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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Obama: Qaeda is No. 1 threat to United States

US President-elect Barack Obama said on Wednesday that Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden remain the “number one threat” to US security, after a new voice recording emerged from the terror group’s leader.

“Bin Laden and Al Qaeda are our number one threat when it comes to American security,” Mr Obama said, after the recording warned the President-elect of new fronts in bin Laden’s self styled holy war against Western interests.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that they cannot create safe havens that can attack Americans. That’s the bottom line.” The 22-minute audio recording, whose authenticity was confirmed by the US-based Site Intelligence Group, was the first commentary from the Al Qaeda leader in eight months.

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