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Tuesday 20 January 2009

Obama's message to the Muslim world in his inaugural speech...


Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address

By The Associated Press – 20 January 2009

"....Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist
...."

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God bless America. God bless all countries and all peoples.

4 comments:

Tazeen said...

Something else about Swat, thought you might be interested


http://tazeen-tazeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/militants-target-girls-schools-yet.html

Sarah Khan said...

Tazeen, Thank you.

http://letusbuildpakistan.blogspot.com/2009/01/urgent-appeal-sign-this-petition-to.html

Anonymous said...

Was the message to Muslim's a warning? A peaceful yet ominous warning?
Did he mean himself when he stated about those who want to hold on to power by silencing dissent?

Sarah Khan said...

Perhaps a warning to those "who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents". Such criminals do not deserve mercy.

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