previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. it is time for these settlements to stop. [applause] israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that palestinians can live and work and develop their society. .

>> instead it must be a cause for action. to help the palestinian people to develop the institutions that will sustain their state. to recognize israel's legitimacy and to choose progress over 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. 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's 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 israelis and palestinians can see their children grow up without fear. when the holy land is the place of peace that god intended it to be. when jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for jews and muslims, and a place for all the children of abraham to mingle peacefully together. as in the story of islam. [applause] as in the story when moses, jesus and mohammed, peace be upon them.

joined in prayer. the third source of tension is our shared 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 opposition to my country. and there is a tumultous history between us. in the middle of the cold car, -- war, the united states played in a democratically let elected government and this history is well known. rather remained trap in the past, i 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 future it wants to build. i recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust. but we will proceed with courage, reckitude and resolve. there will be many issues to proceed on, and we will move forward on the basis of mutual respect. but it's clear to all concerned, that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. this is not just about america's interest, it's about creating a nuclear arm rags -- race in the middle east that

could bring us down a bad path. i understand that no nation should pick and choose which nation should hold nuclear weapons. and that's why i strongly believe in the affirment that no nation should hold nuclear weapons. and any nation, including iran, should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it responds of the responsibilities of the nuclear treaty. that's at the core of the treaty and it can't be helped of that. and i am hopeful that they can share in this goal. the fourth issue i will address is democracy. i know -- [applause] i know there has 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 government that reflect the will of the people. each nation gives life to this principle in its own ways, rounded to the traditions of its own people. america is not presumed to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume the outcome of a peaceful election. but i have an unyield belief that all people yearn for certain things. the ability to speak your mind, and to have a say in how you

are governed. confidence in the rule of law, and the equal administration of justice. 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. [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. pressing ideas never succeed in making them go away. america respects the right of

all peaceful and law abiding voices to be heard around the world. even if we disagree with them. and we will welcome all elected peaceful governments. provide they governor with respect for all their people. this last point is important, because there are some that advocate for democracy only when they are out of power. once in power, they are ruthless and suppressing the rights of others. [applause] so no matter where it takes hold, government of the people, and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. you must maintain your power through consent. not coercion. you must respect the rights of minorities. and participate with a spirit

of tolerance and compromise. you must place the interest of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. without these ingredients, elections alone did not make true democracy. thank you. [applause] the fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom. islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. we see it in the history of hundisy and cordova in the inquisition. i saw it first hand in indonesia when devote christians worshiped freely in

a muslim country. that's the spirit we need today. people in every country should be free to live and choose their faith based on the persuasion of the mind, heart and soul. this tolerance is essential for religion to thrive. but it's being challenged in many different ways. among some muslims there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of someone else's faith. the richness of religious diversity must be upheld. [applause] and if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among muslims as well. as the divisions of sunni and

shiites have lead to violence. freedom of religion is essential for the ability of peoples to live together. we must always examine the ways that we protect it. for instance in the united states, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for muslims [inaudible]. that's why i am working with american muslims to ensure they fulfill sakki. and likewise it's for american countries to practice religion as they see fit. for instance dictating what clothes a muslim women should wear. we can't disguise hostility. faith should bring us together,

and that's why we are forging projects to bring together christians, muslims and jews. and that's why we welcome efforts of dialogue and alliance of civilizations. around the world we can turn dialogue to interfaith service. and this can lead to action, whether combating malaria and combating relief in a disaster. the sixth issue i want to address is women's rights. [applause] i know and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. i reject the view of some of the west that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal.

but i do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. [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 equalities are by no means simply an issue of islam. in turkey, bangladesh, indonesia, we have seen countries elect a woman to lead. and this equality continues in many aspects of american life and countries around the world. i am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. [applause]

our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all of humanity, men and women, to reach their full potential. i do not believe that women must make the same choices 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. and that is why the united states will partner with any muslim-minority country to expand literacy for girls and to help people pursue employment that helps people live their dreams. [applause] finally, i want to discuss economic development and opportunity. i know for many the face of globalization is contradictory.

the internet and television can bring knowledge and information, and also the sense of sexuality and mindless violence into the home. trade can bring wealth and opportunities, and huge disruptions and changes in communities. in all nations, including america, this change can bring fear. fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic choices. our politics. and most importantly our identifies, those things that we most cherish about our communities, our families, traditions and faith. but i also know that 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. and the same is for muslim countries. in ancient times and in our times, muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. and this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out the ground. nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. many gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil. and some are beginning to focus on broader development. but we must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century.

and in too many areas is lack of investment. i am emphasizing investment in my own country. and while america focuses on oil and gas in this part of the world. we now seek a broader engagement. on education we will expand exchange programs and increased scholarships like the one that brought my father to america. [applause] at the same time we will encourage more americans to study in muslim communities. and we will match promising muslim students with internships in america, and invest in those around the world. and create a new online network. so a young person in kansas can communicate instantly with a

person in cairo. on economic development we will create a new core to have counterparts in muslim countries. and i will host a summit to have ties of leaders and foundations and muslim companies around the world. we will support a fund for technological development in muslim core countries. and help the marketplace to create more jobs. we will open centers in africa and southeast asia and to create more science convoys for new sources of energy, clean jobs, grow new crops. today i am announcing a global

effort to eradicate polio. and we will expand partnerships with muslim communities for child and health. all of these things must be done in partnership. america is ready to join with citizens and governments and community organizations and businesses in muslim communities around the world, to help our people pursue a better life. and 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 own. 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. these are mutual interests. that's 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 stand in the way of progress. some suggest that it isn't worth the effort. that we are faded to disagree. and civilizations are doomed to clash. many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. there are so much fear. so much mistrust built 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 reimagine the world. to remake this world. all of us share this world for but 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 of 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 people. a belief that is not new, that is not white or black or brown, it's a belief that pulsed in

the civilization and still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. it's a faith in other people. and it's what brought me here today. we have the power to make the world we seek. but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning. keeping in mind what has been written. the holy koran tells us that old mankind, we have created you, male and female. and we have made you into nations and tribes. that you may know one another. the talmud tells us the whole of the torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. the holy bible tells us, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called sons

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. and may god's peace be upon you. thank you very much. thank you very much. [applause] [applause]

>> after the president's speech, we spoke to a washington post reporter who was in cairo. >> let's find out what some local reaction is, howard schneider is with us, you are in a coffee house. >> yeah, i am in a neighborhood that's in a fun-festive downtown neighborhood. we have been in the coffee shop as people have gathered. >> what are you seeing? >> you know, it was interesting, people sort of filtered in. and the core group that were interested in this sat here for hours, many hours watching the feed on the state broadcaster. and the state run television

amped up the imagery here, the flag and obama, they put this message of mutual respect to heart and ran with it. >> we heard applause in the chamber as the speech was delivered. what was the reaction of the locals? >> not as much clapping, there was head nodding. and turned to the quotes of koran, and the guy next to me liked that of moses and all working for that of peace. they like the idea that everyone has a role. >> now cairo is a huge and bustling city, how much of it is consumed with the president's visit? >> i am sorry? >> cairo is a large city, how much is it concentrating on the

president's visit? >> i will give you the ratio, i would say about a third of the people stayed inside to watch the speech. and two-thirds sat outside playing backgammon and smoking. and not like all them was watching, and some are very interested and not all. but it did get a lot of attention here. >> and when you have 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? >> people will be watching next step. they like the rhetoric and idea and the do-over nature of this. i lived here for six year, and arabs like the idea of america

and americans. but the relationship has been very soured. so they like this idea of resetting the whole thing. and obama has come here and because of who he is and background and race, he got a leeway to do that reset. they will be watching the follow-through. >> have you decided your lead on this? >> i think my lead is this, he came down to downtown cairo, instead of a resort down from here, and very easy to secure and very easy to remove. they are five-star hotels, the riveria. and the fact he came here and went to a mosque and went through the town and came to cairo university, jumped out to the people, that he wanted to see who they are.

>> later on he's travel to the presidential palace, what is anticipated with that? >> he did that first, and visited with president abdullah, and even with that, the state had a horse parade and they didn't have much time together. it was a few minutes and some press availability. and not much substance, we are working on this and that. not a lot of details. >> thank you for helping us see the scenes we can't on the official coverage. we appreciate your time. >> sure thing. >> howard schneider in chiro.