President Obama's first speech in a Muslim country took place this morning (our time) in Turkey.
President Barack Obama sought Monday to make American amends with the Islamic world after eight years of tension, declaring in a speech to the Turkish parliament that he is determined to have a “partnership with the Muslim world.”
“Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not – and will never be — at war with Islam,” Obama said in remarks delivered in Ankara. “In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical not just in rolling back the violent ideologies that people of all faiths reject but also to strengthen opportunities for all people.”
Obama’s declaration that the U.S. is not at war with Islam is certain to get huge play throughout the Arab world. ...
... Obama, seeking to mend strains with a critical ally that bridges Europe and the Middle East, acknowledged “difficulties these last few years.”
Turkey, the only majority Muslim country in NATO, refused use of its territory as an invasion route to Iraq.
He spoke in a country that has its own issues with terrorism, oddly enough, from our friends the Kurds:
As America and Iraq are targeted by al Qaeda terrorists, Turkey has been dealing with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), President Obama explained. The PKK fights for self-rule in part of Turkey, launching attacks from hideouts in Iraq and Mr Obama has promised US support against those assaults.
The Obama address follows up on Secretary of State Clinton's visit to the Muslim nation of Indonesia.
The visit is sure to reignite the nutty "Obama is a Muslim" crowd on the right. Wait for it...Labels: Islam, Muslims, Obama administration, President Barack Obama |
