“My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy,” Obama said in an interview with the Al-Arabiya satellite television network. “We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect.”
“I have Muslim members of my family. I have lived in Muslim countries,” Obama said.
In his first interview with an Arab television station, United States President Barack Obama Monday told the Muslim world that “Americans are not your enemy” and said Israel and the Palestinians should resume peace negotiations.
See the Al-Arabiya story and video:
http://www.alarabiya.net/english.html
President Obama believes that a new era of understanding can heal difficulties between the U.S. and the Muslim world.
And Muslim like Barack Obama, despite efforts by al-Qaeda to make Obama an enemy.
“He kills your brothers and sisters in Gaza mercilessly and without affection,” an al-Qaeda spokesman declared in a grainy Internet video this month.
Al-Qaeda tried ugly words to demonize Obama. That didn’t work.
Joby Warrick of the Washington Post wrote, “The torrent of hateful words is part of what terrorism experts now believe is a deliberate, even desperate, propaganda campaign against a president who appears to have gotten under al-Qaeda’s skin. The departure of George W. Bush deprived al-Qaeda of a polarizing American leader who reliably drove recruits and donations to the terrorist group.”
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Muslims face discrimination and fight for jobs, religious freedom and recognition in many parts of the world.
France currently faces a troubled record with Muslim immigrants who do not feel a part of the society. Thailand continues to deal with religious trouble between Muslims and Buddhists.
In southern Thailand, the government stands accused of beating and rejecting Muslim refugees that have fled Myanmar. And in parts of Africa, Muslims are engaged in wars with neighbors in sectarian fighting.
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“I think the most important thing is for the United States to get engaged right away,” President Obama told Al-Arabiya TV. “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.”
“Ultimately, we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what’s best for them. They’re going to have to make some decisions,” President Obama said. “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. And that, instead, it’s time to return to the negotiating table.”
Related:
CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS
/01/27/obama.arabia/index.html
Gaza Causes Friction in France, Where Muslims Have “No Chance”
Gaza Fight Thunders Across Middle East, Britain, France, Media
Al-Qaeda Challenge: Dealing With American President Muslims Like
From Politico:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/2009
0127/pl_politico/18016
During the war in Gaza, al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden issued a new audiotape urging Muslims to launch a jihad, or holy war, to stop the Israeli offensive.(AP Photo)
Peace and Freedom Global Future 
January 27, 2009 at 10:14 am |
Obama has exhibited his absolute incompetence and lack of depth in his foreign policy initiatives by appointing his own Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, which promptly undermines the status of Tony Blair who is already officiating as the Middle East mediator on behalf of the world community. It is such unilateral actions without consultations with other important nations or the UN taken by George W Bush which Obama himself railing against in his campaign speeches.
January 28, 2009 at 12:30 am |
What about Bosnia and their moderate Muslims who are terrorized by hostile Croats and especially by Serbs wishing to exterminate the Bosnian Muslims? Who will save Bosnians from Serb terrorists?