gently warned” the Iranian President against attacking Israel.
The conference, dubbed Durban II, followed a similar event in the South African city in 2001. That gathering was marred by furious rows after Arab and African nations tried to hijack it to seek slavery reparations and cast the Middle East conflict as a struggle against Israeli racism.
Israel, which recalled its ambassador in protest at the decision by President Merz of Switzerland to meet Mr Ahmadinejad, expressed its disgust that a platform was afforded to the Iranian leader. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, accused Mr Ahmadinejad of distorting history.
He said: “Israel will not allow Holocaust deniers to carry out another Holocaust against the Jewish people.”
Most of the world believes Ahmadinejad
President Ahmadinejad’s performance confirmed that he is determined to retain his title as uncrowned king of the world’s awkward squad and speaker of the unspeakable.
Hugo Chávez, the left-wing Venezuelan President, might exchange handshakes and gifts with President Obama while other formerly hostile leaders may be prepared to open a new chapter with Washington, but by its most recent words and deeds Iran has demonstrated that it is not budging.
Mr Ahmadinejad’s outburst against Israel might shock those unused to his rhetoric, but in Tehran the language is standard among his hardline supporters and the state-controlled media. Officials in his administration say openly that Israel is “an artificial creation of the West” that will soon disappear, while Palestine will be returned to the Palestinians.
The Iranian leader is not merely speaking for effect. He believes in what he says — and that most of the world supports him. These theatrics would not matter much if Iran was not the pivotal country in the Middle East today; what happens there could decide whether the region is on the threshold of peace or plunged into one of the most dangerous conflicts of modern times.
So far Mr Obama’s gesture of reconciliation last month has been batted away as lacking in substance and clarity. One senior official in Tehran even praised George W. Bush for being “honest” about America’s hostility towards Iran. Of greatest concern is Iran’s nuclear programme. Mr Ahmadinejad is due shortly to set out a new position on this issue. He is unlikely to offer any concessions that would limit the country’s uranium enrichment programme, which experts believe could produce enough fissile material to make a nuclear warhead as early as this year.
With a new right-wing Israeli Government under Binyamin Netanyahu now in power, all the elements are in place for a dangerous escalation. This could be triggered by an Israeli attack on Iran or any number of other scenarios played out in the region.
And in case anyone thought this was a localised problem, a senior adviser to the Iranian President told me yesterday that, in the event of an Israeli attack, Iran would hold not only Israel responsible but also the US, Britain and the West in general. He described what would happen next as “the world catching fire”.
Iranian President's full speech:
This is the full text of the speech Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave at the Durban Review Conference, a UN conference on racism, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, 20th April 2009.
Protesters interrupted the conference before Mr Ahmadinejad could start his speech. He refers to the incident in his opening sentence.
Protesters interrupted the conference before Mr Ahmadinejad could start his speech. He refers to the incident in his opening sentence.
"I would like to ask all honourable participants to forgive them. They are ignorant.
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Praise is to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and praise be upon our master and prophet, Muhammad and his infallible family and upon true followers.
O God, hasten the coming of the Hidden Leader [Messiah] and grant him health and victory and make us his true companions and believers and those who testify to His integrity.
Praise belongs to the Just, Merciful, and Compassionate God.
May God's blessing be upon the Holy Messengers, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the last Prophet His Holiness Muhammad the Chosen, who called towards One true God, brotherhood, kindness, human dignity, and justice.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Secretary General of the United Nations,
Honourable High Commissariat for Human Rights,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following the Durban anti-racism and discrimination conference, we have gathered here to examine the current situation and to find practical solutions for this humane and sacred campaign. In the past centuries, great injustice was inflicted on mankind.
In the Middle Ages scholars and scientists were sentenced to death. And later on slavery and the hunting down of innocent people, separating them from their families and taking them in millions to Europe and America in the worst conditions, was popular. These were dark ages where lands were occupied and their sources were looted, and innocent people were killed and made homeless. Years passed until people rose. They paid a high price in order to drive occupiers out and establish independent and national governments; millions of people were killed. Those in power imposed two major wars in short periods of time on Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. These were wars which took about 100 million lives and resulted in destruction of a lot of countries and regions. Those who won these wars considered themselves conquerors of the world and considered other nations defeated. And by the imposition of oppressive laws and arrangements they ignored and violated other nations rights.
