[The Independent, U.K.]
The Nation,
Pakistan
Obama Must Make
Real His Belief in Koranic Principles
"But
if he truly endorses the Koranic aphorism he quoted, that 'whoever kills an
innocent, it's as if he has killed all mankind,' then he needs to explain the
innocent civilian deaths that American drone attacks are inflicting."
EDITORIAL
June 5, 2009
Pakistan - The Nation - Original Article (English)
PRESIDENT Barack Hussein
Obama's address to the Muslim world, which he delivered from the podium of Cairo
University on Thursday, was refreshingly different, in thoughts, words and tone,
from President Bush's often demeaning utterances. He reached out to Muslims, extending
toward them a warm hand of cooperation, declaring, "The U.S. will never be
at war with Islam." He maintained that Islam was part of America, acknowledged
the Muslim contribution to American society and underlined civilization's debt
to Islam.
With his choice of
expressions and references to the Koran's golden principles, he touched just the
right chord with his audience, being repeatedly interrupted with thunderous
applause. But if he truly endorses the Koranic aphorism he quoted, that "whoever kills an innocent, it's as if he
has killed all mankind," then he needs to explain the innocent civilian deaths
that American drone attacks are inflicting.
Mr. Obama rightly remarked, "no
single speech" could remove the age-old cycle of suspicion between Muslims
and the Western world. But unless these noble sentiments are translated into comparable
deeds, no number of similarly admirable speeches will amount to anything more
than hot air.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE WORLD'S MUSLIMS
Obama speaks at Cairo University on Thursday. In the
ancient seat of Islamic learning and quoting the Quran,
the President called for a 'new beginning between the
United States and Muslims
CLICK
PHOTO OR CLICK
HERE TO WATCH 
One must hope that President
Obama's Administration is sincere about waging a war against the negative
stereotyping of Muslims which he decried, and that the Muslim world responds in
the same fashion. This would serve as a starting point for the tolerance and
understanding he longs for. But to in fact remove the wall of suspicion and
latent hostility that exists, the points of tension must be addressed.
According to Mr. Obama, these
points of tension have their roots in the following issues: violent extremism; the
Israeli-Palestinian morass; the fear of nuclear weapons; the need for tolerance;
the urge for democracy; the rights of women; and economic development.
[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US June 4, 7:00pm]
