President Obama extended the hand of friendship to the Muslim world today by declaring: “Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not at war with Islam.”

In a speech to the Turkish Parliament, Mr Obama sought to draw a line under what he described as the “difficulties these last few years” during the Bush era of the “war on terror” – a phrase rarely used by his own Administration not least because it reinforced the views of many Muslims that they were under attack.

“Our partnership with the Muslim world is critical,” he said, “in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject”.

Mr Obama’s 25-minute speech was listened to respectfully in the white marble parliamentary chamber with one of the few bursts of applause reserved for a commitment to back Turkey’s fight against the PKK – Kurdish separatists deemed by the US a terror group. [ READ MORE ]

The Speech

President Obama “Speaks Softly While Carrying A Big Stick”

Late Night Comedians On Obama
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