insistence upon the ideals at the center of america's founding. this same story can be told by people from south to south asia, from eastern europe to indonesia. it is a story with a simple truth, violence is a dead end. it is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children or to blow up old women on a bus. that is not held moral authority is claimed. that is how it is surrendered. now is the time for palestinians to focus on what they can build. the palestinian authority must develop its authority to govern with institutions that serve the needs of its people. amas does have support among

some palestinians. they have to recognize their responsibilities to play a role in of killing palestinian aspirations, to unify the palestinian people -- their responsibilities to play a role of fulfilling palestinian aspirations, to unify the palestinian people. israel must recognize that there justice cannot be denied nor can palestine's. the united states does not except accept the legitimacy of israeli settlements. [applause] previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. it is time for these settlements to stop. [applause]

and israel must also look up to its obligation to ensure palestinians can live and work and develop their society. just as it devastates palestinian families the continuing humanitarian crisis in gaza doesn't serve israel's security. neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the west bank. progress in the daily lives of the palestinian people must be a critical part of the role it to peace and israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress. finally, the arab states must recognize the arab peace initiative was an important beginning but not the end of their responsibilities. the arab-israeli conflict should longer be used to distract the people of arab nations from other problems. instead, it must be a cause for

action to help the palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize israel's legitimacy and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past. america will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to israelis and palestinians and arabs. [applause] we cannot impose peace. but privately, many muslims recognize that israel will not go away. likewise, many israelis recognize the need for a palestinian state. it is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true. too many tears have been shed,

too much blood has been shed. all of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of his release and palestinians could see their children grow up without fear. when the holy land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that god intended it to be. when jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for jews and christians and muslims and a place for all of the children of abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of isra. [applause] as in the story of isra when moses, jesus, and mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. [applause] with the third source of tension is a per-share interest in the rights and responsibilities of

nations on nuclear-weapons. this issue has been a source of tension between the united states and the islamic republic of iran. for many years, iran has defined itself, in part, by its opposition to my country. and there is, in fact, a tumultuous history between us. in the middle of the cold war, the united states played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected iran and government. since the islamic revolution in iran has played a role in act of hostage taking and violence against u.s. troops and civilians. this history is well known. rather than remain trapped in the past, i've made it clear to iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. the question now is not what iran is against, but rather what the future it wants to build.

i recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude, and resolved. there will be many issues to discuss between the two countries and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. but it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. this is not simply about america's interests. it's about preventing a nuclear arms race in the middle east that could lead this region and the world down a huge lead dangerous path. on the understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. no single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. and that's why i strongly reaffirmed america's commitment to seek a world in which no

nations hold nuclear weapons. [applause] and any nation, including iran, should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. that commitment is at the core of the treaty and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. and i am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal. the fourth is shia that i will let dress is democracy. [cheers and applause] i know there's been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years and much of this controversy is connected to the war in iraq. so let me be clear. no system of government can or

should be imposed by one nation by any other. that does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. each nation gives life to this principal in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. america does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. but i do have an on yielding believe that all people year and for certain things. the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you were governed. confidence in the rule of law, and the equal administration of justice. a government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people.

the freedom to live as you choose. these are not just american ideas. they are human rights and that is why we will support them everywhere. [cheers and applause] now there is no straight line to realize this promise. but this much is clear. governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful, and secure. suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. america -- america respects the right of all peaceful and law abiding place is to be heard around the world even if we disagree with them. and we will welcome all selected peaceful government provided they governor with respect for

all their people. this last plight is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power. once in power they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. [applause] so no matter where it takes hold, government of people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. you must maintain your power through consent, not conversion. you must respect the rights of minorities and participate with the spirit of tolerance and compromise. you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party.

with all these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy. >> we love you! >> thank you. [applause] the fifth issue that we must address to get there is religious freedom. islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. we see it in the history of the andalusia and cordova during the inquisition. i saw it firsthand as a child in indonesia where devout christians worship freely in an overwhelmingly muslim country. that is the spirit we need today. people in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the sole. this tolerance is essential for

religion to thrive. but it's being challenged in many different ways. among some muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measures ten in favor by the rejection of somebody else's faith. the richness of religious diversity must be upheld whether it is for maronites in lebanon or the copts in egypt. [applause] and if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed imam muslims as well as the divisions between sunnis and shia have lead to tragic violence, particularly in iraq. freedom of religion is central to the ability of people to live together. we must always examine the ways in which we protect it.

for instance, in the united states, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. that's why i'm committed to working with american muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat. likewise it is important for western countries to avoid competing muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit. for instance by dictating what clothes and muslim women should wear. we can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretense of liberalism. in fact, faith should bring us together. and that's why we are forging service projects in america to bring together christians, muslims, and jews. that's why we welcome efforts like saudi air arabia and king abdullah's interfaith dialogue and turkeys leadership in the

alliance of civilizations. around the world we can turn dialogue into interfaith service so bridges between people lead to action whether it is combating malaria and africa or provide a relief after a natural disaster. the sixth issue -- the sixth issue that i want to address is women's rights. [applause] rino -- i know and you can tell from this audience there is a healthy debate about this issue. i reject the view of some in the west a woman who chooses to cover her hair equal. but i do believe a woman who is denied an education is the mighty quality. [cheers and applause] and it is no coincidence that

countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous. now, let me be clear. issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for islam. in turkey, pakistan, bangladesh, indonesia, we've seen muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of american life and in countries around the world. i am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our worst -- our sons. [applause] our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full potential. i do not believe that women must

