Politics

The following statement was released: I congratulate the people of Lebanon for holding a peaceful election yesterday. The high turnout and the candidates – too many of whom know personally the violence that has marred Lebanon – are the strongest indications yet of the Lebanese desire for security and prosperity. Once more, the people of … Continued

n opening a bold overture to the Islamic world on Thursday, President Obama confronted frictions between Muslims and the West, but he reserved some of his bluntest words for Israel, as he expressed sympathy for the Palestinians and what he called the “daily humiliations, large and small, that come with occupation.” While Mr. Obama emphasized … Continued

Muslim Americans in metro Detroit said they were pleased with President Barack Obama’s speech on Islam today in Egypt, in which he praised the contributions of Muslims living in the U.S. “I think Obama has closed the gap between the Muslim world and America,” said Ned Fawaz, 69, of Dearborn. “He has brought people together.” … Continued

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee commends remarks delivered by the President of the United States in a historic speech on U.S. relations with the Arab and Muslim World this morning in Cairo. The President, who had made a commitment as a candidate, to deliver an important address to the people of the Arab and Muslim world … Continued

Below, the full text of President Obama’s speech in Cairo, Egypt, titled “A New Beginning.” I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University … Continued

As an Arab American, I had to overcome my first emotional reaction to President Obama’s speech in order to be able to analyze it from a rational, critical perspective. My first reactions were awe that an American president was speaking these words. This was a speech that was light years away from the hateful rhetoric … Continued

A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group called President Obama’s historic address to the Muslim world today in Cairo “comprehensive, balanced and forthright” and said it may help reverse the deterioration in relations between the United States and Muslim-majority nations. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) hosted a live viewing this morning of … Continued

The Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO)—Michigan is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Lebanese American Heritage Club, 4335 Maple Street, to address members of the media on community reaction to President Barack Obama’s highly-anticipated speech to the Muslim and Arab worlds. Obama is expected to speak broadly to … Continued

President Barack Obama this week said his long-anticipated speech to the Islamic world, to be delivered in Egypt today, is part of an initiative to “change the conversation” between the United States and Muslims around the globe. But many local Muslims wonder whether the new president’s actions will be enough. Many said they are hoping … Continued

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will hold wide-ranging talks with US President Barack Obama who begins his first Middle East trip today. Obama is expected to seek Arab backing for his bid to revive the Middle East peace process and repair strained ties with the Muslim world. Riyadh, where a large number … Continued

A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy organization today released an open letter to President Obama and to the Muslim world offering specific policy recommendations for the president’s historic address in Cairo on June 4th. In the open letter, Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote in … Continued