itself in part by its opposition to my country. there is it a motorists history between us -- a tumultuous history between us. since the islamic revolution, iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against u.s. troops and civilians. this history is well-known. rather than remain trapped in the past, i have made it clear to the leaders of iran that my country is prepared to move forward. the question now is not what iran is against but what future it wants to build. i recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with her rich, rectitude, and resolved. there will be many issues to discuss between our two

countries. we want to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. it is clear to all who are concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. this is not simply about america's interests. it is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the middle east that could lead this region and the world down a dangerous path. i understand those who protest that some countries that others do not. no single nation should pick and choose who has nuclear weapons. that is why i reaffirmed america's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. [applause] any nation including iran should have the right to access

peaceful nuclear powell -- power if it complies with the possibilities under the treaty. that commitment is at the core of the treaty and it must be kept for all to fully abide by it. i am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in the school -- in this goal. the fourth issue i will address is democracy. [applause] 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. let me be clear. the system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. that does not lessen my commitments 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 will fall and the equal administration of justice. a government that is transparent and does not steal from the people. the freedom to live as you choose. these are not just american ideas, they are human rights. that is why we will support them everywhere. [applause]

there is no straight line to realize this promise. this much is clear. governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful, and secure. pressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away -- suppressing ideas never succeed them in going away. we want to hear voices around the world even if we disagree with them. we welcome all elected peaceful government provided they govern with respect to all of their people. this last point is important, because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power. once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of

others. [applause] so no matter where it takes hold, the government of the people and by the people set a single standard fall will hold power. you must maintain your power through consent not coercion. you must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and a compromise. you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. without these ingredients, elections alone do not make a true democracy. thank you. [applause]

the fifth issue that we must address together is a religious freedom. islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. we see it in the history cordoba during the inquisition. i saw it firsthand as a child in indonesia were devout christians worship freely in an overwhelmingly moslem country. that is the spirit we need today. people in every country should be free to choose and live their face based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and soul. this tolerance is essential for religion to thrive. it is being challenged in many different ways. among some moslems is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own fate by the rejection

of somebody else's faith. the richness of religion diversity must be upheld whether it is for those in lebanon or those in egypt. [applause] " if we are being honest, all- must be close among moslems as well as divisions have lead to tragic problems particularly in iraq. freedom of religion is central to the ability of people to live together. we must always examine the ways in which we protect. in the united states, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for moslems to fulfill their religious obligation. that is why i am committed to working with american moslems to ensure they can fulfill their

religious belief. likewise, it is important for western countries to avoid competing moslem citizens from practicing religion as they see fit. by dictating what close a muslim woman should wear, for instance. we cannot disguise hostility toward any religion behind the pretense of liberalism. should bring us together. -- faith should bring us together. we welcome efforts like saudi arabian king of the an interfaith dialogue and turkeys leadership in the alliance of civilization. we can turn dialogue into interfaith service. whether it is combating malaria in africar providing relief after a national disaster.

the sixth issue that i want to address is women's rights. [applause] i know, and you can tell from this audience that there is a healthy debate about this issue. i reject the view of some of the west that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal. i do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. [applause] it is no question as the countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous. let me be clear. the issues of women's equality are by no means an issue for islam.

in turkey, bangladesh, indonesia, we have seen them elected woman to lead. the struggle for women'd quality continues for many aspects of american life and in countries around the world. i am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. [applause] our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full potential. i do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal. i respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. it should be their choice.

that is what the united states will partner with any muslim majority country toemployment ta financing that helps people live their dreams. [applause] i want to discuss economic development and opportunity. i know that for many the face of globalization is contradictory. the internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also a sense of sexuality and mindless violence into the home. trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and a change in communities. in all nations, including america, this change can bring fear.

