Obama vows new start with Muslims

He acknowledged civilization?s debt to Islam. ?It was Islam that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe?s Renaissance and Enlightenment. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.? In Al-Azhar University?s imposing domed Great Hall, Obama said the US bond with Israel, the source of much Arab distrust of the United States, was unbreakable. But breaking with his predecessor George W. Bush, Obama also rebuked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?s refusal to halt West Bank settlement expansion. He called for a complete halt to all settlement expansion. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The US president renewed his offer of dialogue with Iran without preconditions. ?It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve,? Obama said. Obama called on Muslim countries to support the education and employment of women. ?I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal,? Obama said. ?But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous?; Kazinform cites Arab News. See www.arabnews.com for full version.