Letters: Women's choice and Obama speech

Mon, 06/15/2009 1:49 PM  |  Reader's Forum

President Barack Obama's Cairo speech was remarkably honest and straightforward. It was a mighty fine piece of oratory with depth and insight from an outstanding mind. The speech was so thoughtful and impressive that I would like it to resonate across the globe.

Obama spoke on democracy, terrorism, economic development and religious tolerance, referring candidly to intolerance by some in his own country but demanding tolerance in foreign lands.

Obama's hope that "The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer," is genuine and must be listened to throughout the Islamic world.

What appealed to me most in Obama' speech were his views on women's rights. He rightly observed that "countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous".

He elaborated by saying "Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential.

I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice."

Muslims all over the world must understand that one important reason of their fall from grace during the last four centuries is definitely the treatment given to women in Muslim societies, particularly in respect of their education. Obama's support for women's rights in Muslim lands (indirectly) is a most welcome and bold initiative. It is a worthy effort.

There is no reason to disbelieve President Obama's honest declaration that America has a common cause with Islam and never will be at war with the faith.

Iqtedar Husain Farooqi
Lucknow, India

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