Discuss: Obama speaks on Islam in Cairo

It's not really what I think, it's what people in the other countries think. My worry is there are phrases that do not translate well, and something simple can change the meaning of the speech. I would like to assume that the speech writers took this into consideration but do not have any hopes of this becasue of the "reset" fiasco.

Unfortunately the people he spoke to are not the people we are worried about. Relations are good to have with other countries, but I am afraid the radicals will feed upon this as a cry from Obama for mercy. This is based upon how they have used past actions against us (most famously "Black Hawk Down").

My only big question was why was Obama so worried about his Muslim roots during the election? I feel this will hurt him more politically in the US, not for his heritage but for hiding it. People will feel like they were sold a false bill of goods.

He had a chance this week to denounce extremism in two cases in the US, but chose only to denounce one. Both incidents were committed by terrorists. We missed an opportunity to denounce extermism on two different fronts, but becasue of political correctness we failed.

I have two points:
1. Obama cannot come up with a methodology that seeks for answers to the question what if a democratic step in an authoritarian country -say, voting, in the Egyptian, Algerian or Palestinian example- helps radical political movements flourish? I cannot even ask what the solution is, because there is no easy solution. But my question is, what is your methodology to look for a solution? There is one that Obama can introduce, but would be too challenging: to perceive political, social, economic reforms altogether when it comes to international relations. Saudi Arabia showed that economic wealth may even turn counter- productive if there is no fertile democratic ground. Palestine proves democratic steps can prove counter-productive if they are not accompanied by a freer domestic and international environment -the illegal occupation, and inferior living conditions of Palestinians-. So, instead of singling out aspects, a 'Gestalt' approach is necessary.
2. Talking about Palestine, Obama was very careful on his remarks. But I hope he understands that previous US governments helped the Palestinian issue to turn into an icon of global injustice. It's his job to clean up this mess. That's why I expect the 'real' speech on the issue would be coming from the hometown, and soon, in order to avoid annulment of this whole trip.

ANTI-OBAMA RHETORIC AND SUCH!

WHAT A JOKE, WHAT AN ABSOLUTE JOKE. TO SEE AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT BEND OVER AND TRY TO PLEASE THE REST OF THE WORLD SO HARD IS A JOKE. HE CONTINUES TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE UNITED STATES, HE TRULY BELEIVES THAT WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED AS A COUNTRY. MEANWHILE HE STRAPS ON THE KNEE PADS AND KISSES THE RING OF THE KING.
HE IS GOING TO BANKRUPT THIS COUNTRY AND OUR FUTUTRE GENRATIONS WILL ULTIMATELY PAY THE PRICE. LONG LIVE KING OBAMA? NO I HOPE HE FAILS. I HOPE ACORN FAILS. AND MOST OF ALL HILARY LOOKS LIKE AN IDIOT

Charles Hurt of the New York Post put it best:
"Obama thanked them for everything from algebra to the pen, though he curiously failed to mention that they often throw people in prison for using it.
He even went so far as to tell the audience that he considers "it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear."
And anyway, where exactly is that in the oath of office he took?"
This will go down in history as the Obama Kumbaya speech - can't we all just get along? It pails in comparison to Reagan's speech at the Berlin Wall in which he demanded that Gorbacov tear down the wll.

IF I USE ALL CAPS IT MEANS I AM SCREAMING

I thought it was a very appropriate speech. He spoke in a manner that to some Americans will appear humbling, but the world needs this. America's image is one of total power and greed, and Obama is the man of the moment. I pray nothing happens to him. Problems in the ME are so extremely complicated. I believe he did a wonderful job. Diane d'Almeida

As well-intended and carefully crafted as this speech is, I think it only serves to feed the flames.

The USA was never at war with Islam. President Bush was careful to define Islam as a "religion of peace", and that the terrorists (sorry; "perpetrators of man-caused disasters") were perverting Islam for their own twisted ends.

The notion that the US has been at war with Islam (as opposed to, for want of a better word, terrorists who happen to claim Islam as their cause) has been promoted by those who already hate the US, and accepted by some in the US who deplore what others consider a grim necessity. This speech by President only Obama only serves to validate the notion that Islam was ever considered our enemy, and justify the hatred and anger that has already been stirred up.

