A Practical Translation of Barack Obama’s Cairo Apology

The president delivered his much-anticipated speech to the Muslim world on Thursday.  Here, I provide in annotation what Obama actually said to the people in Cairo.

by Michael Naragon

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum. [TRANSLATION: "Get ready, folks, I'm about to tell you that I hate the American way of life as much as you.  See? I know Arabic."]

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam. [TRANSLATION: "Don't sweat all the bombings, beheadings, and other attacks on Western people.  It's our fault, you see.  You are simply reacting violently to our excesses, our bad behavior.  If you guys had only won at Tours in 732, none of this would be necessary."]

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust. [TRANSLATION: "When some of your people attacked us on Sept. 11, Americans began to fear Islam.  But don't worry... they are a small minority that we're also working to label extremist.  We in the politically correct crowd are doing everything it takes to make Islam a mainstream religion in the U.S.  Did you guys catch the line I gave the other day, about America being a Muslim country?  See?  It's cool."]

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end. [TRANSLATION: "People in the U.S. who distrust Islam and those who sponsored the attacks on Iraq and Afghanistan are just as guilty of hate as those who perpetrated 9-11.  We're both at fault."]

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. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings. [TRANSLATION: I will do what it takes to institute Islam as a pillar of American society.  I will convince the sheep in my country that Islam is exactly the same as Christianity or Judaism."]

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.” That is what I will try to do – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart. [TRANSLATION: "Look, folks, I'd love to come right out here and tell you I'm a Muslim.  But do you know what that would do to my poll numbers?  For now, just take the little clues and be comforted.  See? I'm calling it the Holy Koran.  'Holy' meaning 'divinely-inspired.'  I'm on your side here."]

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. [TRANSLATION: "Don't worry, I have to say I'm a Christian to keep the infidels in my country calm.  Look at what Islam has done: you have basically made Europe what it is today.  If it wasn't for Islam, there would be no United States.  So, in a way, Muhammad was our Founding Father."]

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.” And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers – Thomas Jefferson – kept in his personal library. [TRANSLATION: We of the Islamic faith have already influenced this nation greatly.  I apologize that I did not also take my oath on the Koran, but can you imagine the uproar it would have caused among the extremist conservatives?  I have 2012 to consider.  Perhaps then..."]

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. [TRANSLATION: "I've got your back, my peeps."]

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words – within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: “Out of many, one.” [TRANSLATION: "America has an interesting history.  Too bad it's been polluted by the white man.  Did you read my book Dreams of My Father?  It's on Amazon.com... check it out."]

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. 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 seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average. [TRANSLATION: "Isn't it amazing that I actually pulled this off?  Well, if you knew about all the fraud and corruption during the election, you might not think it's quite so amazing, but still... The American 'education' system has done its work well."]

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it. [TRANSLATION: "Our political correctness police will protect Muslim rights to our detriment, if necessary.  Muslim children will have the right to worship in school, where the Christians and Jews do not.  Muslim women can even have driver's license pictures taken with their hijab on, making their official ID practically useless."]

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity. [TRANSLATION: "How many ways do I have to say it here?"]

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all. [TRANSLATION: Even though I'm amazing at reading speeches such as this, my words, written by political advisors and approved by the Saudi king, can't change things overnight."]

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings. [TRANSLATION: It's a small world, after all.  Pass this on to Ahmedinejad."]

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared. [TRANSLATION: "The era of U.S. dominance is over.  We're all in it together now.  Let's hold hands.  Would you like a Coke?"]

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together. [TRANSLATION: If you could just get some of your wacko fringe to cool it, the Islamization of America would run much more smoothly.  I've got my wacko fringe under control... didn't you see the Homeland Security report on extremism?"]

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people. [TRANSLATION: Some of this, I have to say, again, to appear to be strong on foreign policy.  But make no mistake--our goals are the same here."]

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with. [TRANSLATION: Again, I agree with the fact the the U.S. has all kinds of problems.  Heck, my wife almost cost me votes when she said she hadn't been proud of the U.S. until they voted for me in the primaries.  But when you guys kill thousands of Americans, you give credence to our lunatic fringe, the conservatives.  Just lay low and let me erode us from within."]

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case. [TRANSLATION: "Again, I have to say some things to keep my job... public opinion hasn't quite yet come to the point where we agree with al-Qaida."]

That’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace. [TRANSLATION: "Now you and I know that the Holy Koran also compels Muslims to drive the infidels from the world and to spread the peace of Islam by whatever means necessary.  The people of my country have been pretty much convinced that Islam, in general, is a religion of peace.  We just need to make sure they continue in that delusion."]

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon. [TRANSLATION: "At least we'll invest until my policies have bankrupted the country.  In a year or two, that $1.5 billion won't buy a loaf of bread.  Just a heads up..."]

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.” [TRANSLATION: "I voted against the war, and our state-run media has done a wonderful job of turning public opinion against it.  Now, even though we have practically won the thing, I still use it from time to time to score points with my loony anti-war supporters.  You guys don't miss Hussein anyway... he wasn't a good Muslim."]

