Tuesday April 14, 2009
Obama Offers Islam a Handshake
Hilmi Toros
Inter Press Service
On his first visit to a Muslim country this week, U.S. President Barack Obama proposed "a new chapter" in U.S. engagement with the Islamic world. He drew much praise, while some remain skeptical.
"The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam," he told the Turkish Parliament in capital Ankara Monday. "Our partnership with the Muslim world is critical in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject."
His words rang sweet to his audience, a change from statements by former president George Bush, who was not quite so emphatic in offering an embrace to Islam. "America's relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to Al-Qaeda," Obama declared. "Far from it. We seek broad engagement based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."
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