Obama the Messiah Twists History

(NEWSER) - President Obama skillfully made the case for women's rights in the Muslim world during his Cairo speech today with the help of the hijab, or head scarf, writes Tracy Clark-Flory in Salon. "I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal," he said, demonstrating tolerance and respect before reaching his main points: that women must have the right to education and the right to reject "traditional roles." More»

Why? 'He is decidedly not' his predecessor

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s speech in Cairo sounded a lot like President Bush’s 2006 speech to Muslims—yet Obama’s manages to carry far more weight, writes Michael Crowley in the New Republic. Both spoke of respect for “the history and traditions of the Muslim world”; both suggested governmental systems can’t be “imposed.” But Bush’s speech was “forgotten,” while Obama’s “seems to offer the potential of making millions of Muslims reconsider their view of America,” Crowley writes. More»

Calls for end to 'cycle of suspicion and discord'

(NEWSER) - Speaking in Cairo, President Obama called for a “new beginning” for the US and the Muslim world, the BBC reports. The “cycle of suspicion and discord must end,” he said at Cairo University, urging a “sustained effort...to respect one another and seek common ground.” Acknowledging that “no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust,” he said “we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts.” More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama addressed the Turkish parliament today, and used the opportunity to extend an olive branch to the Muslim world, the New York Times reports. “The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam,” said Obama. “America’s relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not just be based on opposition to al-Qaeda.” More»

A 'commie-influenced Muslim,' even

(NEWSER) - Another day, another person calling President Obama a secret Muslim —only this time, the person in question has a history with Christine O’Donnell. Jon Moseley, who's described himself as manager of O'Donnell's failed 2008 Senate campaign and also worked as its treasurer, is a longtime activist who's toiled for decades for right-wing policy groups. Moseley made his “Obama is a Muslim” claims on his blog last year, reports David Corn in Mother Jones . (O'Donnell's 2010 campaign filings list a payment to him, but Moseley says it's for his 2008 work and that he's not affiliated with the current campaign.) Among his evidence on the president's faith: Obama once recited the Muslim call to prayer, which, “according to Islamic scholars,” Moseley wrote, “makes one a Muslim.” More»