06-04-09 In Turkey,Obama Says U.S. Never at War With Islam

President Obama,directly addressing a majority Muslim country for the first time in his presidency,said Monday that the United States “would never be at war with Islam.” In a wide-ranging speech before the Turkish Parliament in the capital,Ankara, Mr.Obama extended his campaign of outreach to the Muslim world, painting himself as a man who understands it and would seek to build a bridge between Islam and the West.“America’s relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not just be based on opposition to Al Qaeda,” he said.“We seek broad engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect.” He drew applause when he said,“The United States is not,and will never be,at war with Islam.” And in a move with potential political risks at home,he drew on his personal ties to Islam.Introduced as “Barack Hussein Obama,” he told the Parliament that the United States had been “enriched by Muslim-Americans.” “Many other Americans have Muslims in their family,or have lived in a Muslim-majority country,” he said. “I know,because I am one of them.”Then he paused.And waited. And,after about five seconds,as the translator caught up,the applause came.The line was a bold one for Mr.Obama,who has been falsely labeled a Muslim by detractors.The accusations persist on some right-wing Web sites,which may try to interpret the last sentence as proof of those views