Example of Turkey for the Islamic world

US President Obama began his address yesterday with the phrase 'Esselamü aleyküm' (Peace be with you) and continued on to share passages from the Quran. He mentioned Turkey for the first time, and spoke out against the prohibition on veiling. World leaders are assessing the speech as having ‘opened a new page with the Islamic world.’

US President Obama delivered his long-anticipated speech intended to address the Islamic world in Egypt’s capital Cairo. Although State Leader Hosni Mubarek was not present for the speech, he sent his son, considered to be his successor Gamal Mubarek in his place. Obama began his speech by expressing how happy he was to be in Cairo and then proceeded to state the Muslim greeting "As-salaam alaikum." From time to time his speech was interrupted by applause, while he made three references to the Quran and even mentioned hadith. He also made a reference to Turkey and the nation’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.

‘TELLING THE TRUTH’
Expressing that following the September 11^th attacks, there was a wide misperception of Islam, Obama stated; “I have come here for a new start. One speech can not erase all of the distrust. However, in order to go forward we need to speak what is in our hearts. The Quran states; “Know your God and always tell the truth.” Obama went on to describe how he used to wake to the call of prayer in Indonesia, and emphasized that as someone who has studied history he knows that civilizations owe a lot to Islam. 

1-      Obama went on to state that the first issue needed to be dealt with is every type of violence. Obama reminded that he expressed himself clearly in Ankara, where he stated America has never been at war with Islam and never will be. However, Obama went on to state that they will stand up against any sort of exaggerated force that threatens the nation’s security. The U.S. President also stated that at this point the US needs to help Iraq establish a better future and to leave Iraq to the Iraqis.

2-      Obama expressed that everyone knows the US has strong ties with Israel. Ties that cannot be broken. However, Obama went on to state; no one can deny the pain Palestinians have suffered. The situation is unbearable for Palestinians. America will not turn its back on the Palestinians’ need for legal peace, opportunities and the desire to establish their own state. The only solution, Obama went on to express, is living with two states in peach and harmony. Palestinians’ need to put an end to violence. Obama also brought up the issue of slavery in the US, referring to the fact they ended up achieving equality not through violence but through peaceful and decisive determination.

3-      Obama also discussed the issue of nuclear armament and its resulting tension with Iran. No country can dictate who can or can not have nuclear weapons. Obama went on to state that he wanted to emphasize America’s determination to establish a world where no nation harbors nuclear weapons.

4-      “Democracy can not be imposed.” Obama made an emphasis on stating that no government can impose their style on any other nation. However, he went on to express that everyone should be allowed to voice their opinion and to have a voice in how they will be led, as these are not just American values, but are also human rights.