Obama Calls for "Walls to Come Down"

In U.N. Speech, President Seeks "A New Era of Engagement" But Also Says U.S. Won't Go It Alone

(CBS/AP)  Updated 12:05 p.m. ET

President Barack Obama exhorted world leaders on Wednesday to step up and do their part in tackling global challenges in promoting security and prosperity rather than waiting for America to do it alone.

"The people of the world want change," Obama said in his first address to the U.N. General Assembly. "They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history." (Read Obama's remarks in full)

While Obama continues to be popular around the world, he has struggled with many international issues, including the war in Afghanistan, negotiating peace between Israelis and Palestinians and winning passage of climate change legislation ahead of a global conference in December.

The U.N. speech comes one day before Obama hosts a two-day meeting of the world's major economies in Pittsburgh, where he is likely to encounter resistance to his proposals aimed at correcting global imbalances that many believe contributed to the worldwide recession.

In an era where fast-moving technology binds people across borders and old divides, Obama called for "a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect."

"The time has come to realize that the old habits, the old arguments, are irrelevant to the challenges faced by our people," he said."They lead nations to act in opposition to the very goals that they claim to pursue -- and to vote, often in this body, against the interests of their own people. They build up walls between us and the future that our people seek, and the time has come for those walls to come down."

Obama said he will never apologize for defending U.S. interests. But he sought to dispel what he said has become "an almost reflexive anti-Americanism" that has swept the globe.

To do so, Obama offered a litany of policy changes and actions his administration had undertaken during his first nine months in office, with the overarching message that the United States has no interest in a go-it-alone stance and instead wants to act as an equal partner with others on the world stage.

"Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone," Obama said in an address that carried a remarkably blunt tone.

"The time has come for the world to move in a new direction," Obama said. "Our work must begin now."

"In an era where our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero-sum game," Obama said. "No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. That is the future America wants."

He spoke to a packed chamber at the United Nations, receiving applause when he entered from even the likes of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not join in the applause. Throughout Obama's remarks, the president received polite applause several times.

Obama called on fellow leaders to help bring about a nuclear weapons-free world, to increase security from terrorists and promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians, to tackle climate change and to create more economic opportunity.

He said that Iran and North Korea "must be held accountable" if they continue to put their pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of international security.

"The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise and that treaties will be enforced."

Obama has said the door is open to Iran to discuss the issue, but that U.S. patience is not limitless. He has taken the same position with respect to the reclusive communist regime in North Korea.

Gadhafi Hijacks Spotlight at U.N.
Will Obama and Iranian Leader Cross Paths?
U.N. Chief Addresses World Leaders

On the warming planet, he said "the danger posed by climate change cannot be denied - and our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred."

The president said "this is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over." He said he understood the temptation of nations to put economic recovery from recession ahead of work to address climate change, but said that must not be allowed to happen.

Obama's speech is the centerpiece of a dizzying agenda that will also see him holding pivotal meetings with the new Japanese prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

He foreshadowed his message to world leaders in a speech Tuesday to the Clinton Global Initiative. He spoke of nations interconnected by problems, whether a flu strain or an economic collapse or a drug trade that crosses borders.

"Just as no nation can wall itself off from the world, no one nation - no matter how large, no matter how powerful - can meet these challenges alone," Obama said.

While that point is hardly new, it is sharper because of the political context. Obama follows Bush, who at times questioned the U.N.'s toughness and credibility, particularly in containing Iraq's Saddam Hussein. The U.S.-U.N. relationship wilted.

Obama's team is intent on drawing the contrast.

"The United States has dramatically changed the tone, the substance and the practice of our diplomacy at the United Nations," said Susan Rice, Obama's ambassador to the U.N.

But multilateralism has its limits, particularly as national interests collide.

Obama needs the sway of Russia and China in getting tougher U.N. action against Iran over its potential nuclear weapons program, and neither country is showing interest.

While other world leaders could push for Mideast peace, it was Obama who personally intervened in pulling together the Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Tuesday. He showed some impatience as both sides have been stalled over familiar issues.

Later, Obama was meeting with Medvedev. That session comes just days following Obama's decision to abruptly scrap a Bush-era missile defense plan in Eastern Europe that Russia deeply opposed, swapping it for a proposal the U.S. says better targets any launch by Iran.

Watch: New Approach on Missile Defense

Russian leaders rejoiced over Obama's move, but he dismissed any role Russia may have played and called it just a bonus if the country is now less "paranoid" about the U.S.

More Coverage of Obama's U.N. Visit
Obama to Mideast Leaders: Time to Do More
Mark Knoller: Obama Frustrated, Impatient With Mideast Peace Process
Washington Unplugged: Don't Expect Much from U.N. Summit
U.N. Climate Summit Leaves Large Carbon Footprint
Photo Essay: World Leaders Talk Climate Change
Obama's U.N. Debut: A Dizzying Agenda

[loveandpeace2]

Obama is destined to become one of the great presidents. For those who ask "what has he done?", I can only say PAY ATTENTION. The economy has started to rebound, the recession has ended and we are starting to dig our way out. How fast was this supposed to happen? After 8 years of Bush/Cheney and their ilk, the US's problems are supposed to be magically repaired in 9 months? He did not create the problems, but he is starting to correct it. The uber conservative right wing does nothing but make smarmy comments about him reading a teleprompter and that's about it. Oh, and the socialism thing. How funny that one of the people protesting his health plan held up a sign that said "Keep government out of my Medicare." What? If Medicare isn't government run, "socialized" medicine, then I don't know what is. Try taking it away from those who are screaming the loudest. He's also trying to repair the hate the world has for the US...all a direct result of the previous administration. I'm not saying he's perfect, but he is what we need. He is the calm after the storm. What are you afraid of? That he will be right? Like he says, if you come up with something better - tell him. What's that? You have no answers? That's what I thought. What do YOU think should be done? What solutions do YOU have? Instead of spewing bile, why don't YOU do something? Start by holding real discussions about real issues and work together to come up with a solution. And stop believing every stupid thing you read on the internet.