Ladies and gentlemen, look at the Security Council which is the legacy of world wars 1 and 2. Based on what logic have they been given the right to veto? With which human and divine value is this logic compatible? Justice, equality in the eye of law and human dignity or discrimination, injustice, violation of human rights and belittling the majority of nations and countries? This Council is the most supreme decision-making centre for maintaining peace and security in the world.
When there is legal discrimination and the law-making centre is a source of bullying and force instead of justice and fairness, how can one expect to achieve justice and peace? Seeking power and selfishness is the source of racism, discrimination, aggression and tyranny. Today many racists condemn racism in their slogans and speeches but when some powerful countries give themselves the right to make decisions for other countries, using their discretion, and based on their own interests, they can easily trample on all rules and human values. As they have already proven.
After the second world war, by exploiting the holocaust and under the pretext of protecting the Jews they made a nation homeless with military expeditions and invasion. They transferred various groups of people from America, Europe and other countries to this land. They established a completely racist government in the occupied Palestinian territories. And in fact, under the pretext of making up for damages resulting from racism in Europe, they established the most aggressive, racist country in another territory, i.e. Palestine.
The Security Council endorsed this usurper regime and for 60 years constantly defended it and let it commit any kind of crime.
Worse than this is that some Western governments and America are committed to support genocidal racists while others condemn the bombardment of innocent human beings, the occupation of their land and the disasters that took place in Gaza. Even before they kept silent, not responding to all the crimes of that regime, and supported it. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, what has been the source of recent wars such as the Americans' attack on Iraq or the wide military expedition in Afghanistan? Has it been anything else than the selfishness of the American government of the time and the pressures by those in possession of wealth and power to expand influence and hegemony, support weapon manufacturers, destroy a great culture that is thousands of years old, destroying possible and potentials risks by the countries of the region against the occupying Palestine regime, and looting the energy resources of the Iraqi people?
In fact why were one million people dead and injured and a few million people forced to leave their homeland? Why were hundreds of billions of dollars worth of damage inflicted on the Iraqi people and hundreds of billions of dollars of costs for the military invasion imposed on the American people and America's allies? Was attacking Iraq not orchestrated by the Zionists and their allies in the previous ruling government of America which was on the one hand in power and on the other the owner of arms manufacturing companies?
Did peace, security and prosperity return to Afghanistan by military intervention? America and its allies were not even able to stop the production of narcotics and during their presence it increased several fold. The main question is this: What was the role of the previous ruling system in America and its allies? Were they the representatives of the world nations? Were they elected by the world nations? Do they have representation by the world nations to interfere in the affairs of all parts of the world and especially our region? Don't these actions, the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, count as examples of selfishness, racism, discrimination and violating the dignity and independence of other nations?
Ladies and gentlemen, who are the people in charge of the crisis-hit economy of the world? Where did the crisis start? Did it start in Africa and Asia or American and then Europe and their allies?
For a long time, using their political influence, they [West] imposed unfair economic laws on international economic transactions. They set up financial and monetary systems without provisions of international supervision and imposed those systems on countries that did not have the smallest role to play in the processes and policies adopted.
They do not even allow their own nations to supervise. By taking away morality from their actions, they have established laws in a way that they serve the interests of certain powerful people and capitalists. By giving a specific definition of free market and competition, they took away many opportunities from others and imposed their problems on others.
Today, with dozens of thousands of billions of dollars of debt and thousands of billions of dollars of budget deficit, those waves of crisis have come back to them.
Even today in order to improve the situation, they have started injecting hundred billions of dollars of unsupported money from the pockets of their citizens and other nations into banks and companies and financial markets which were close to bankruptcy and they have made their people even more indebted and they have made the problem more complicated.
They are thinking of maintaining their power and wealth. And the people of the world and even their own people are of no value to them. Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the true root of racism is the lack of human understanding as God's chosen creatures and deviation from the true path of human life and human missions in creation. Due to negligence in worshipping God with awareness and pondering on the philosophy of life and the path towards human perfection - which leads to the natural outcome of being committed to divine values and mankind - the horizon of human insight has declined. And limited and temporary interests became the criteria of evaluation and actions by human beings. Therefore, the seeds of evil power took their shape and by neglecting fair chances for others' growth, it added to the boundaries of its development.