Good speech but wrong on France and headscarves- giving into superstitions- Islamic, Christian or otherwise rather than confronting them gives them more power

The speech is a debacle. How can the US bridge an understanding without building people to people relationship instead of the people to dictator's relationship, which we currently have with Arab countries. Obama should have called for Arab countries to open up and allow American Civil Society to open offices in Arab countries.

Obviously an emotive issue.
The intent is good, we'll see if the President can get results.
I do think he needs to be careful to demonstrate an understanding that there is a Middle East "issue" and a Muslim "issue". I think speeches in Cairo should address the former, while a speech in Indonesia would be a better forum to address the latter. Remember that Osama Bin Laden and Afghanistan are not to be found in the middle east!

Obama may have better luck appealling to reason there than at home...

It is just a sign of the time.
Going forward in reverse.
God help us all.

Why do we as Americans feel the need and or desire to reach out and make peace with the Muslim world? What did we do to start this conflict? I recall a nice fall day in Sept of 2001 that started this. Yet here our President feels the need to go over there to make peace? Why not them come here and make peace with us?

I'm still waiting for a "Muslims against Terrorism!" organization. We have a college professor as a president.

I think Obama is fair and right. He does not hate the US but he acknowledges our mistakes and strengths, as he does of others. It is the Golden Rule applied to international relations. That, not tanks and bombs, can bring real peace if we will be patient.

Bob,
truer words have never been sproken. He should be teaching liberal stuff at Harvard.

TG, because it's our fault. Just ask crazy people on the left. We caused it.... Always our fault.

Doug,
You will never get it. It does not matter what we do because they will always hate us. It's not going to change as much as your liberal heart wants it to. You are living in candy land, but it will never get through you thick head.

Obomba didn't say anything really new.

Until the sheep wake up to the fact that 911 was an obvious inside job, they'll continue to live in a world of boogey men created by western intelligence.

There are now over 200 smoking guns that debunk the governments 911 fairytale. That includes forensic proof that the sophisticated military explosive "NANO THERMATE" littered the WTC complex after the demolitions. Google it for yourself. Don't expect to read about this in the completely controlled major media.

The Sheep still think the planes caused the all THREE WTC buildings to implode even though NIST itself says this isn't true. Of course, WTC7 wasn't hit by a plane and still imploded at 5:20pm in the afternoon. Google it.

Yo sheep. OBL is not wanted by the FBI for 911 because they have no "hard evidence" he was involved. Google it for yourself then ask why you never heard about it in the MSM. Go to the FBI "Most Wanted" web site and you'll see OBL is NOT listed as being a suspect for 911.

Baaaahhhh........your ignorance will be your downfall, sheep.

"It is the Golden Rule applied "
you are very naive, my dear friend.
This is NOT how the world works--please take of those rose colored glasses now.
How pathetic was that speech? "Sorry, sorry, sorry"-He needs to grow a spine and say what needs to be said--and NEVER apologize (For what I have no idea-we haven't done a darn thing wrong...NOTHING)

On behalf of my father who fought in WW2, I would just like to apologize to all Europeans for my father's part in their liberation. There, now I feel better.

I wish to apologize for the failures of the American educational system, especially the ones in VA (though Bob sounds home-schooled) for the rampant idiocy displayed in these comments

there will always be right wing lunatics who would rather shout about american pride and bomb all who do not agree with us. there will always be over the top liberals who think everything should be given to everybody. but this guy made a blunt and honest speech, and if any of us can actually get over ourselves long enough to see that we're all just people who want to live and work and grow along with our families in peace and on our own terms, that was the speech to give. i love this country. my father and brother and uncle and grandfather went to war for this country. but i have no problem with telling it like it is, whether it dulls our chants of "USA, USA" or not. good speech.

Bush and Cheneyt are responsible for the death of more than 5000 of our best men and women and for more 600,000 Iraqis. These are 600,000 MUSLIMS
for those of us americans hwo do not know.

No body is apologizing for any body here - Bush and Cheney tried their way and THEY FAILED - just look at Afghanstan and Pakistan -

Obama understands and many other american officials before him ( aka Bush Sr. and James Baker), that as long as Isreal is above the law and is allowed to humiliate, take land, and kill muslims in that part of the world- with our support - we will not be safe - IT IS THAT SIMPLE my friends

They promised

Barry is the bomb!
Limbaugh lemmings will scour the speech looking for something, anything to show Barry is a socialist...but he's always three steps ahead of the nitwits...lets do away with Potus term limits Obama in 2016!

