Key U.S. Policy Priorities

Promoting Peace and Security in Israel and the Middle East
The President believes that we cannot afford to wait to work for peace in the region, so he appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East peace on his second day in office. In the Middle East, we share the goal of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. The United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security. The President has committed himself and his Administration to actively pursuing this goal.
 

A New Beginning: The U.S. and Muslim Communities Around the World

Fact Sheet & Speech

On June 4, 2009, President Obama delivered his promised address to Muslim communities around the world. He announced a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world based on mutual interest and mutual respect, including new partnerships in areas of such as education, economic development, science and technology, and global health. The President also emphasized the importance of turning interfaith dialogue into interfaith partnerships that bring members of different faiths together for community service – whether it is to combat malaria, rebuild communities, or provide disaster relief. more
 

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Unshakable, Durable, Fundamental Relationship and Support for Israel
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 3): "It is important that the United States always underscore our unshakable, durable, fundamental relationship and support for the State of Israel. I will be going from here to Yad Vashem to pay respects to the lost souls, to remember those who the Holocaust took, to lay a wreath, and to say a prayer. During today's visit, I want to emphasize the continuing strengths of the United States-Israeli relationship and our unrelenting commitment to Israel's security." more

U.S. Envisions Palestinian State at Peace With Its Neighbors
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 2): "By providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, we also aim to foster conditions in which a Palestinian state can be fully realized – a state that is a responsible partner, is at peace with Israel and its Arab neighbors, and is accountable to its people; a state that Palestinians everywhere can be proud of and is respected worldwide. This is the Palestinian state we all envision. This is the Palestinian state that we have an obligation to help create." more

"For the Israelis, that means showing the Palestinians that there are benefits to negotiating if their goal is to control their own destiny and live in peace and dignity in an economically viable state.

For the Arab states, it means signaling through words and deeds that the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative can begin to govern attitudes toward Israel now. For all of us – the Arab states and the wider international community – it means working with the government of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian Authority, to help build a state that can meet international expectations and obligations.

And for the Palestinians, it means that it is time to break the cycle of rejection and resistance, to cut the strings pulled by those who exploit the suffering of innocent people, and show the world what the talent and skills of an exceptional people can build and create." Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State, Sharm el-Sheikh, DC, Egypt, March 2, 2009

Resources on Obama’s Policy Agenda for the Middle East
 

Major US Government Statements

A select list of major statements On the United States and Iraq with policy value.

• Assessing the Strength of Hizballah (2010-06-09)
• Remarks by President Obama, Palestinian President Abbas (2010-06-09)
• Free Gaza Flotilla (2010-05-30)
• Security Advisor’s Statement on NPT Review Conference (2010-05-29)
• U.S. Missile Defense and Regional Security (2010-05-11)

Latest US Government Statements

The five most recent statements in reverse chronological order. 

• Journey into America Highlights Muslim-American Diversity (2010-07-26)
• U.S. National Eid Toy Drive Expands in Its Second Year (2010-07-26)
• President Obama’s Vision to Engage Muslims Moves Forward (2010-07-23)
• Statement by Secretary Clinton on Egypt’s National Day (2010-07-22)
• Deepening U.S.-Israel Security Ties Advances Prospects for Comprehensive Peace (2010-07-16)

US Government Fact Sheets

The five most recent fact sheets.

• New U.S. Assistance to the West Bank and Gaza (2010-06-09)
• One Year After Obama’s “A New Beginning” Speech in Cairo, Egypt (2010-06-09)
• Actions in Support of Obama’s National Security Strategy (2010-05-27)
• Silicon Valley Partnership: The Innovators Fund (2010-04-28)
• Announcement on Global Entrepreneurship Program (2010-04-28)