Obama Embraces Islam, Seeking Common Ground

News Media Opposing Views

VancouverSun.com

U.S. President Barack Obama waves to the audience before delivering a speech in the Grand Hall of Cairo University Thursday. Obama sought a 'new beginning' between the United States and the Muslim world on Thursday but offered no new initiative to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an omission likely to disappoint many.

Main View

Obama, who wants to build a coalition of Muslim governments to back his diplomatic moves, affirmed his commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

NationalPost.com

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the Grand Hall of Cairo University in Cairo, June 4, 2009. Mr. Obama told world Muslims on Thursday that violent extremists have exploited tensions between the United States and Muslims around the world

Main View

President Barack Obama sought a "new beginning" between the United States and Muslims around the world in a major speech on Thursday but offered no new initiative to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Quotes of Interests

Quotes From President Obama:

• "We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world -- tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate"
• "America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition."

Quotes From Others:

• "President Obama's speech is a good start and an important step towards a new American policy," Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rdainah said.
• "This speech was very inspiring and I think many people will welcome it, because he tried to be neutral and honest and objective," said Khalil al-Anani, political analyst at Egypt's al-Ahram Foundation.
• "The Islamic world does not need moral or political sermons. It needs a fundamental change in American policy," said Hassan Fadlallah, a lawmaker for Lebanon's Hezbollah.
• "It's a public relations address more than anything else," said Mohamed Habib, deputy leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.

Editors Look

With so much that President Obama did and did not say, much becomes fuzzy logic for the listener.  I get the overall sense that his followers think he has some secret reset button and with a single press there will be peace, if he gives enough speeches everyone will eventually go his way.  That Iran will magically not use their nuclear “energy” program for weapons, Israel will be safe and the masses will live in harmony.  Does he really believe that is true but his beliefs may bring more division then unity. It was a speech that danced around the issues, gave no real insight on America’s Middle East foreign policy “which is?” and no, a speech is not a substitute.  How about mentioning in the speech president Obama that America has fought a series of wars in the Balkans and the Middle East on behalf of the Muslim nations and peoples.  It has brought no harm to Muslims around the world and is vastly a freer in every aspect of the word. 

At the end of the day there was nothing so wrong with the principles of his speech but he always presents himself as a global citizen and first and foremost he must be a citizen of his own country.  He can talk about abandoning violence and curbing hatred but where are the solutions, can we see more then talk and I am not suggesting more apologies.

So feel free to weigh in, get to the bottom of the truth, read the newscasts, make your own assumptions but keep to the true facts.  Ask yourself how does this effect my country, your life, your family and your principles. America is a big machine and for better or worse it’s a machine that helps feed the world, free the enslaved and give aid where needed.

Simple Facts:

• Current US Administration Believes in “Transnational Progressivism”, it’s a belief that the United States should adhere to agreements and international codes, basically this belief leads to a diminished national sovereignty.
• Obama has no Middle East policy.
• The president said “progress” eleven times.
• He said there are 7 million American Muslims (Study after study has found that demographic figure about three times too high.)
• 6,000-word address to the Muslim world.