Obama travels to the Middle East

"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end."

"America is not-- and never will be-- at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violence extremists who pose a grave threat to our security-- because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women and children."

— Obama, commenting on relations between the United States and the Muslim world in Cairo, during a Middle East tour. June 4, 2009.