here's change:::::President to Muslim World: "Americans are not your enemy"

[spanone]

In his first interview with an Arab television station, President Barack Obama offered a bold change to America's relations with the Muslim world.

"My job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives," President Obama told Al Arabiya. "My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy."

In the interview, conducted in the White House map room, President Obama also expressed his commitment to tackling the Middle East peace process immediately.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/PresidenttoMuslimWorldAmericansarenotyourenemy/

[FrenchieCat]

1. Strange how no one cares........

But if he had said the reverse, there would be 565 threads on each word.
Odd. :eyes:

[spanone]

3. it was a great interview...link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD3P99bxwXg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JshBoeKGs-o

[Kilroy003]

8. You are correct in your assessment of this; it is rather odd.

As I cannot attest to the original posters history at democraticunderground.com there may or may not be valid reasons that this particular post has not been acknowledged up to this point. Perhaps it has already been posted? I don't typically post here but I agree with the sentiment you expressed regarding the OP so this time I will make an exception. The American people do not want war. It is my assumption that people in the Muslim world share our preference for peace. While it is true that leaders and fanatics sometimes want war, it is becoming more and more clear that our new President does not. This is a profound departure from the previous occupant of his office and one that, in my humble opinion, bodes well for the future of all of our respective communities.

[spanone]

9. that was the point

[EFerrari]

12. Not really, Frenchie. Our species notices threats 'way before

it applauds nice things. That's just how we are. :)

[Mari333]

2. actions will speak louder then words

so lets get the hell out of iraq and afghanistan and stop bombing pakistan.

[4 t 4]

4. and we Are not their enemy their

are So many Muslim Americans In my hood alone there are hundreds and hundreds. We are Not their enemy. Go for President Obama way to go ,it is the truth.

[spanone]

5. he was sworn in less than a week ago.

[spoony]

10. Yep

It might be hard for some of them to hear these peaceful words over the sounds of gunfire and explosions.

[Oregone]

6. I think it is more complicated than this though

I think there are natural pre-determined roles, on both a micro and macro level that define conflict. In many ways, I think Americans are their enemy, and until we admit that, how can it be properly addressed? We will go at great lengths to acquire their resources at the cheapest cost. The environmental impact of our standard of living also takes a drastic toll on third world nations. Being that their military and economic strength do not put them on the same level for economic and diplomatic negotiations, they stand a fair chance at being undermined in these scenarios.

What does it accomplish if, on one hand, America states "We are your best buddy". Then, on the other hand, we still want to, through any means necessary (war and coups), create stable markets (control the geo-political situation) such that we can disproportional profit from trade deals?

The reality is that there are enemies in life, but that doesn't mean there are not suitable solutions, that creates a symbiotic relationship between two competing entities (many call this the function of "liberalism"). Is the rich man anything but an enemy to the common man? Can the two exist and thrive though without each other, via a relationship guided by a strong, enforced and dynamic social contract? Perhaps we need to recognize the natural conflict created by geography and economics and find other ways to deal with it other than by violence.

[spanone]

7. why is america pre-determined to be the enemy of the muslim world?

[Oregone]

13. Well...why is the rich man pre-determined to be the enemy to the poor?

Its tough to completely explain (and long), but yet in nearly all contexts, this pattern reveals itself. In the societies that develop a means to resolve this conflict beneficially to both parties (a social contract if you will), you normally see both sides thrive.

I guess it boils down to the cliche, "Might is right", and thats how humans are.

America the mighty needs something that many Muslim nations have, and many Muslim nations do not have the military/economic means to compete in a conventional manner to retain control of such resources. They either have the option to become subservient to the American demands in order to secure their existence, or oppose the threat and risk their existence and power. In most cases, whatever choice is illusionary, and more a fulfillment of their roles based on the current variables. But in reality, many of the leaders of Muslim nations have their backs against the walls, with their people on one side, the empire on the other, and themselves in the middle (its not a role anyone should be envious of). Perhaps if their main export was Potatoes and Amway pamphlets, it would drastically change their possible paths they could examine pursuing, but it isn't the case.

They have a product, a means of production, that our capitalistic empire hungers for. We have gone at great lengths, as is our role, to get it, which has hurt both parties tremendously. We should recognize that and seek a more viable solution between these two enemies that can be incredibly helpful to each other.

[MetaTrope]

11. So he didn't go on to say "George W. Bush is your enemy"?

Ah well, lost opportunities...

[ColbertWatcher]

14. I think that's assumed. n/t