Obama's Cairo Speech Calls For 'New Beginning' With Muslim World

The president gave a much-anticipated speech that lasted 54 minutes and outlined seven issues he considered key to the dialogue between the Muslim world and the West: violent extremism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, nuclear weapons, democracy, religious freedom, women's rights and economic development.

Many American presidents have visited the Middle East but few have spoken directly to the more than 1 billion Muslims around the world. President Nixon was the first to do a Middle East tour during his presidency, just two months before he was forced to resign in disgrace.

Mr. Obama spoke of his own family history that includes generations of Muslims and his own boyhood in the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia.

He stated, "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition."

President's speech challenges Israel, cultural norms

	You can read a transcript of President Obama's speech here.

While President Obama's speech contained no new policy proposals on the Middle East, he called upon Israelis and Palestinians alike to live up to their international obligations and to work towards a two-state solution.

In a move that angered traditional American ally, Israel, President Obama called for an end to all new Jewish settlements saying they violate past agreements and undermine efforts to achieve peace in the region.

On the topic of women's rights, President Obama said that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality, adding that nations with better educated women are far more likely to prosper. He said he respects women who live in traditional roles, but that must be their choice.

Using quotes from the Bible, the Koran and the Jewish Talmud, the president urged young Muslims to see America as a friend instead of an enemy.

"The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores -- that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than the American average."

President Obama also said the U.S. and Islam share a long history, noting that Morocco was the first country to recognize U.S. independence. He also invoked the words of President John Adams, who wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims" while signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796.

Al-Qaida releases message in response to speech

	In a message released prior to the president's speech, Osama bin Laden blamed the administration for the displacement of refugees in Pakistan's Swat Valley.

As anticipation of the speech grew, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden released a new message on tape criticizing Obama.

Jean-Francois Seznec of Georgetown University told the NewsHour that Mr. Obama threatens al-Qaida because he "is very much ready to be loved by the people, much more so than Osama bin Laden. Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaida groups appeal to a small minority of people."

After the speech a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said "the part of Obama's speech regarding the Palestinian issue is an important step under new beginnings."

However, a representative of the Hamas government, which refuses to recognize Israel,  said "speaking about a policy of pursuing a war against extremism and working towards two states for peoples on Palestinian lands is no different from the policy of his predecessor, George W Bush."