I support President Obama. That said, cooperation in the struggle with religious extremism is a universal rallying cry that applies equally to Americans.

Not all foreigners hate Obama or dislike his ideology...

Hugo Chavez said yesterday that he and Fidel Castro are now more conservative that Obamanation, even suggesting that was helpful to him. Even Newsweek reports that the media is in the tank for Obamanation. His pick for a Supreme Court Justice, Sotomayor, has the worst record of being overturned (60%), and was rated as having the worst courtroom demeanor. She plainly stated that Latina women are better for the Court than while men. Could you imagine if a white guy made a similar comment pushing the superiority of white men. Why her? (Because she has his demented world view).

Yet the stupidity of the electorate with its Pavlovian response (read any of ontheleft's posts) is the greatest threat this country has ever had with this radical ideology. (See Chavez reference above).

Anyone here who voted for Obamanation planning on voting him in again?

Worst presidential speech I've ever heard. Full of lies, deceit, false humility and undue praise. It should have come with a warning label and a vomit bag.

A sad day for the Western World and another day the Obama fails to understand America and its greatness. He is a failure and a moron. At least some liberals are realizing they made a mistake voting for him. Are there any adults in this administration?

another photo-op for Obama. Next we'll see him having lunch with Bin Laden apologizing for our lack of understanding of the Muslim terrorist. Pleeeez, spare me the let's all get along. Nobody likes us, they never did. They likED our money. Period. And now we don't even have that since Obama has spent our money for the next 5 generations.

I said it from the time this moron ran for the Presidency...he is a joke...a lying joke at that! This guy ran as a moderate and the morons that voted for him...see Independents and moderate Dems and Repubs.... were the deciding factors to victory! What a bunch of ignorant fools! I hope you sleep well at night casting that vote. I know I don't sleep well knowing that so many ignorant people actually vote! At least I don't have voting for Barry on my conscience. Oh, did I mention the record deficit that Mr. Barry and his administration is adding to the tab for next year and quite possibly the next 10 years? Moderate? Right…

P.S. Barry…I don’t care how much positive stuff your speech writers can dig up to impress the Muslims…they will still hate us and they will always hate us…so GET OVER IT AND STOP APOLOGIZING FOR US!

another photo-op for Obama. Next we'll see him having lunch with Bin Laden apologizing for our lack of understanding of the Muslim terrorist. Pleeeez, spare me the let's all get along. Nobody likes us, they never did. They likED our money. Period. And now we don't even have that since Obama has spent our money for the next 5 generations

NO truer words have been posted. Bravo!

For all those saying all he did was apologize for America's actions, you obviously did not read the transcript of the speech. He addressed these issues head-on and spoke very bluntly about tolerance, religious freedoms, women's rights, terrorism, democracy and nuclear proliferation. He wasn't sugar coating anything with candy canes, lillipops or rainbows. He painted America in the light that it is an example for the hopes and aspirations of all humanity and the principles we all hold in common. He made America look strong and compassionate, not weak and apologetic. I love this country and I am proud to be an American. Well done Mr. President.

Hear hear, Okbyme! (#23) Well said.

Ditto, RT (#33).

He addressed these issues head-on and spoke very bluntly about tolerance, religious freedoms, women's rights, terrorism, democracy and nuclear proliferation

Then apologized for being so "mean" when someone went against those issues.
Whatever. I knew his foreign policy (especially with Hillary at the helm) was going to be a bunch of butt kissing.
Don't think the terrorists won't strike now. They smile to your face and while they plant the knife in your back as you walk away.

Can't you see that this type of approach helps to delegitimize Al Qaida and other "Death to America" lunatics. OBL sounds even more the fool when he rails against Obama and America while Obama is being level-headed, respectful, and commanding. Bush gave OBL his perfect foil to advance his adgenda; Obama undermines OBL completely.

Listen to or read the speech.

Posted by Slash June 4, 09 02:16 PM

Slash, those who don't see your very obvious point are, frankly, too similar to al-Qaeda and bin Laden to be able to see it. I always find it fascinating that, in their crawl-under-the-bed fears, their responses sound as foam-at-the-mouth deranged as do those "messages" from bin Laden or any of his fellow travelers. And this president continues to offer calm and reason as antidotes to lunacy. No wonder the equally absurd (and amazingly similar) reactions of both al-Qaeda and the American right wing.

