In an open letter to US President Barack Obama, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) – the largest Islamic organization in Washington - called on him to put forward true initiatives in his speech to the Islamic world from Cairo. More specifically, it urged him not to turn a blind eye on occupation and oppression in the world in order to restore the US international reputation. In the letter, CAIR executive director Nihad Awad offers "an American Muslim perspective on what governments, leaders and individuals can do to improve the prospects for international peace and prosperity." "As an American, I will first focus on what you can do to help repair relations with the Muslim world that have suffered such damage in recent years," the letter says. "It is imperative that your positive statements now be backed up with concrete policy initiatives that will help move us all toward a more peaceful and prosperous future. Otherwise, we as a nation risk wasting the good will that has been garnered by your ongoing outreach to Muslims. "America must champion political and religious freedom, human rights, the growth and stabilization of democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law for everyone, not just those we favor. "For too long, we have claimed to be champions of freedom and democracy, while turning a blind eye to repression, occupation and authoritarian rule. We must hold every nation, even those we regard as allies, to a uniform standard of justice and equality. No other action will do more to restore America's international reputation." Nihad also calls on leaders, governments and individuals in the Islamic world to carry out similar changes and reforms. "First, government, civic and religious leaders must foster a culture of respect for human and minority rights, political and religious dissent, freedom of expression, and the rule of law." Finally, Nihad ends his letters saying, "I ask you to accept this advice in the sincere spirit it is given and I hope your address in Cairo will help change the direction of our world from the path to conflict to that of peace and reconciliation… This decisive moment in history requires clarity of purpose and a commitment to practical action that will lead to real change."
