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Exclusive of the Sunday observer:
The partnerships we need
By U.S President Barack Obama
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US President Barack Obama pays his respects to the victims of
9/11 at a memorial ceremony |
On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001, we remember that 9/11 was not only an attack on the United States,
it was an attack on the world and on the humanity and hopes that we
share.
We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day
were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and
women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn
anniversary we join their families and nations in honouring their
memory.
We remember with gratitude how 10 years ago the world came together
as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments
of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosques,
synagogues and other places of worship.
And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in
every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity, in candlelight
vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.
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Ground Zero |
We remember that in the weeks after 9/11, we acted as an
international community. As part of a broad coalition, we drove al-Qaeda
from its training camps in Afghanistan, toppled the Taliban, and gave
the Afghan people a chance to live free from terror.
However, the years that followed were difficult and the spirit of
global partnership we felt after 9/11 frayed.
As the US President, I’ve worked to renew the global cooperation we
need to meet the full breadth of global challenges that we face. Through
a new era of engagement, we’ve forged partnerships with nations and
peoples based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
As an international community, we have shown that terrorists are no
match for the strength and resilience of our citizens. I’ve made it
clear that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam.
Rather, with allies and partners we are united against al-Qaeda,
which has attacked dozens of countries and killed tens of thousands of
innocent men, women and children-the vast majority of them, Muslims.
This week, we remember all the victims of al-Qaeda and the courage
and resilience with which their families and fellow citizens have
persevered, from the Middle East to Europe, from Africa to Asia.
Disrupted plots
Working together, we have disrupted al-Qaeda plots, eliminated Osama
bin Laden and much of his leadership, and put al-Qaeda on the path to
defeat. Meanwhile, people across the Middle East and North Africa are
showing that the surest path to justice and dignity is the moral force
of non-violence, not mindless terrorism and violence. It is clear that
violent extremists are being left behind and that the future belongs to
those who want to build, not destroy.
To nations and people seeking a future of peace and prosperity-you
have a partner in the United States. For even as we confront economic
challenges at home, the United States will continue to play a unique
leadership role in the world.
As we remove the rest of our troops from Iraq and transfer
responsibility in Afghanistan, we will support Iraqis and Afghans in
their efforts to deliver security and opportunity for their people.
In the Arab world and beyond, we will stand up for the dignity and
universal rights of all human beings.
Around the world, we will continue the hard work of pursuing peace,
promoting the development that lifts people from poverty, and advancing
the food security, health and good governance that unleashes the
potential of citizens and societies.
At the same time, we have recommitted ourselves to living our values
at home. As a nation of immigrants, the United States welcomes people
from every country and culture.
These newest Americans - like all the innocent victims we lost 10
years ago - remind us that despite any differences of race or ethnicity,
background or belief, we are all bound together by the common hope that
we can make the world a better place for this and future generations.
That must be the legacy of those we have lost. Those who attacked us
on 9/11 wanted to drive a wedge between the United States and the world.
They failed. On this 10th anniversary, we are united with our friends
and partners in remembering all those we have lost in this struggle. In
their memory, we reaffirm the spirit of partnership and mutual respect
that we need to realise a world where all people live in dignity,
freedom and peace. |