Blah, Blah, Blah Obamabots. Can you have a conversation without bringing Bush into the equation for once? Bush is no longer President so get over it! RT...he spoke of nothing! Nothing that every other President before him hasn't said! The only thing he has that they didn't is Muslim heritage...which is stretching it since he converted to Baptist...which by the way, is more of a slap in the face to the Muslim community. He is more of an infidel then anyone else! The guy is a joke, plain and simple. I did read the transcript by the way...its funny how Barry didn't mention, terrorists or terrorism in the whole speech. I guarantee this President looks very weak in the eyes of the Muslim community.

CNN poll shows 48 % of Americans thought this was an "excellent speech", another 16% said it was a "good" speech, only 25 % thinks it was a poor speech. so i guess majority agrees with what the said.

its always the extreem rights or the lefts that make so much noise in the media as we can see here

I see Obama reaching out to the muslim world and I see the muslim world reacting with alot of skepticism and that just irritates me. For once, I would love to see acknowledgement from the Muslim world that their oppressive regimes, which deny equality to women, and have no respect for human rights whatsoever, who keep their people in poverty, might, just might be responsible for some of the despair that would drive people to terrorism as the answer. Far easier to blame America for everything. America's certainly not perfect, but we should hardly shoulder all the blame. A little unclenching from that side would be nice to see.

Shane (#38) - Seriously?! Come on. He spoke firmly about violence, lobbing rockets at sleeping children, blowing up old ladies on buses, etc. What do you call that? So he didn't use the words "terrorist" or "terrorism". Only someone so caught up in semantics, with no real interest in the content of the speech, would care. Did it occur to you that using words like "terrorist" with that particular audience would be needlessly incendary and would carelessly distract from the substance of his message? Only a fool would undermine the points he was trying to make by deliberately antagonizing his listeners in such a hamfisted fashion. Give the man some credit.

Sorry, meant Shane (#39).

Posted by Shane June 4, 09 02:59 PM

What is it with you righties? I thought you guys loved Bush. You sure as hell did when he was in office. And aren't you guys still talking Reagan? You see, Shane, this isn't a TV drama. It doesn't resolve in an hour. This country is in a world of hurt because of Bush. He may be gone, but cleaning up the damage he did will take years. So, like it or not, you're going to continue to hear about him and Cheney and the rest of the lying, stealing, warmongering, torturing thugs who damn near destroyed this country on their watch. So you'll simply have to get over it.

I am not a foreign policy expert, but I am a Christian. Anyone who believes in God - Christian, Jewish, Muslim - is called to pray for and to work for unity among people and among nations. If President Obama can get countries to work together, while at the same time being realistic about terrorists who don't want peace, then I say more power to him and God bless him!

Part of Obama's strength is the way he appeals to people's better selves, at the same time remaining grounded to the real world and its problems. We'll see where he can take it from here, but this is a very good start.

Obama should be tried for that sell out pathetic speech. He is the joke of the world, and all the depots are salivating and waiting for their moments to strike. And they will strike. Biden knew it during the campaign - trying to solicit cover.

There are news stories every day demonstrating this: N. Korea, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Hamas.

The US has done more for Muslims than any other country in history.

When Hugo Chavez says is he more conservative than Obama, and you have the mindless lemmings like ontheleft supporting this world view of surrender, apology and WEAKNESS, the next election cycle can't come fast enough.

Obama just gave Israel the green light to take out the nuclear sites with his express endorsement of the nuclear program. Obama rejoices in Iran's nuclear program but gets in the way of it here.

Posters like ontheleft with have more blood on their hands (in addition the all the murders from enabling abortion) when they strike.

There is one word to describe this disgrace: WEAK.

Posted by KJR June 5, 09 10:56 PM

And posters like you have the blood of hundreds of thousands of their fellow human beings on their hands. Obama should be tried? Sure, KJR. And the charges are...what? Offending your poor sensibilities? Not kissing up to you and your corrupt hierarchy? Of course, your mass murderer Bush should be worshipped, right?

By the way, since you used the term "lemming", KJR, who is it who has proudly stated that he gets his perspective entirely from the Vatican? You, I believe. You are a lemmiong blindly following a corrupt bunch of old men in robes and old men in suits. Pathetic.