Obama lays it on the line

In his big speech this morning aimed at the Muslim world, President Obama took a few shots at our friends and enemies in the Arab world.

At one point, he told the protestors who sparked the “Arab Spring” that they must embrace governments of religious tolerance and rights for minorities.

“In a region that was the birthplace of three world religions,” he said, “intolerance can lead only to suffering and stagnation. And for this season of change to succeed, Coptic Christians must have the right to worship freely in Cairo, just as Shia must never have their mosques destroyed in Bahrain.

 “What is true for religious minorities is also true when it comes to the rights of women. History shows that countries are more prosperous and peaceful when women are empowered. That is why we will continue to insist that universal rights apply to women as well as men – by focusing assistance on child and maternal health; by helping women to teach, or start a business; by standing up for the right of women to have their voices heard, and to run for office.

“For, the region will never reach its potential when more than half its population is prevented from achieving their potential.”

At another point in the speech, delivered at the State Department, Obama scolded American allies in the Middle East who have killed or battered protestors.

“Our opposition to Iran’s intolerance – as well as its illicit nuclear program, and its sponsorship of terror – is well known,” Obama said. “But if America is to be credible, we must acknowledge that our friends in the region have not all reacted to the demands for change consistent with the principles that I have outlined today. That is true in Yemen, where President Saleh needs to follow through on his commitment to transfer power. And that is true, today, in Bahrain.

“Bahrain is a long-standing partner, and we are committed to its security. We recognize that Iran has tried to take advantage of the turmoil there, and that the Bahraini government has a legitimate interest in the rule of law. Nevertheless, we have insisted publically and privately that mass arrests and brute force are at odds with the universal rights of Bahrain’s citizens, and will not make legitimate calls for reform go away.

“The only way forward is for the government and opposition to engage in a dialogue, and you can’t have a real dialogue when parts of the peaceful opposition are in jail. The government must create the conditions for dialogue, and the opposition must participate to forge a just future for all Bahrainis.”

The president also tied in the Arab Spring with his hopes that a peace accord can be reached between the Palestinians and the Israelis. He had some stern words for Israel and its increasingly cemented presence in the West Bank.