June 1, 2009 | Press Release

Congressional Letter Puts Focus on Struggle for Freedom in Advance of Presidential Address in Egypt

Washington,  DC (June 1, 2009) – Yesterday ten Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama with recommendations for his highly anticipated June 5th address in Egypt.  The letter addresses a variety of issues important to the region including human rights, democracy, the situation in Darfur, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the rise of radical Islamist ideologies. 

The authors write:  “You have the ability to inspire the countless individuals who wither under the control of repressive governments, encourage Middle Eastern governments to engage important issues, and remind the world of America’s commitment to protecting religious freedom for all people of faith, including Muslims.”

In drafting these recommendations, the Members of Congress consulted human rights and democracy groups involved in the region, as well as experts in the field.

FDD Senior Fellow Dr. Walid Phares, who frequently consults with Congress on issues related to the Middle East and terrorist ideologies, said, “This letter makes excellent recommendations that the President would be wise to consider as he drafts his historic remarks.  It is especially important that he speak to the brave reformers struggling to advance human rights and democracy in their countries and to all others who support greater freedoms, to let them know that we will stand by them as they work for change.”

For a copy of the letter, please click here.

Dr.  Phares is available to discuss the President’s upcoming visit to Egypt and how it will be received in the region.  To schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].   


###

Issues:

Egypt