OpEdNews - Page 2 of Article: Lecturing the Muslim world: An analysis of parts of Obama's Cairo speech

Obama is spot on. The USA confronts violent extremists who pose a grave threat to OUR (read the USA) security. The USA does not confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to other countries’ security. On the contrary, the USA harbors some of them. (The anti-Castro Luis Posada Carriles for example, convicted of various terrorist attacks in the Western Hemisphere lives in the US).

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. 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. 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. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale.”

If the situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, a very clear picture emerges. Massive killing of civilians, a “moderate” (read US obedient) puppet as leader, resurgence of the Taliban and opium culture going through the roof. Many lives were wasted in search of control over resources and the means to transport them from one country to another (read pipeline). We know that Al Qaeda killed nearly 3000 people on September the 11th. What Obama does not tell us about is why Al Qaeda killed all those people. A “shock of civilization” or a deep hatred rooted in years of colonization, war and killings in the “third world” (or “majority world”) by the USA?

“Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace.

By replacing:

    *      “These extremists” and “they” by “the USA and the West”
    *      “The Holy Koran” by the “Bible”
    *      “Islam” by “Christianity”

You could have a speech made by Hamas, Hezbollah or Al Qaeda.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible.

“Iraq was a war of choice.” Yes it was. “That provoked strong differences in my country.” No it did not. Even if the people were against it, the overwhelming majority of politicians voted for the War and the budget for this war has been constantly approved (by Obama included) so far. Although, by saying “the Iraqi people are better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein” you condone GW Bush’s actions and talk for the Iraqi people. Unfortunately many studies have proven that the Iraqi people were, so far, not better off without the tyranny of Saddam. (They lack access to water, electricity, food, education).

Obama said, “Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own.
“America pursues no bases in Iraq or Afghanistan.” Let's wait a few years and see.

The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

More patronizing from Obama: “You need to make the extremists in your communities unwelcome and isolated.

“The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world…

“…On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”

The Palestinian people have not suffered in pursuit of a homeland. The Palestinian people had a homeland and were kicked out of it in 1948. Obama talks about the intolerable situation in which the Palestinians live in but never, gives the reason. Whose occupation? What state?

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: 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.

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