[RobertSugg]

He may be best positioned to announce a space solar power program for the benefit of all mankind. He has other things on his plate at the moment.

[inmom63]

Just a small question. While Mr. Obama was giving his speech at the U.N. today...there was a shot of Michelle sitting there. Since when do wives go to work with their husbands? Were other heads of state wives there?

[democracy1]

What the hoot does THAT have to do with ANYTHING!? LORD, you people are such DESPERATE haters!

[wardogos]

Walls coming means the Illegals are getting legalized

[notsouthern]

Imagine all the southern Republicon phony Christian's flocking to the immunization centers for their unnecessary flu shots when they are not on the "top priority list?" knowing at the same time that their bitter hatred for all non-white's is the only reason that they are flocking for life as their southermn culture of hate know's it? I lived near the I-10 corridor once. I know what I am writing about to be true!

[mljohns00]

The walls came down, but they were only the walls of Qaddafi's tent in New York.

[VonnaWright]

Who the blankedy=blank does he think he is? Ronald Reagan? I knew Ronald Reagan, and believe me, he ain't no Ronald Reagan.

[wdh3007]

Obama- "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements,".

The president should speak for himself or say he does not except continued settlements in Israel. I would say America really doesn't care about settlements and could care less if Israel built over every piece of land in the entire country.

[randomlybanned]

Obama, as hard as you may try, sir, you will never achieve the greatness of Ronald Reagan and your speeches (about 275 since taking office) are ringing very hollow!

[democracy1]

Yeah, the "greatness" of Reagan that brought you deregulation and trickle down economics, or as Bush Sr. called it , "VOODOO economics"--the TRUE source of our current financial straits.

[reveal5]

The fringers who post on these blogs and vent their antagonism on talk radio are always uninformed and think they are on topic. These folks are so filled with half truths and misinformation that they never actually participate in reasonable discourse concerning any topic. They may have a clue as to a particular fact regarding a topic, but, they always stretch any fact beyond recognition and assemble the fact with so much incorrect and hyperbolic misstatement of fact that they actually do not discuss anything at all..They think they are involved in the public discourse. The truth is that their inherent incapacity to gather, recognize, and assimilate real information always leaves them on the sidelines of any factual, reasonable, or rational discussion regarding any topic. They simply do not know the difference.

[nekedman]

here comes his one world government....i hope all of the people that voted for this fool is happy because your gonna get screwed just like all of us that didn`t vote for him...impeach his lying azzzz and get rid of him overhaul the government an start all over again

[lovegetpeace]

nekedman,

I always wonder why the Confederates and Southerners were never allowed to create their own Republic. This way the rest of us can live united in peace.

[kevjustice]

How about bringing down the U.S. walls of embargo on Cuba.

[lovegetpeace]

Hey kevjustice,

When the Embargo of Cuba is eliminated, Cuba will be richer than Japan.

[lovegetpeace]

Hey RobertSugg,

What's even worst than our Mass Media is WE THE PEOPLE because we support these media outlets by subscribing to it with our own money.

In other words, the same Evil Greed of Capitalism destroys Democracy beside our Economy!

Capitalism works best in Communism where there is little human rights and Greed is firmly controlled by a strong central Government.

[wmsshields]

If Obama does to unite the world, what he is doing to unite America, start digging a bomb shelter NOW.

[dgal878]

What an idiot you people elected!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[areuforreal]

no the idiot left office on Jan.20 2009

[wmsshields]

"Obama said he will never apologize for defending U.S. interests. But he sought to dispel what he said has become "an almost reflexive anti-Americanism" that has swept the globe." This is an unbelievable quote from this article; if I remember, Obama spent about a month apologizing on behalf of America, all over the world, and since then has done absolutely nothing but ignore U.S. interests. (See: unemployment, deficit, national debt, spiraling foreclosures, CIA investigations, dismissal of Black Panther charges, socialist czars, tax-avoiding cabinet and congressional leaders, buyouts of industry by government,.....)

[rplat]

"by doctor_know September 23, 2009 4:33 PM EDT
You are confused. GW Bush is why we are un-respected now. Obama's global approval rating is actually extremely hight right now."

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Nonsense. In the non third world countries he's being laughed at.

[RobertSugg]

Rplat, you give yourself away. You got that brilliant talking point from Rush Limbaugh TODAY. Rush Limbaugh lies his way into his paychecks. He attempts to separate the good from the good. He proudly announces his intent to sow chaos in our political system. He is the undereducated buffoon telling us all what to think. He, and his imitators, are the reason McCain rose, and Obama was elected. He is on borrowed time, and good will triumph.

[TheMasses2002]

This POtuS is a sick fraud.

[rplat]

Ah yes, the walls are coming down . . . each day we come closer and closer to breaching the wall and entering "idiocracy". This poor sick Republic is in deep, deep trouble.

[jackp32]

If treaties will be enforced as Oh!Bama says and we have no atomic bombs but the other guy does because he violated a treaty, I would like to know what the "King" thinks he can do about it other than retreating to the bunker below the Whitehouse.

[timing20002000]

IF THE GOP AND IDEOLOGY OF THE REPUBLICANS DO NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES RACISTS, THEN WHY DO THEY CONDONE THE BEHAVIOR OF RACISTS AT THEIR RALLIES. The Faux news channel and right wing followers allow these extremist to take over their party. I left the party in 2008. I have no intentions on going back. Neither do most independents. Keep your party and your Gov. Sanford, Sen. Ensigh values.