Politics

Key Points: President Obama's Cairo Speech

By Michelle Levi

June 4, 2009 / 6:36 AM EDT / CBS News

(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."

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