President Barack Obama gave his much anticipated address to the Muslim world from Cairo today.  Speaking from the University of Cairo, Obama touched on nearly all the major issues which have caused tensions between Islamic nations and the West in recent decades including terrorism, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, religious freedom, democracy, women’s rights, economic development and opportunity and nuclear proliferation, specifically regarding Iran, in the 55 minute address.

I just watched the speech in its entirety and while it’s a little too lengthy to summarize here, as usual, I was completely impressed with the firm but conciliatory tone the President took with a region of the world which has become used to hearing ignorant bluster and bravado of the Bush Administration over the past 8 years.  The President understands well that any lasting peace and reconciliation will need to be established on the basis of mutual respect.  He made an important step toward establishing it today.  You can check out this important speech after the jump:

NY Times: Text: Obama’s speech in Cairo

Reuters: The First Draft: Reviews Flood in After Obama’s Cairo Speech

BBC News: Obama’s Cairo Speech