The new US president, Barack Obama, has again extended his hand to the Muslim world while reaffirming America's determination to combat terrorism. In his inaugural address after being sworn in as 44th president of the United States, Obama said: "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
Speaking before over a million spectators, the largest-ever gathering in Washington, Obama made several references to the Scriptures, underscoring his consistency with the Bush administration's faith-based emphasis on public service. However, he also recognized the legitimacy of non-belief. "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers," he said.
Rick Warren, an evangelical minister who delivered the invocation, was also broad in his appeal, quoting the Shema, the Jewish prayer celebrating a single God and God's blessing of Israel.
