http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...082101957.html
Obama marks beginning of Muslim holy month
The Associated Press
Saturday, August 22, 2009; 1:39 AM
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Friday cast U.S. military efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of his drive to forge a new relationship between America and the Muslim world.
Relations with the world's 1.5 billion Muslims soured after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
In a video message to Muslims getting ready for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Obama said U.S. efforts to end the war in Iraq and to isolate extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan are in keeping with America's responsibility to build a more peaceful and secure world.
He said that also includes U.S. support for a two-state solution recognizing the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.
"All of these efforts are part of America's commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama said in the message posted on the White House Web site. "And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world."
Ramadan, a monthlong period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts, begins Saturday in most of the Islamic world.
Obama said Ramadan's rituals are a reminder of the principles Muslims and Christians have in common, including advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
Obama has made a special effort since taking office to repair U.S. relations with the world's Muslims, including visits to Turkey and Cairo. Obama's visit to the Egyptian capital in June fulfilled his promise to deliver a speech in a major Muslim city.
In that speech, as well as in one to another important Muslim audience, in Turkey, Obama said: "America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam."
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