Obama seeks a new beginning with Islam

Quoting from the Quran for emphasis, US President Barack Obama on Thursday called for a “new beginning between the United States and Muslims” and said that together, they could confront violent extremism across the globe and advance the timeless search for peace in West Asia.

“This cycle of suspicion and discord must end,” Mr Obama said in a widely anticipated speech in one of the world’s largest Muslim countries, an address designed to reframe relations after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the US-led war in Iraq.

The White House said Mr Obama’s speech contained no new policy proposals on West Asia. He said American ties with Israel are unbreakable, yet issued a firm, even handed call to the Jewish state and Palestinians alike to live up to their international obligations.

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‘Kiss of death’ kills Iraqi officer

A suicide bomber on Sunday used a “kiss of death” to kill an Iraqi Army officer who was guarding a roadblock in the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, security officials said.

The bomber approached the officer with a big smile and gave him hug as if he was a friend, then blew himself up, the police officer Hamid al-Juburi said.

Another two soldiers and two civilians were wounded in the blast, Army Colonel Ahmad Saeed said.

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