Survey of the Pakistani American Community regarding President Obama’s speech to
the Muslim World on June 4th, 2009
Cairo, Egypt
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Q 1: How would you overall rate the content of President Obama’s speech
71.84 % - Excellent
20.39 % - Very Good
4.85 % - Good
1.94 % - Fair
0.97 % - Poor
Q 2: Did President Obama highlight the issues that you were interested in his
speech?
85.44 % - Yes
14.56 % - No
Q 3: If there was something else that should have been mentioned? What should that have been?
-Specific and details
-There are 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world, out of which 8 million reside right here in the U.S. We are the ones who
suffer the consequences of extremist attacks by radical Muslims elsewhere. We need assurance that Muslim profiling and
discrimination be curbed. We love USA like our own and our children don’t know any other country besides USA and still our love and
patriotism is questioned when interviewed for a key position. Why moderate Muslims are not appointed on key posts? We need more
action on these issues but we also appreciate a fresh new approach to mend damage done in past decades. Thanks
-Swat and the misery of millions by Taliban hands in Pakistan.
-He should have talked about Kashmir
-Much stronger message on Palestinian sufferings...
-Kashmir was not mentioned
-He should have spoken more on wanting to leave Afghanistan.
-Support for people of Kashmir and Indian Muslims. Democracy in Arab world and in Pakistan Withdrawal date from Afghanistan and
Pakistan
-Violence is Violence, no matter who commits it. It should not be a different standard. All violence by all parties needs to
stop.
- Pakistan.. Maybe I missed it.
-Kashmir issue and solution of Pakistan and India relations. More discussion was needed on the domestic issues affecting the
Muslim Americana and their civil rights challenges.
-Actions speak larger than words. Even Bush said nice things about Islam but Bush administration decimated Muslim countries and
communities such as Iraq and Pakistan.
1. Stop Drone attacks in Pakistan 2. Recognize threat of 10,000 Indian agents operating in Pak Northern Areas such as SWAT 3. Pull
back troops from Iraq and Afghanistan
-Kashmir issue, Human rights violations in Kashmir
-Kashmir and education
-More on what’s happening to Pakistan ..and what is the solution to all the upheaval..
-Actual policy changes
-He needs to talk of the Arab dictators and kings who are holding on to power and creating problems for Muslims
-Outreach among the Muslims in the US and Europe. Marginalization of the Muslims in those areas has to be eliminated.
- I think he covered everything
-It was a comprehensive speech.
-MORE ELABORATE SOLUTION TO MID EAST
-Support the right efforts and acknowledge it.
-Kashmir
-Local Muslim issues
-Perfect speech
-He did pretty well.
-Perfect !
Kashmir issue and human rights violation in Kashmir by India. What about the Non Arab Muslims
-KASHMIR ISSUE
-President’s speech has covered all issues and it was a comprehensive.
-To resolve the issue of Palestine and work towards peace in the world be removing US soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan
-His speech was excellent. It however appeared that President Obama was focusing only on the Arab world, which is small fraction
of the entire Muslim world. I felt he ignored the rest of the Muslim world and only focused on Arabs only.
-The issues of civil rights that the American Muslims have to deal with on a regular basis.
-Apology for invading Iraq
-Issue of Kashmir.
Q 4: Do you think that this speech will positively change the views of the segment
of people in Pakistan with anti-American sentiment?
62.14 % - Yes
10.68 % - No
27.18 % - Maybe
Q 5: Do you believe that views and perspectives outlined by President Obama will be
followed by actual policy changes from his Administration?
60.19 % - Yes
9.71 % - No
30.10 % - Maybe
Q 6: After President Obama's speech, do you feel that the American Muslims
(Pakistani Americans) feel that there is a role that they have to empower some of the policy initiatives outlined?
78.64 % - Yes
6.80 % - No
14.56 % - Maybe
Q 7: What role do you think you can play in helping strengthening the understanding between the Muslim world and
United States especially after this speech?
-Communicate with Americans and educate them that we also wants same thing as they want but with different approach.
To show what true Islam is not what the Taliban’s and others
are portraying.
-We have to equip our kids with best education, moral values and prepare them to face all tough things life will throw at them.
We should encourage them to get involved in media & politics. Let our children know that they will have to work harder than the
other kids to achieve their goals.
-I do everyday. I work on making a difference and reach out to fellow Americans and educate them.
-Be a good Muslim America Citizen. Try to impress others by our actions not words. Tell Americans about real Islam.
