Obama tells Muslims, 'Americans are not your enemy'

by 158 | January 27, 2009 at 06:08 am

498 views | 12 Recommendations | 10 comments

One problem is that the worst

groups, Hamas al Qaeda, Hezbollah

have decided the USA is their worst enemy.

In one of his first interviews since he took office, President Barack Obama struck a conciliatory tone toward the Islamic world, saying he wanted to persuade Muslims that "the Americans are not your enemy" and adding that "the moment is ripe for both sides" to negotiate in the Middle East.

His remarks, recorded in Washington on Monday night, signaled a shift - in style and manner at least - from the Bush administration, offering a dialogue with Iran and what he depicted as a new readiness to listen rather than dictate.

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"Ultimately we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what is best for them. They are going to have to make some decisions," President Obama has told the Arab TV channel al-Arabiya in an interview broadcast today, Reuters reports.

"But I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people," Obama adds. "And that instead, it's time to return to the negotiating table."

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con10t

at 08:01 on January 27th, 2009

158, why do you insist on raining on Obama's goodwill parade, and dampening peace with your 'foregone conclusions', your 'unfounded prejudgments', your adding fuel to a fire.

Were you as indefatigable in the aim of tolerance, trust, courage and peace as you are in quick chances to poke a hate innuendo against some Middle East officials outside of Israel, we would be on our way to a better life for all. Sure, there are problems. But it is the sign of an exploitative and ill-willed politician or lobby group to exploit rather than solve a problem. Try to solve this and quit fanning embers in the hopes of enflaming.

It's time for that. speak of what borders you acept for Palestine? What aid you are willing to give them to rebuild? What liberty and freedom you will open for Palestine? What weapons, nuclear and diabolical, you will protest against in Israel. Things like that...

158

at 08:42 on January 27th, 2009

I commend Obama for saying this. I wish him success.

What did I judge?

The groups I named have said openly the US is their enemy.

Accusing someone of hate after your remarks on Israel is hypocritical. In what way do you promote trust between Israel and Arabs.

I am not a politician and I belong to no group. Please remember your words here when you preach hate of Israel.

I can give Palestine or Israel nothing. I cannot draw the borders.

Borders must be negociated. It will not be easy. Jerusalem would be the biggest problem. The border with Gaza is set but could be adjusted. In the west bank, some Israeli settlements would have to be removed, some would have to remain Israeli. Compromise is the key.

If there is agreement and a peace treaty Palestine should have the tights of all other nations.

Arms, weapons, control of borders. Israel would have the same rights.

The citizens should have full freedom and human rights.

Both countries should live in peace, not attack the other, engage in fair trade.

Gaza would need help to recover. Maybe $2 billion each from Arabs, Europe, US, technical help from Egypt and Israel.

No one would get all they want but it would be better than war.

158

at 08:28 on January 27th, 2009

I don't know how to link it. I could delete it. Let me know.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 08:33 on January 27th, 2009

158, Sanjay Jha's story is referenced to the right of the screen under "Related Stories" and, because your story offers a different perspective, I do not think it is necessary to delete it.

158

at 12:09 on January 27th, 2009

Thanks to both of you.

158

at 12:23 on January 27th, 2009

To clarify facts there are only 1 billion Muslims so the US could not attack billions of them.

My opinion of the US governments and corporations is not high either but you exaggerate.

Obama will not end US support for Israel and has no power to force them to do anything.

Good neighbors requires good on both sides.

Uwe Paschen

at 12:46 on January 27th, 2009

The term Muslim world (or Islamic world) has several meanings. In a cultural sense it refers to the worldwide community of Muslims, adherents of Islam. This communitynumbers about 1.3-1.5 billion people, roughly one-fifth of theworld population. This community is spread across many different nations and ethnic groups connected only by religion. In a historical or geopolitical sense the term usually refers collectively to Muslim majority countries or countries in which Islam dominates politically.

The worldwide Muslim community is also known collectively as the ummah. Islam emphasizes unity and defense of fellow Muslims, although many divisions of Islam (see the Sunni-Shia relations) exist. In the past both Pan-Islamism andnationalist currents have influenced the status of the Muslim world.