fear that because of modernity, we lose control over our economic choices. our politics, and most importantly our identities -- those things we must cherish about our communities, families, our traditions, and our faith. i also know that human progress cannot be denied. there need not be contradictions betwn development and tradition. countries like japan and south korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining a distinct culture. the same is true for the progress within muslim majority countries. in ancient times and in our times moslem communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. this is important because no

development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground. nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. many gulf states have enjoyed great wealth at the consequence of oil. some are focusing on a broader development. all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century. and in too many muslim communities, there is under investment in these areas. i am emphasizing such investment within my own country. america in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement. on education, we will expand exchange programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to america. [applause]

at the same time, we will encourage more americans to study in moslem communities. we will match promising moslem students with internships in america, invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world, and create a new on-line network so a young person in kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in cairo. on economic development, we will create a new core of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in muslim majority countries. i will hosting a summit on all entrepreneurship this year on how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and others in the united states and in most communities around the world. on science and technology, we will launch a new front to support technological development in bulls -- majority

countries and help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. we will open centers of scientific excellence in africa, the middle east, and southeast asia, a. new signs of forced to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, the midsize records, clean water, grow new crops. today i am announcing a new global effort with the organization of the islamic nference to eradicate polio,. we will also expand partnerships with muslim communities to promote child and maternal health. all these things must be done in partnership. americans are ready to join which the citizens and governments, community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in a muslim communities around the world to help people pursue a better life.

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 that we see. a world where extremist no longer threaten our people. american troops have come home. a world where israelis and palestinians are each secure in a state of their own. 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. we can only achieve it together. .

there is so much fear and mistrust that has built up over the years. but if we choose to be down by the past, we will never move f orward. i want to say this to young people -- you more than anyone have the ability to read the imagine and re-make this world. all of us share this world for but a brief moment in time.

the question is what we spend that time on what pushes us apart or commit ourselves to 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 star wars into in the them. it is easier to blame others than to look inward. it is easier 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 one rule that lies at the heart of every religion, that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. [applause]

this truth transcends nations and people. i believe that is not new, it is not black, white, or brown, is not christian, muslim or jew. it still beats in the hearts of millions around the world. it is a faith and other people. it is what brought me here today. 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. the holy koran says "oh,

mankind, we have made do, male and female, and to nations in tribes, that you may know one another." the talmud tells us that the whole of the korah is for 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 that is god's fate. now that must be our work here on earth. and may god peace be upon you. thank you. [applause]

host: what are you seeing? guest: it was interesting because people filtered in and the core group who were interested said here for many hours. about 2:00 p.m. cairo time in your in a coffee house. guest: that is right, i'm in a downtown, fun and festive

neighborhood in a coffee shop, watching people gather. host: what are you seeing? guest: it was interesting because people filtered in and the core group who were interested said here for many hours. the state-run television really am up the imagery here of the egyptian-american flag, things like that. they took this message of the mutual respect really to heart. host: we heard applause in the chamber for the speech was delivered. what was the reaction with the locals as they listened? guest: very quiet and attentive. there was more head-knotting than clapping. people were turned into the quotations from the koran. people like the reference to

issa, the local word for it chooses, and the muslim word for moses. they like the fact that everyone has a role. host: cairo is a huge and bustling city -- how much of it is consumed with the presidential visit? guest: you know, i will give you the ratios. about one-third of the people stayed inside to watch the speech atand about two-thirds stayed outside playing backgammon and dominoes and smoking the local water pipe. the people interested in politics are very interested, but a lot of people are yawning. but it did get a lot of attention here. host: when you had the

opportunity to converse with either officials or the citizenry, what is the anticipation of a speech like this can or cannot achieve? guest: people will be watching the next step. the like the rhetoric and the idea, the sort of do over nature of this. egyptians and arabs generally like the idea of america and americans, but the relationship has been very sour. i like the idea of resetting the whole thing and obama has come here and because of who he is a, his background, race, he got a lot of leeway coming in the door to do that reset. there will be watching the follow-through very closely. host: have you decided what really will be on the piece that you write about this? guest: he came to downtown cairo instead of going down to sharmal shake which is a resort down the

coast, which is so easy to secure. it is a 5-store hotel, the sinai of the riviera. it is very removed from daily life. but he came here, went to a mosque, broke through the town, and arrived at the university and jumped out to people -- it's but the people that he wants to see who they are and what they are about. host: what is expected from his meeting later today? guest: he visited the president first straight from the airport. the state welcome included an honor guard flanking the motorcade -- not the usual reception. all the pomp and circumstance was brought out here -- they did not have much time together only a couple of minutes. the talked about different issues with lots of details. host: thank you for helping us

to see the scenes that we cannot. we appreciate