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron. And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. [TRANSLATION: "One of the election promises that I'll actually keep is that I'll shut down our war against terrorism.  All the troops will leave Iraq, and Gitmo will be closed.  I'm trying to convince the U.S. to allow those prisoners to be housed in our country, but I'm meeting a little resistance.  Look, we flew off the handle when bin Laden's boys hit the WTC.  I'm going to make it up to you, though."]

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer. [TRANSLATION: "Have I mentioned that I love Islam?"]

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world. [TRANSLATION: "Prepare yourself for some skilled political double-talk, American style."]

America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied. [TRANSLATION: "America's past bonds with Israel have been strong.  I'm already ordering them to cease and desist in Gaza."]

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve. [TRANSLATION: "Again, just like we have to reign in the extremists attacking the U.S., we must do so with Israel as well.  Let the world community work, and we'll hand you the land of Canaan in no time... diplomatically."]

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. [TRANSLATION: "Two states is the way to go.  The Israelis will take it because I'm going to force-feed it to them.  Can you believe that Jewish groups in the U.S. supported me?"]

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel’s founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. [TRANSLATION: "The Palestinians are upset with being displaced, the Israelis are upset with being blown up occasionally.  Everyone has a beef, here."]

That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live up to our responsibilities. [TRANSLATION: "Again, just wait.  I'll hand over Jerusalem.  Just play the game with me."]

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America’s founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered. [TRANSLATION: "Palestine: cool it.  You're hurting our efforts to give you the land.  Haven't you guys ever seen Gandhi?"]

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist. [TRANSLATION: "Play nice... for now."]

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. [TRANSLATION: "Now I know the Palestinians won't listen to what I have to say, but Israel had better if they want continued support from us.  I know I said all that about how the Palestinians need to take the moral high ground, but if it comes down to it, I'm going to support them.  Have I mentioned I'm Muslim?"]

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not 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 part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress. [TRANSLATION: "Fighting is bad, blah, blah.  Is there someplace around here that Michelle and I can go on an outrageously expensive date?"]

[...]

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and 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 is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true. Too many tears have flowed. 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 of 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, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer. [TRANSLATION: Notice how I'm equating Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed?  See, if I was actually a Christian, I wouldn't be able to do any of this... well, unless I was a total apostate.  But, Allah akbar, my friends!"]

[... more about Iran and nuclear weapons... blah, blah, blah]

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

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 upon one nation by any other. [TRANSLATION: Even though the United States isn't a democracy, I'm going to continue to use this term to describe it.  At Harvard, they didn't teach us the difference between a democracy and a republic, but every time I say republic, it sticks in my throat.  I mean, it's so close to Republican.  Makes my skin crawl..."]

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle 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 unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and 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. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere. [TRANSLATION: "So, if your law happens to mandate child marriage and removal of limbs, then so be it.  Just be confident in your own beliefs, my friends!  And we'll all be under sharia law soon, anyway, and then we'll sit back and laugh that we ever even needed this conversation."]

[... more about democracy, blah, blah]

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. 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. [TRANSLATION: Now I know it's really the Arabic people that have had a history for tolerance, until Mohammed was forced from mainstream society.  He then changed his focus to killing the infidels and driving them from his land.  Mohammed's tolerance resulted in the murder of millions throughout the world.  But the Americans won't know this.  Their schools do their job well."]

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. [TRANSLATION: "Get it together, guys.  If you guys would just be friends, you could finally realize your dream of world domination.  Don't you get it?  You practically own Britain, and in the U.S., well, you have me."]

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. [TRANSLATION: "I know I've covered this already, but Muslims in the U.S. will have more rights than Christians and Jews by the time I'm finished.  Did I mention Muslims are the only ones who can pray in public schools?"]

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. [TRANSLATION: "See? In a speech to you, I'm chastising my own people for their intolerance.  Americans hate to be labeled intolerant.  I'll label them intolerant until Islam is the state religion.  Just wait, folks..."]

[In the interest of time, I have truncated another several paragraphs.  Apparently, the Muslims have a larger attention span than American audiences.]

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 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 God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together. [TRANSLATION: "Kum bah yah!"]

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 is so much fear, so much mistrust. 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 remake this world. [TRANSLATION: "You control your extremists, I'll control mine, and we'll make this thing work."]

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 is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; 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 also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today. [TRANSLATION: "Allow me to wax eloquent toward the climax..."]

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. [TRANSLATION: *nudge* "'World we seek'... did you get that?  Again, it's good there aren't many in the West who know the Holy Koran well.  Otherwise, they might be able to put two and two together."]

The Holy Koran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” [TRANSLATION: "Watch me work wonders as I compare the Holy Koran to the Talmud and the Bible.  Praise Allah, He has given me skill..."]

The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”

The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

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. [TRANSLATION: "Thanks for your attention, and may Allah guide your steps.  Now, let's head out for falafels..."]