Word: turkeys
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Addressing Turkey's parliament on his first visit to a Muslim nation as President, Barack Obama reached out to followers of Islam everywhere. "Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not and will never be at war with Islam," he said to applause. "In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject." Obama said the U.S. has been enriched by Muslim Americans, including members of his own family...
...coincidence that Obama chose Turkey to cap his first trip abroad. Turkey is a significant player in foreign policy issues that matter to the U.S. - concerning Iraq, Iran, Israel and the Palestinians, and Afghanistan. It also combines a mainly Muslim population with a secular democracy. Washington's close ties here exemplify the type of relationship Obama hopes to build with the rest of the Islamic world. "Some people have asked me if I chose to continue my travels to Ankara and Istanbul to send a message to the world," Obama said. "And my answer is simple: Evet...
...roses though. Dividing his time between the capital Ankara, where he will address Turkish MPs, and Istanbul, where he is to meet with religious leaders and youths, Obama is also expected to deliver a message urging Turkey to embrace further democratic reforms and to refocus on its long-term goal of joining the European Union. Movement towards membership of the E.U. has stalled, both because of European leaders' unwillingness to contemplate a future with Turkey, and the current government's Islamic leanings, which have led it to turn eastwards and greater involvement with the Middle East. "The United States must...
...Another contentious point on the agenda is the continuing effort in the U.S. Congress to recognize the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turkish forces as a genocide, a term Turkey rejects. While campaigning, Obama said he would recognize the killings as genocide but has given no sign that he will raise the issue while here. He may be helped by the fact that Ankara is quietly working to normalize relations with Armenia and is expected to re-open its border shortly. That announcement could be made during the Obama visit...
...despite the likelihood of some disagreements, Turkish officials see the trip as a chance to strengthen ties with an old ally and an opportunity to put the past eight years behind them. "Obama is turning away from previous confrontational policies to dialogue," says Alpay. "And Turkey represents the possibility of a solution through dialogue on many problems which are important...