What was the intent of Obama's speech in Egypt?
The speech received a tremendous amount of publicity after some controversial figures were invited, but overall the 55-minute speech stressed tolerance and partnership between East and West.
Seven million Muslims currently reside in the United States and Obama stressed that Islam is a vital part of the country -- with a total of 1,200 mosques, and at least one in every state. The goal of the speech was to address vicious stereotypes and ideally get both sides working together against religious extremism and violence.
“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 one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition,” said Obama.
Throughout the speech Obama made references to the Holy Koran, the Islamic holy book, and said that even though some are pessimistic about these two sides living in peace, it can and will be done.
Obama's Speech Discusses Conquering Stereotypes Between Americans and Muslims
Obama explained to those in attendance at the University of Cairo and the millions of Muslim viewers across the world, that the United States was not an imperial power interested in seizing land or resources.
Islamic extremists throughout the world have declared war or “jihad” on the United States because they believe that Americans are imperialists looking to dominate the Middle East. Obama wanted to debunk this notion.
“Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire,” said Obama.
Of course, any stereotype goes both ways. Obama, a Christian who came from a Muslim family in Kenya and lived in Indonesia for a few years as child, said he will also never stop working to counteract negative stereotypes of Muslims in the United States.
“And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear,” said Obama.
United States and Islamic World Need To Work Together Against Extremism
Obama pointed out that tensions exist between the United States and Muslim world, but rather than pretend they don’t exist he suggested they take the tensions head on. The White House has been reaching out to countries such as Pakistan to work together in finding extremists.
“That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: We must face these tensions squarely,” said Obama.
While the events of September 11 were traumatic for the American people, he told the Muslim world that continued operations in Afghanistan were only to root out extremist groups, such as Al Qaeda, that not only kill Americans but Muslim civilians. He added that if these dangerous groups didn't exist in Afghanistan than U.S. forces would not be present.
Furthermore, he said that 46 countries have joined the United States in Afghanistan for military operations coupled with $2.7 billion for the Afghanistan government to further develop the country’s economy.
Obama described the War in Iraq as a “war of choice,” and said all troops were slated to leave in 2012.
Other topics covered in the speech included relations between Israel and Palestine, religious freedom, the development of democracy and economic opportunities.
A full transcript of the speech is available at the official website of The White House.
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