Issues

Updates on the Issues

President Obama's speech in Cairo: crystal clear

By AAI
AAI
Posted on Friday June 5, 2009

In appearances on ABC, NBC Evening News, CNN, Fox News, and BBC World News, and other outlets, Dr. Zogby joined the sentiment of political leaders around the world who hailed the President’s speech as a positive step for US-Arab relations.

Among the major contributions made by this speech, three stand out (the bolded emphasis is ours):

1. The President of the United States made his aspirations for a lasting, peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict crystal clear:
   “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. That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest.”


2. The President also helped make clear the major contributions Islam has made to world civilization:
   “As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
   
   I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.” And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch.”
3. The President opened space in our political discourse to speak about Palestinian suffering and aspirations, describing them in language never before used by political leaders (again, the emphasis in bold is ours):
   “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.”

To read a complete transcript of President Obama’s ground-breaking speech in Cairo, or to watch it, click here.

What can you do?

Arab Americans can play a key role in the weeks to come, acting as a bridge of understanding between two cultures. Let our voices tell the stories of our ancestors who lived in the Middle East and came to the United States, made this country their home. Let our knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures and traditions, and our love for America, act as a guide towards understanding and peace.

As our President said in his speech at Cairo University on June 4: “There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.”

Watch Dr. Zogby this weekend…

If you didn’t have a chance on Thursday evening to watch Viewpoint with James Zogby live, take a moment to watch the show on-line: Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, Representative Brian Baird, and Jeremy Ben-Ami, Executive Director of J Street, discussed President Obama’s speech in Cairo.

Saturday morning, Dr.Zogby will be on CBS’s The Early Show at 8:00 a.m. EDT with former Senator George Allen to discuss President Obama’s visit to the Middle East and Germany.

Dr. Zogby will also be appearing on The Situation Room this weekend, in a lively debate with Liz Cheney – watch CNN at 6:00 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 6^th . Check for local listings, as The Situation Room will air worldwide on Saturday.

There is so much to do…

AAI will be working hard in the coming months to sustain the tremendous strides made in US-Middle East relations in just these few short months:

• We will work with the Department of Justice to ensure that the Administration follows through on Attorney General Holder’s promise to “return to robust civil rights enforcement…in defending religious freedoms.”


• We will report on elections in Lebanon – from Lebanon – and foster a dialog that allows democratically elected representatives from both the US and Lebanon to work together to build stronger relation and a peaceful future in the region.


• We will continue to host meetings among Arab Americans, members of Congress, White House officials, and others, to make sure that the voice of 4 million Arab Americans is heard.


• On June 15, AAI is co-hosting “United for the Two-State Solution: The Popular Mandate for Israeli-Palestinian Peace”, a panel discussion for Hill staffers, with pollsters from J Street, Israel and Palestine on how Israeli, Palestinian, Arab American and Jewish American public opinion supports peace. Watch the AAI website for more information.