Speech Transcript:
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-cairo-university-6-04-09
The United States is engaged in a war due to ongoing terrorist threat, and we worry about the possibility of
a nuclear Iran. We are also in a struggle of philosophy between our way of life in the West, and the more
extreme examples of Sharia law.
Various political commentators interpret the Cairo speech differently. Should United States national
interests be defended unequivocally and without apology, or do we damage policy initiatives and
undermine our democratic philosophy using moral equivalency?
Write a response focusing on specific aspects of this controversial foreign policy speech. You must have a
thesis statement, supporting claims with substantial analysis and a conclusion. In evaluating the Cairo
speech, consider the following topics, (you do not have to confine your response to these topics – you may
choose others from the speech) how they are addressed, and what you conclude.
Colonialism/Imperialism – Was the U.S. ever a colonial power?
Iran – Are U.S. and Iranian actions equal?
Women’s Rights – Is the reference to the oppression of women in the Muslim world equal to women’s
issues in the U.S.?
Sample Solution