make this change places as men in order to be equal. and i respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. but it should be their choice. that is why the united states will partner with any muslim through cal woods or a country to support expanded literacy for girls and to help young women pursue employment through microfinancing that helps people live their dreams. [applause] finally, i want to discuss economic development and opportunity. i know that for many the face of globalization is contradictory. the internet and television can bring knowledge and information but also offensive section of the and mindless violence into the home. trade can bring new wealth and

opportunities, but also huge disruptions and change in communities. in all nations, including america, this change can bring fear. fear that because of maternity we lose control over our economic choices, our politics and most importantly our identities. those things we most cherished about our work communities, families, traditions and faith. but i also know human progress cannot be denied. there need not be contradictions between development and tradition. countries like japan and south korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. the same is true for the astonishing progress within muslim majority countries from

kuala jumpur to dubai. in ancient times and in our times muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. and this is important because no develop a strategy can be based upon what comes out of the ground nor can it be sustained while we on people are out of work. many gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil and some are beginning to focus it on broader development, but all of us must recognize education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in -- [applause] and in too many muslim communities there remains under investment in these areas. all i am emphasizing such investment within my own country. and while america in the past has focused on all oil and gas when it comes to this part of

the world, we now seek a broader engagement. on education we will expand exchange programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to america. [applause] at the same time we will encourage more americans to study in the muslim communities and we will match promising muslim students with internships in america, invest in online learning for teachers all over the world and create a new on-line network so a young person in kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in cairo. on economic development we will bring a new core of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in muslim majority countries. and i will host a summit on entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties

between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the united states and muslim communities around the world. on science and technology we will launch a new fund to support technological development and muslim majority countries and help transfer ideas to the market place so they can create more jobs. we will open centers of scientific excellence in africa, the middle east and southeast asia and appoint new science of voice to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, brigade green jobs, digitize records, clean water, growing the crops. today, announcing a new global effort with the organization of the islamic conference to eradicate polio. and we will also expand partnerships with muslim communities to promote child and maternal health. all these things must be done in partnership. americans are ready to join with

citizens and governments, community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses and muslim communities of around the world to help our people pursue a better life. the issues that i have described will not be easy to address, but we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek, a world where extremists no longer threaten our people and american troops have come home. a world where israelis and palestinians are each secure in a state of their island and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes. a world where governments serve their citizens and the rights of all of god's children are respected. those are mutual the interests. that is the world we seek.

but we can only achieve it together. i know there are many muslim and non-muslim who question whether we can forge this new beginning. some are eager to stoke the flames of division and to stand in the way of progress. some suggest that it isn't worth the effort. that we are fated to disagree and civilizations are doomed to clash. many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. there's so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. but if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. and i want to particularly say this to young people of every faith in every country, you,

more than anyone, have the ability to read imagine the world, to remake this world. all ought of of us share this world but for a brief moment in time. the question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort, a sustained effort to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children and to respect the dignity all human beings. it's easier to start wars than to end them. it's easier to blame others than to look inward. it's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share.

but we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. there is one rule that lies at the heart of every religion that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. [applause] this truth transcends nations and peoples, the belief that isn't new, that isn't black or white or brown, that isn't christian or muslim or jew. it's the believe that is in the cradle of civilization and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. it is a faith in other people. and it is what brought me here today. we have the power to make the

world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make in the beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. the holy kuran tells us mankind, we have created a new male and female and we have made you intimations and tribes so then you may know one another. thus be 12 tells -- the talmud tells the whole of the torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. the holy bible tells blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called songs of god. [applause] the people of the world can live together in peace.

we know that is god's vision. now that must be our work here on earth. thank you. may god's peace be upon you. thank you very much. thank you. [cheers and applause] [cheers and applause] [cheers and applause] we spoke with the reporter that watched the president's speech from a cairo neighborhood.

>> let's find out what some of the local reaction is, howard schneider is online, foreign correspondent for "the washington post" and i & mr. schneider is about 2 p.m. in cairo and you are at a coffeehouse in cairo, is that correct? >> that is right, we are in the neighborhood that is a very, you know, fun and festive downtown neighborhood and we've been sitting here at the coffee shop watch and people gather. >> and what are you seeing? >> well, you know, it was interesting because people sort of filter and and the core group that were interested in this gathered two or three hours ahead of time watching the feed on the state broadcaster and i tell you, the state rahm television and stop the imagery. you've got the egyptian american flag and wonderful montage of obama and pyramids and things like that, so they took this message of mutual respect to

heart. >> host: we heard applause in the chamber where the speech was delivered. ball was the reaction with the locals as they were listening? >> guest: quiet and attentive. there were head nodding at different points. there was a guy i'd sitting next to that liked the imagery of the local word for jesus and moses all working together for peace. they like this idea of everybody having a role and everybody having weight to pull. >> host: cairo is a huge bustling city. how much of it is consumed with the presidential visit? >> guest: i'm sorry, say that again please? >> host: cairo is a large city and i'm wondering how much is concentrating on the president's visit or whether this is -- >> guest: i will give you the ratio. one-third of the people stayed in sight to watch the speech, and about two-thirds of them stood outside playing backgammon

, so it wasn't like this to the crowd as a whole to watch barack obama. the people who are interested are very interested and a lot of people, you know, they are young and it as we say slavkov their back. but it got a lot of attention. >> host: when you had the opportunity to converse with people either officials or the citizenry, what is the anticipation of what a speech like this can or cannot achieve? >> guest: well, people will be watching the next step. they like the rhetoric, they like the idea, they liked the do over nature of this. arabs generally like the idea of america and americans. but the relationship has been sour said they liked this idea resetting the whole thing and obama has come here and said radhi is and whose backgrounds