Top story: In one of the most highly anticipated speeches of his young presidency, Barack Obama addressed the Muslim world from Cairo University this morning, pledging to "seek a new beginning."
Obama referred to his own biography and experiences with having "known Islam on three continents" before addressing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, democracy, women's rights and development.
Obama assured that the United States does "not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan" and seeks to "leave Iraq to Iraqis." He also promised to "not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own" and notably referred to "Palestine" rather than a "future Palestinian state." But he also called on Palestinians, including Hamas, to recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce violence and anti-Semitism.
Obama called on all governments in the region to "maintain your power through consent, not coercion," though he avoided referring specifically to his host country, Egypt, in this regard.
Story to watch: Obama kicks off the European leg of his trip later today, which will be heavy on World War II history. Obama will visit the city of Dresden, which was firebombed by the allies during the war, the Buchenwald concentration camp, which he referred to during his Cairo speech, and attend a ceremony for the 65th anniversary of the Normandy invasion.
Obama will also hold talks with Angela Merkel of Germany and Nicolas Sarkozy of France as well as visit wounded U.S. troops at the Landstuhl military hospital, which he was criticized for not doing during his campaign stop in Europe.
Asia
- Beijing police are out in force to prevent demonstrations in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Hong Kong will hold the country's only vigil for the anniversary.
- The trial of two U.S. journalists held by North Korea for entering the country with "hostile intent" will begin today. A guilty verdict is thought to be nearly certain.
- President Obama has asked Congress for an additional $200 million in aid for refugees displaced by the fighting in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Americas
- The Organization of American States voted to readmit Cuba, over U.S. objections.
- The Peruvian government has taken control of one of the country's largest television stations and the opposition in crying foul.
- Mexican drug gangs are increasingly operating in Guatemala, due to pressure at home.
Europe
- Voting has begun in European parliamentary elections with results expected after most countries vote on Sunday. Turnout is expected to be low.
- Gordon Brown's Labor Party seems certain to lose big in local and European elections today.
- An EU official says the union is likely to take in "several dozen" prisoners from Guantanamo.
Middle East
- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a televised debate with his main rival Mir Hossein Moussavi, in which the two men clashed on foreign policy.
- Shooting broke out between Hamas militants and Palestinian police in the West Bank.
- A cafe bombing killed nine people in south Baghdad.
Africa
- An Ethiopian rebel group warned international oil companies to avoid exploration in the country.
- Leaders are angry over Delta Airlines' decision to suspend service to Kenya and Liberia over security concerns.
- Over 150 inmates escaped from an overcrowded prison in Nigeria.
SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images
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