Posted by
Corthell on Thursday, June 04, 2009 10:03:05 AM
The White House has been keen to capture the largest possible audience for the speech, scheduled for Thursday in Cairo, but aides to the president repeatedly sought to dial back expectations for the speech, noting that it will be just one of several outreach efforts. The speech at Cairo University will address a range of topics, they said, but will not offer significant new initiatives on issues such as the standoff between Israel and Palestine or the U.S. relationship with Iran.
"There has been a breach, an undeniable breach between America and the Islamic world, and that breach has been years in the making," said David Axelrod, senior White House adviser. "It is not going to be reversed with one speech. It is not going to be reversed perhaps in one administration, but the president is a strong believer in open, honest dialogue."
Aides said the president's speech will lay out responsibilities for all parties in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Ben Rhodes, a speechwriter with the National Security Council, said these will generally be initiatives the parties have already agreed to.
We SAY remember:
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel 9:26-27