In such a way that it changed to an ugly and uncontrollable racism that today it is threatening the global peace as the most dangerous factor. And it is an obstacle on the way of achieving peaceful life in the world. Undoubtedly, racism should be recognised as the symbol of ignorance of the depth of history and a sign of dogmatism against mankind's general growth. Therefore, we should look for the signs of racism under conditions and situations in a society where poverty of knowledge and lack of understanding would be spread. Therefore, the main means of fighting such symptoms is to promote general awareness and deepening public understanding towards the philosophy of mankind's existence and the truth about the human-oriented world. Its requirement or outcome is a return to spiritual and ethical values and human virtues and finally the belief in God. The global society should start a united cultural movement for enlightening certain suffering and undeveloped societies as much as possible and uproot this hideous and evil phenomenon.
But dear friends, today the human society is facing a kind of racism which has an ugliness that has completely distorted the honour of mankind at the verge of the third millennium and it has made the global society shameful. The global Zionism is the complete symbol of racism, which with unreal reliance on religion has tried to misuse the religious beliefs of some unaware people and hide its ugly face. But what should be seriously considered are the goals of certain superpowers and those in possession of major interests in the world; those who try their best through economic power and political influence and wide media means, to lessen the crimes and ugliness of the nature of the Zionist regime. Here, the main issue is not ignorance and therefore, cultural movements on their own, are not sufficient to fight this evil phenomenon. But we should try to put an end to the misuse of international means by the Zionists and their supporters. And by respecting nations' demands, we should motivate the united governments to eliminate this clear racism and step on the path of reforming international relations 0and mechanisms with courage.
Undoubtedly, you are all aware of the extensive efforts by the institutes of global power towards creating a deviation on the path of the real mission of this important conference. Unfortunately in the literature supporting the Zionists, a clear participation and cooperation in their crimes can be noticed. And this adds to the responsibilities of the respectful representatives of nations in revealing this antihuman issue and improving relations and behaviours. We should be aware that to keep a huge global capacity, such as this conference, away from its real intentions, means helping to continue the most hideous sense of racism. Today the necessity of defending human rights is firstly, to defend the rights of a nation to be free to make decisions regarding important global affairs without the influence of certain powers; secondly, to take action to improve international structures and relations. Therefore, this conference is the arena of a major test and we will be judged by the world's public opinion today and tomorrow.
Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the world's general condition is rapidly moving towards basic changes. Power based equations have become very weak. The sound of the pillars of global tyranny breaking can be heard. Political and macro economic structures are falling. Political and security crisis are growing. And the growing global economic crisis, for the resolution of which there is no bright horizon, makes all sorts of quantitative and quality aspects of change on the way very impressive. I have emphasised the necessity of getting back from the wrong path that today's absolute global management is following and I have warned about the critical outcomes of delaying to do so.
Also now, in this valued conference, addressing you managers, thinkers and all the world nations who are thirsty for peace, freedom, progress and prosperity, I would like to say that the unjust ruling of the world is reaching its end. This deadlock was inevitable since the logic behind this imposed management is tyrannical. This is because the logic of the mass movement of the world is divine, purposeful, humane and God-centred. It is a movement which opposes any policy or plan which is not in line with the interests of nations. Victory of truth over vice and the bright future of humanity and the establishment of a just global system is the promise of God and all prophets, and a common hope of all communities and generations. Achieving such a future justifies the reason behind creation, is the belief of all those faithful to God and the very high status of the human beings.
Formation of a global community, the practical possibility of a common global system materialising and finally involving thinkers, managers and people of the world to actively and justly participate in the macro and principle decision makings is the main path to this great destination.
At the moment, scientific and technical capabilities as well as information and communication technology have created a mutual and comprehensive understanding of the global community and have created the necessary ground for a common system to materialise. .
Now, this is a grave responsibility that the world's scientists, elites and officials across the world should shoulder by playing a historic role through faith in this definite path.
Now I want to stress on this fact that western capitalism like communism has reached the end of its path because it does not see the world and humanity as they are. It has tried to impose a self-constructed path and destination and instead of paying attention to human and divine values, justice, freedom, compassion and brotherhood it has set fierce competition for gaining individual and collective materialistic interests as a basis for life.
Now we should collectively try to learn lessons from the past and understand the necessity for correcting this path by considering today's conditions. And on the same note and as the final word I would like to draw your attention to two important points.
First point: The improvement of the current international condition is hundred per cent possible. But we should know that this cannot be achieved without the cooperation of all the governments and nations. Therefore, we should benefit from the capacities of international cooperation to the maximum. My presence in this conference indicates my respect for this important issue, and the essential issue of human rights and support for nations' rights against the evil phenomenon of racism and cooperation with you, the thinkers.
Second: Considering the lack of efficiency of systems and international political, economic, security and cultural relations is necessary. In view of divine and humanitarian values and the true and real definition of human beings and based on justice and respect for the rights of all human beings across the world, confessing to the wrong management in the past and changing the views and performances, measures should be taken to reform the current structures. Therefore, a speedy change in the structure of the United Nations and the elimination of the discriminatory right to veto and a change in the financial and monetary system of the world must be on the agenda. Obviously, the lack of understanding for the urgency of this change will result in heavier costs due to any delay.
My dear friends, you should know that moving in line with justice and human dignity is like moving quickly on a stream of water. Let's not forget the valuable elixir of love and compassion. The guarantee for a clear future for human beings is a great asset that can keep us more aware and more hopeful than ever before. It can enable us to create a world full of love and blessing and can be free from poverty and hatred. We will also be able to profit from the blessings of God and have the advantage of having a decent management of a complete human being.
Let us all have a share in this important issue, and hope for that bright and beautiful day. I would like to sincerely thank the President and the UN Secretary-General and all of you for your patience, wishing you dignity and success."
[Transcript in Persian supplied by the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network]
Iran Letter to Hamas
Iran's letter to the Palestinian Government:
The following is the letter from the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to the Prime Minister Ishmael Haniyeh in Gaza.
The letter praises the bravery of resistance fighters in the Gaza Strip.
Friday, 16 January 2009:
" In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
To the Hamas leader Ismail Haniya
Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of God and His blessings
The 20-day perseverance of you, the courageous resistance fighters and the people of Gaza against one of the most atrocious war crimes in the history of the world has hoisted the flag of glory overhead the Islamic Ummah. You have proven that Muslim hearts filled with confidence in God and the Day of Judgment, which will not bow to oppression, can create such heroism that will bring the arrogant powers of the world and their well-equipped armies to their knees.
The army, which you have managed with your perseverance to keep outside Gaza City for the past 20 days, is the same army that took large portions of three Arab states in just six days.
You must be proud of your unshakable faith in God almighty and his promises, of your courage, patience and sacrifices, as today, the whole of the Muslim world is proud of it. Your resistance has brought shame on the US, the Zionist regime and their supporters in the United Nations and in certain Islamic countries.
Today, not only Muslim nations, but also many European and American nations have acknowledged your righteousness. In our eyes, you are victorious today and with the continuation of your resistance, you will further bring shame to the enemy.
You must remember that "Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He become displeased," and that "Soon your Lord will give you so that you shall be well pleased," God willing.
But even so the atrocities committed in Gaza and the death of innocent Palestinians, especially the children, has deeply saddened us. Our entire nation is in mourning because of the crimes committed by the occupiers of Palestine which are broadcast from our television channels everyday.
I pray to God for a speedy victory. As God almighty never goes back on his promises and has said "And surely God will help him who helps His cause; most surely God is Strong, Mighty" and "Those who strive, strive for their own good"….
Those among the Arab world who have committed treachery must know that a fate no better than that of the Jewish people involved in the battle of the clans will befall them, as God Almighty has said "He also brought down their allies among the people of the scripture from their secure positions."
The nations of the world stand beside the people and resistance fighters of Gaza. Any government that goes against the will of its nation will further distance itself from its people and the fate of such government is obvious.
They must remember that the Leader of the Pious men Imam Ali has said "Living a life of defeat is death and a death with dignity is life."
I salute you and the resistance fighters of Gaza and the oppressed and resistant people of Gaza.
Aside from the Islamic Republic of Iran's efforts to aid you, which we have viewed it as our duty, I pray for you day and night. I wish you patience and victory from God Almighty.
Peace be unto you and unto every pious person and so may be the mercy of God and His blessings."
Seyyed Ali Khamenei
Egypt slammed on Gaza
Egypt "Helping Israel kill Palestinians"
Hezbollah: Arabs aiding Israel against Palestinians
Arabs silent as Israel launches total war on Gaza.
Powerful Lebanese party Hezbollah condemned Arab leaders' collusion with Israel in its war on Gaza. Hassan Nasrallah slammed Arab nations for allowing Israel to go on killing spree in Gaza. Hezbollah leader mocks Arab TV channels as Israeli mouthpieces. Nasrallah also predicts victory for Hamas. Israel launched attacks on Gaza population on 27 December 2008. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombings.
Nasrallah condemns Israeli assault, 'Arab collaboration'
Sunday - 28 December 2008, Live TV Broadcast from Beirut, 18:05 GMT
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah led a chorus of Lebanese condemnations of a massive Israeli air campaign on the blockaded Gaza Strip over the weekend that killed at least 296 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more.
In a live televised address, Nasrallah pointed the finger at Arab regimes for conspiring with Israel against residents of Gaza.
"There is true and full collaboration between certain Arab regimes, especially those who have already signed peace deals with Israel, to crush any form of resistance," he told thousands of Hizbullah supporters in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The Israel-US alliance was trying to impose a "humiliating" settlement on Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, Nasrallah said. "Those Arab regimes are helping the Israelis," he said.
Nasrallah urged "the Egyptian regime specifically to open the Rafah crossing so that aid can flow into Gaza and help Gazans in their struggle."
"We are not asking in any way for Egypt to launch a war against Israel because in Gaza there are men able and ready to fight. All we ask is that Egypt does not exploit the war to put pressure on the Palestinian resistance. If you do not open the crossing, then you are partners in the crime," he said.
The Hizbullah Chief urged all Arabs to protest the Israeli military strikes. All Arabs states should help Gazans to remain steadfast in the face of Israel, he said, because "Israel cannot manage wars of attrition."
Nasrallah also said the Arab world had "the money and enough political power to stop the carnage in Gaza."
Lebanon has to remain vigilant of a possible Israeli attack, Nasrallah added, calling for a mass rally at 3 p.m. on Monday in Beirut's southern suburbs.
Israel launched on Saturday what it referred to as "calculated" air strikes against Hamas, the Islamist group which runs the strip, just days after a six-month cease-fire with Palestinian resistance groups expired.
Hezbollah Chief: 'Arab nations cooperating with Israel'
Leader of Hezbollah Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah attacked Arab nations - particularly Egypt and Jordan - in a televised speech Sunday and accused them of cooperation with Israel in its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
"There are some who speak of Arab silence, but this is wrong. There is full Arab cooperation, especially by those who have signed so-called peace agreements with Israel," Nasrallah said. The Hizbullah leader called on Arabs everywhere to go out into the streets and demonstrate, in order to force their governments to stop the Israeli offensive.
Nasrallah condemned Egypt for casting the responsibility of the condition in Gaza on Hamas.
He attacked Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who in a Saturday press conference said that Hamas, which had been repeatedly warned by Egypt, must bear responsibility for the current situation in Gaza.
"Yesterday, we heard a high-ranking Egyptian leader cast the responsibility on the victim. Can we accept such things from Arabs? Casting the responsibility for this war on the Gaza resistance is embarrassing and saddening," Nasrallah added. "Our nations call on Egypt to help."
Nasrallah said that Israel needed such action on "an electoral level and to salvage the image of the Israeli army." But, he added, "We are not concerned or afraid... We are ready to face any attack on our country."
Nasrallah slams "Arab-Zionist collaboration"
Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, has condemned the Israeli massacre of Gazans and points to the role of certain Arab regimes in conspiring with Israel.
Addressing a large crowd of Lebanese people, Nasrallah said it is very unfortunate to begin the new Islamic year at a time where a huge humanitarian catastrophe has led to the martyrdom of over 300 innocent people and the injuring of over 1,000 in the Gaza Strip by Israel tanks and air strikes.
He said Gazans have two options - Resistance or humiliating surrender - and they are resisting with perseverance.
Nasrallah likened the air strikes on Gaza to the 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that killed more than 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians.
But he said the situation of Palestinians is worse than the 2006 Israeli war with Lebanon.
"What is going on in Gaza right now is in a very clear way a permanent American and Israeli scheme in the region to impose a humiliating settlement with Israeli and American conditions on the rest of the Arabs. The Americans and the Zionists want a settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict. They want it in their own form with their own conditions. The Palestinians, the Lebanese and the Syrians must give in to these conditions according to their plan. The Americans and the Zionists are putting their efforts to impose their conditions through pressure, isolation, blockades, internal divisions, assassinations and so on."
Meanwhile he pointed to the negative role of some Arab countries in what was happening in Gaza and said, "There are some Arab regimes who are truly partners of this project, especially those who signed peace treaties with Israel. They are supporting (the US-Israeli project) politically, psychologically, militarily and culturally through the media… They are contributing to impose the conditions of surrender on the rest of the resistance groups."
Nasrallah said that there are documents that show that some Arab regimes are calling on Israel to destroy Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.
He said he had heard today from some Israeli officials that the magnitude of Arab support for the destruction of the resistance in Gaza is even more than their support to destroy Hezbollah.
The Secretary General also said that certain Arab countries are responsible for some of the internal fighting among Palestinian factions. "These same Arabs armed the Palestinian factions to fight against each other."
He made it clear that the resistance in Palestine and Gaza would keep on saying that "Today the people of Gaza have made their choice - the choice of blood. They are resisting with firmness. Nothing will prevent them, without even anybody's help, from continuing with their resistance, despite bloodshed and martyrdom."
Nasrallah meanwhile criticized Arab media saying, "Some of these Arab satellite channels, which we can call them Hebrew channels and not Arab channels, were showing people in Gaza killed yesterday and today as like somebody killed in some traffic accident in India. Then they show the news going back to normal as if there is no Arab humanitarian catastrophe happening in Gaza."
"We as an Ummah, a nation, must work together to stop this Zionist campaign. We must work in order for this assault not to achieve its aims. We should be able to achieve victory in Gaza although there will be sacrifices of a huge magnitude".
"It is not only the responsibility of the people of Gaza, it is the responsibility of the governments in Arab and Islamic nations. It is the responsibility of the peoples to bring pressure on their governments, which remained silent, to take steps. There is no justification at all for the people to say we have regimes of oppression. We must go out into the streets and raise our voices, put pressure on our governments even if fire was opened on our chests. This is our duty, and who ever falls in this duty on the road to al-Quds is a martyr."
"In this period the United States of America and the Europeans are suffering from financial and economic crisis. But we in the Arab world, we have oil, we have money, we have political stands, our governments and regimes with very little effort, can very easily stop the Zionist assault on the people in Gaza," he said.
Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah strongly criticized the Egyptian government and added, "All of these Arab and Islamic people must head to the streets and call on the Egyptian government. The Egyptian position is the corner-stone in what is going on in Gaza. Nobody has called on Egypt to take up arms and go to war. We are only asking them to open their borders so that food, medicine and water can reach our people in Gaza."
"The Egyptian regime must politically help the people of Gaza so that the assault can be stopped without any preconditions. This is the Egyptian responsibility. The people of the Arab and Islamic world must call on the Egyptian regime to open the borders".
Nasrallah appreciated Syria's role in the 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon and asked for the same from Egypt. "
Syria had opened the borders for us although Israel bombarded the Lebanon-Syria border, and we thanked Syria for it. We are calling on Egypt now to open the Rafah border permanently for those who are alive, not only for those who are injured or martyred."
"We must tell Egypt very strongly this time that if you do not open the Rafah crossing to Gaza people, it means that you are partners in this siege and collaborating with the Israeli regime in the killing of innocent Palestinians. The Egyptian people must pour out into the streets in millions to force their government to open the country's border with the Gaza Strip. If the people took to the streets by the millions, could the police kill millions of Egyptians?"
The Hezbollah leader said that if Egypt did not open the Rafah Crossing to Gaza, it would be considered a partner in the Israeli killing of Palestinians.
He emphasized that if Egypt opens the Rafah crossing and food, water and money reach the people in Gaza, a repetition of what happened in Lebanon would occur. "
Although we are confident of this victory, the people of Gaza are living in hard conditions, and if Gaza stays on its feet, and shows perseverance, the assault will end. Israel cannot stand a long and exhausting war. This enemy will be obliged in the end to stop its assault and its goals will be cancelled."
Lastly, he reminded that Lebanon should remain vigilant to a possible Israeli attack saying, "I have asked the brothers in the resistance, in the south specifically, to be present, on alert and cautious because we are facing a criminal enemy and we don't know the magnitude of its conspiracies."
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