President Barack Obama gave his first presidential interview to an unlikely media outlet this past Monday when he sat down in the White House and was interviewed by Hisham Melhem of the Al-Arabiya television cable network.
During the interview, President Obama emphasized that United States foreign affairs with Middle Eastern countries will change under his administration because in the past; any American dialogue with the Middle East "all too often the United States starts by dictating."
President Obama also explained that: "My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy." Obama cited his pledge to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention center as a sign to Muslims and the world that he should be judged by his actions which will signal his true policy intentions Muslims.
Reiterating an appeal he made in his inaugural address, Obama stressed that his administration will freely extend an offer of peace to a country such as Iran if the Iranians take advantage of the United States offer and decides it is wise if it "unclenched its fist."
President Obama expressed his approach to the Middle East from a greater perspective when he said: "It is impossible for us to think only in terms of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and not think in terms of what's happening with Syria or Iran or Lebanon or Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Regarding Iran, Obama provided a brief but succinct overview: "Iran has acted in ways that's not conducive to peace and prosperity in the region: their threats against Israel; their pursuit of a nuclear weapon which could potentially set off an arms race in the region that would make everybody less safe; their support of terrorist organizations in the past — none of these things have been helpful, " Obama voiced optimism: "It is important for us to be willing to talk to Iran, to express very clearly where our differences are, but (also) where there are potential avenues for progress. If countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us."
Obama explained during the interview that he has sent his special envoy, George Mitchell to the Middle East to "get engaged right away" by becoming involved in discussions with "all the major parties involved."
Remarking on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Obama explained: "We cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what's best for them. They're going to have to make some decisions. But I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people."
Obama said: "Israel is a strong ally of the United States. They will not stop being a strong ally of the United States. And I will continue to believe that Israel's security is paramount. But I also believe that there are Israelis who recognize that it is important to achieve peace. They will be willing to make sacrifices if the time is appropriate and if there is serious partnership on the other side."
In remarking on Saudi King Abdullah's peace proposal regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; Obama said: "I might not agree with every aspect of the proposal, but it took great courage to put forward something that is as significant as that,... I think that there are ideas across the region of how we might pursue peace."
To read a full transcript of President Obama's interview with the Al-Arabiya television cable network; click here.
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