just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why
we will support them everywhere.
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
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 - provided
they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point 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.
No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and
by the people sets a single standard for all who 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
interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the
political process above your party. Without these ingredients,
elections alone do not make true democracy.
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 Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I
saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout
Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim
country. That is the spirit we need today.
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People in every country should be free to choose and
live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart,
and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but
it is being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to
measure one’s own faith by the rejection of another’s. The
richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is
for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault
lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions
between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence,
particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples 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 is why I am committed to
working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill
zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid
impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see
fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman
should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any
religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we
are forging service projects in America that bring together
Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome
efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue
and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith
service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it
is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a
natural disaster.
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The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view
of some in 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. 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 and Indonesia, we have 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.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as
our sons, and 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 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.
That is why the United States will partner 'with any
Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for
girls, and to help young women pursue employment through
micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
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
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knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and
mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and
opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing
communities.
In all nations - including my own - this change can bring
fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control
over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly
our identities - those things we most cherish about our
communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied.
There need not be contradiction between development and
tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their
economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is
true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority
countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and
in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront
of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can
be based only upon what comes out of 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 it on broader development.
But all of us must recognize that education and
innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too
many . Muslim communities there remains underinvestment
in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my
country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and
gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader
engagement.
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