Barack Obama reached out to the Islamic world, offering an olive branch of friendship, as well as a vindication of America''s role in the world. He told the Muslim world, "The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. ... 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."

"the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart."

INTERCONNECTED

"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," he said. "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."

RELIGIOUS DIVISIONS

"America does not presume to know what is best for everyone."

"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."

Obama appealed for Muslims to observe religious freedom.

While citing Islam's "proud tradition of tolerance," Obama criticized what he called a "disturbing tendency" among some Muslims "to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's."

"Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together," he said. "Indeed, faith should bring us together."

But Obama said Western countries must practice what they preach with regard to religious freedoms. He cited laws and regulations that "impede Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit," such as telling Muslim women what they can or can't wear.

"We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretense of liberalism," he said.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS

"The struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world."

"I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality," he said. "And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous."

He said the United States will "partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams."

cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: evil does exist in the world. A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism - it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.

Yet the world must remember that it was not simply international institutions - not just treaties and declarations - that brought stability to a post-World War II world. Whatever mistakes we have made, the plain fact is this: the United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms. The service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform has promoted peace and prosperity from Germany to Korea, and enabled democracy to take hold in places like the Balkans. We have borne this burden not because we seek to impose our will. We have done so out of enlightened self-interest - because we seek a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we believe that their lives will be better if other peoples' children and grandchildren can live in freedom and prosperity.

So yes, the instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace. And yet this truth must coexist with another - that no matter how justified, war promises human tragedy. The soldier's courage and sacrifice is full of glory, expressing devotion to country, to cause and to comrades in arms. But war itself is never glorious, and we must never trumpet it as such.

President Obama also paid tribute to the help America has gotten from Allies -- and friends -- from Around the world.

The world rallied around America after the 9/11 attacks, and continues to support our efforts in Afghanistan, because of the horror of those senseless attacks and the recognized principle of self-defense. Likewise, the world recognized the need to confront Saddam Hussein when he invaded Kuwait - a consensus that sent a clear message to all about the cost of aggression.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected. (Sun Tzu)

Act for America

Peace Through Strength (quotationss)