-Have more inter-faith meetings
-Writing to newspapers, discussing issues with legislators.
-Be more vocal and effective in combating extremism and violence.
-I want to work for the State Department in public diplomacy.
-Public Diplomacy
-Whatever we can do
-Since I am not from an IVY League school and do not have political clout contacts with Obama administration; hence there is not
much I can do.
-Nice speech and actions will speak if he means what he says.
-Meet with people and practice what we preach
-We should work with all fellow Americans to help them understand true Islam and not the Islam the extremists are portraying..
-Have more person to person contact. Not on paper only ..
-Continued activist efforts here in the US
-Provide input on real policy changes towards Muslim world.
-Participating at the grass roots level of the community we live in. Change the perception of the Pakistani Americans who live
in the US and encourage them to come out of their shell and get involved. Reduce the extremism in the Masjids and encourage more
interaction, dialogue with other religions.
-More interfaith dialogue
-We can play an important role for strengthening the understanding between the Muslim world and United States after this speech.
We can draw their attention what President has said and what is their role afterward to promote peace and harmony
-Help remove the stereotypical view of Muslims in USA
-I am already engaged (in my own small way)in an interfaith dialogue with Jewish and Christian leadership in Staten Island and
NYC. This will expand and rationalize my role. I stand ready to build on the points that President Obama made regarding the
commonality amongst us.
-Interacting.........
-Being a model US citizen
-More vocal against the extremists
-I could play a good role if I had time :)
-Sister School Initiatives, Pakistan based help
-We have too many problems in United States right now. Once we are improved we can than better help others
-We have a role to urge Pakistani American community should appreciate President Obama's historic speech and must support new
direction for American policy. President's speech is excellent and has covered all global issues. People around the world should
reject violence and religious extremism for universal peace and honor diversity, justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, charity,
generosity, solidarity, sharing, giving, contemplation, repentance, patience, resolution and the sanctity of human life. The
Commongrounds also applaud the President's statement that ‘Islam is part of America’. President's historic speech will improve and
promote relationship between West and Islam.
-Voice my support for the Obama initiative anyway I can; including writing articles.
-Be good and honest
-Increase our role in Public diplomacy
-Always vote for Democrats. They have the capacity to bring the world together rather than divide us all.
-Keep the dialogue going
-Better communication and interaction with fellow Americans
-Bring forth moderate leadership among them and get extremists weeded out from their wings. Think for the betterment of Pakistan
and stop playing in the hands of Arab extremists.
Q 8: What do you believe that President Obama needs to say to the people in
Pakistan?
-Because Pakistan always helped America since its' existence America should also invest in Pakistan (as they did in India) and
help to grow Pakistan economy and provide employment to people to keep them busy in jobs then joining the Taliban.
-Improvement for all not the elite class, Feudal Lords and military.
-Its not the question of what Pres Obama says to Pakistan, it’s Pakistan’s own responsibilities that they have to realize. We
have a culture of corrupt politics for the past 62 years, unless we change that we should not expect U.S president to win hearts
and minds of our youth, when our own leaders’ don’t do anything to win hearts and minds of young Pakistanis!
-A lot more than he did
-Be honest and stop putting blame on others
-1) Much stronger US support to Pakistan in war against terrorism as well support to broader development issues in the country.
2) Re-assurance that US will not leave Pakistan alone as it happened in the past.
-We will help you if you would like to help yourself. Choose your leaders carefully for their merits, honesty and integrity.
-Nothing more than already said. More financial support would be appreciated.
-He is a true friend of People of Pakistan and is trying to understand their problems. He does not favor dictators or puppets
like previous administrations. He understands the aspirations of majority.
-Continue emphasizing that this is not a war on Islam.
-Apologize to the people for suffering that has occurred in the region because of the US policies. -Stop the drone attacks -
Help the IDPs (internally displaced people)
-Change policies towards Pakistan- Apologize for human tragedy based on US policies.
-Obama is double face because this speech should have been given in Islamabad due to its relevancy to situation.
-He is not President of Pakistan. Pakistan does not need his advice.
-We are with you for the long haul ... and we're stopping the drone attacks.
-Read and learn
-Let's work together as friends.
-That they should help themselves more and not just wait to be helped out by other foreign powers only
-That he will work with them to bring about a society in which the needs of the people are being met and not just the needs of
corrupt government officials
-US will not support dictators and feudal lords like Zardari and Musharraf in future
-Help solve your problems by being strong in conviction
-Pakistanis need to help themselves first and the US and others are there to help them. Corruption, