Key Points: President Obama's Cairo Speech

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Here are some of the key points President Obama raised in his speech titled, "A New Begining" in Cairo, Egypt this morning.

• "We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world...I have come here to Cairo seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition."



• "I know there has 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 all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts..."



• "I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk."



• "...I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear...Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire."



• "Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique."



• "America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people."



• "I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day...9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals."



• "Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity."



• "...part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear...Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire."



• "...there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive...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."



• "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."



• "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."



• "It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path."

Obama's Trip: Complete Coverage

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• Obama "Will Not Forget" Concentration Camp
• "Moment Is Now" For Mideast
• Transcript: Obama & Merkel
• Lara Logan: Arab World Saw Obama's Speech As Historic
• e-Jihadists Rail Against Obama's Speech
• Analysis: New Language Key In Obama Speech
• Obama Urges "New Beginning"
• Full Transcript Of Remarks | Full Video
• Key Passages
• Obama Checks Out Sphinx And Pyramids
• World Watch: Egyptians Hope Obama Words "Turn Into Reality"
• Bob Schieffer: Obama's Speech "Remarkable"
• Reza Aslan: Remarks On Women's Rights Could Start Debate
• Ari Fleischer: Obama Speech Too "Balanced"
• Photo Gallery: Obama In Egypt
• Hot Topic: The Price Of Diplomacy
• Interview With Egyptian Prime Minister
• Opinion: Busting Down Stereotypes In Cairo


• Opinion: What The Syrians Wanted Obama To Say

[dangyankee69]

Let's be real. Just because he says he believes something doesn't make it so.

What he has done here is take the name of God in vain. He has invoked the God's name in an effort to lend legitimacy to his own agenda.

Now we get to see if the Arab world is any better at seeing through the smoke and mirrors than the American people are. Just the fact that for the first time he identifies himself with his middle name. Then expresses his belief in Isra, but still claims to be a Christian.

What next?

[ici2i]

Once those parasites are contained health will be restored and that can only bring relief and joy not only to Palestinians but to all who have stood by us throughout the 60 years of hell those Israelis neanderthals have made us go through for no good reason.
Posted by PhilistineTheArtLover

I'm not a fan of the Israelis and their oppressive and selfish relations with their neighbors either. However, name calling and insults, nor bombs and bullets, will gain you and your casue any points and respect from the west.

Neanderthals eh? That's a good one! Seems to me ancient, stone age thinking is ture on both sides. The modern man should not be a warring man; have we not progressed at all since the neanderthals walked the earth?

[illgenr]

I honestly can't believe the low quality of the commenting here on such a major website. That's all I have to say.

[talaan77]

Obama is busy at home turning the USA into a third world country.

Yet here is travelling around the world reaching out to the Muslims while calling himself a Christian.

Obama nation.
Posted by bothR2blame31
The last time I check Obama was not in office when the financial problems started. I thought reaching out to others is what Christians do.

[talaan77]

Posted by bracemic
You don't have to accept, accept someone elses belief to get along with them, what you must do is accept their right to believe it. They killing of the doctor, abortion, the treatment of gays and I can list more, is christians showing their intolerance and forcing thier issues on others. How often do you see Muslim missionaries in comparison to Muslims

[bracemic]

talaan77: "Your right, because Christianity does not teach tolerance or getting along with others."

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Actually, it does teach tolerance more than any other religion. It is the only one that requires the follower to love and serve all people, including those who hate them and scorn their efforts. The only failure it has to compromise is internal to the believer. A Christian is required not to compromise on his beliefs that the Bible is true and the fact that it teaches that there are some things that are right to do and some that are wrong, according to God's decree. Christianity requires that a follower not resort to moral relativism as most people do these days. This does not affect the people around the Christian. It only makes the people around them mad because the Christain refuses to compromise on what they believe is right and wrong. If "getting along" means accepting that someone else's beliefs are true instead of what the Bible teaches, then it appears that those who oppose Christianity are the ones who refuse to compromise. They refuse to let others believe what they want, while Christians merely offer a choice to believe, not an ultimatum.

[talaan77]

Your right, because Christianity does not teach tolerance or getting along with others.

[ici2i]

to impeachbhb: We've tried it your way for way too long and have finally come to realize as a society that your words are false and you speak with a forked Chritian tongue. You reject all peaceful overtures and all means to achieve peace through predudice and extremism no different than those extremist who would make war on us. You should leave us now and go bother your maker with your hateful words.

[impeachbhb]

Obama is no more a Christian than Bill Graham is a muslim. He uses christianity as a cloak to hide his true islamist, socialist agenda. It is a wonderful strategy and is working. He is a master at diverting our attention from his successes at tearing down our capitaistic, christian society.
Read the Koran so you can be prepared for the new America. Praise be to Allah and Hussein Obama.