Skip navigation

Indymedia UK is a network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues

Obama Speech: 'Words welcome but action needed'

BR | 05.06.2009 20:10 | Iraq | Palestine | Terror War | Birmingham | World

Salma Yaqoob's reaction to Obama 'Muslim' nations speech‏

President Obama has given his first major speech on relations between the United States and the Muslim world.

Salma Yaqoob on Barack Obama
Salma Yaqoob on Barack Obama


Birmingham Councillor and Respect party leader Salma Yaqoob gave her response:

‘President Obama’s call for a ‘new beginning’ in relations between the United States and the Muslim world is very welcome.

The absence in his speech of any bellicose threats to Iran stands in stark contrast to his predecessor, George W Bush, as do his comments about the ‘intolerable’ situation facing the Palestinians.
However, in view of the damage done to the United States’ reputation across the Muslim world, actions not words will be required to really mark a new beginning.

Many Muslims in Britain are of South Asian origin and are alarmed at how the US intervention in Afghanistan is also destabilising Pakistan.

The sooner there is progress to redress the injustice of the Palestinians and end the occupation of Afghanistan, the quicker a new chapter can be written.'

BR


Comments

Hide the following comment

All politicians are duplicitous

07.06.2009 13:12

A local opportunist politician makes a statement questionning another politician's rhetoric and you think this is newsworthy for indymedia?
Yaqoob has made many similar statements and claims about the war on terror and Palestine. This really isn't any different to the same vacous rheoric that all politicians use. So what is it doing on here?

Indymedia isn't a platform for promoting politicians or political parties. This radical media project is orientated around radical social change and not regurgitating politician's statements.

they all must go!


Links