The discussion session was held at American Center, New Marine Lines on Wednesday 24th June 2009
- President Obama's speech is an important part of his effort to strengthen U.S. national security with an unprecedented outreach to Muslims around the world which began in his Inaugural Address and has continued in his interview with Al Arabiya, his Nowruz message, and his speech at the town hall in Turkey.
- In his speech, the President proposed a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, based upon mutual interest and mutual respect, including a sustained effort to listen to each other, learn from each other and respect one another.
- Specifically, the President said that the U.S. would pursue new partnerships with governments, citizens, community organizations religious leaders, businesses and international organizations in the areas of education, economic development, science and technology and health.
- Personal Experience: The President described how he has seen firsthand the dignity and peace that Muslims have found in their faith: coming from a family that includes generations of Muslims from Kenya, living in Indonesia as a boy, and working in Chicago communities that are home to African American Muslims.
- Respect for Islam: The President acknowledged civilization's debt to Islam and Muslims for their historic contributions to education, innovation, science, medicine and religious tolerance and racial equality.
- American Muslims: Describing how American Muslims-including nearly seven million living in the U.S. today-have enriched the United States, the President spoke of how Islam has always been a part of America's story.
- Mutual Interests: Acknowledging that this is a time of tension between the United States and many Muslims in the world, the President called on all sides to face the sources of tension squarely and to focus on the mutual interests that we must confront together.
- First, confronting violent extremism: The President declared again that America is not and never will be-at war with Islam. We have a shared interest in confronting violent extremists.
- The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. While saying that the U.S. would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can, the President said it is his duty to protect the American people.
- The U.S. plans to invest $1.5 billion ach ear over the next five years to partner with Pakis anis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions of dollars to help those who have been displaced, and we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
- We are helping Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy, while at the same time honouring our agreement to remove U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, removing combat brigades by next August and removing all U.S. troops by 2012.
- The President noted that he has taken concrete actions to ensure that extremism does not alter American principles, including unequivocally prohibiting the use of torture by the United States and ordering the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
- Second, Israel and Palestinians living in peace and security: The President reaffirmed that the United States will align its policies with those who pursue peace, including Israelis and Palestinians who deserve to each live in peace and security in two states. He called on all parties to fulfill the obligations agreed to under the Road Map.
- Israel's right to exist cannot be denied. At the same time, Israel must recognize that Israeli settlements must stop, that the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security and that Israel must live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society.
- Palestinians must have dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. At the same time, Palestinians must abandon the violence that kills the innocent and surrenders moral authority, and Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
- Building on the Arab Peace Initiative, Arab States must help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
- Third, nuclear proliferation: The President strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons.
- To prevent a regional nuclear arms race that would devastate the global nonproliferation regime, the President reaffirmed his commitment to discuss the many issues between the Islamic Republic of Iran, including a willingness to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.
- Although it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust between the U.S. and Iran, the President will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve.
- Fourth, democracy and human rights: The President said that no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by my other, but that America will support human rights everywhere: the ability of people to speak their mind and to have a say in how they 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; and the freedom to live as people choose
- Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: rule through consensus, not coercion; respect for the rights of minorities; and the interests of people above party.
- Fifth, religious freedom: The President declared that people in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul.
- Because rules on charitable giving in the U.S. have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations, the President said that he is committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
- Sixth, the rights of women. The President observed that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous, that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons and that our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential.
- The United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and will help young women pursue employment so they can live their dreams.
- Finally, economic development and opportunity: Stating that the United States has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, the President stated that the U.S. will now seek a broader engagement with Muslims around the world, including new partnerships that he announced in education, economic development, science and technology and health.
The Q&A session lasted for more that 45 minutes but was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. Shri Sanjay Kelapure concluded the session by a short Vote of Thanks to the Council General, Director of American Center, Lynne and all other members of American Center for such a candid and emotional exchange of thoughts and ideas through a memorable discussion session.
Shri Sanjay Hegde and Dr. Satish Modh presented Paul Folmsbee and Elizabeth Koffman with mementos of VAK.
Well over 45 minutes after the conclusion of the programme both the Consul General and Liz Koffman spent time in personal interaction with members of VAK.
In conclusion it may be mentioned that the cherished wishes of many of VAK's members to have a program of useful interaction with some important consulates in Mumbai was finally not a dream anymore.
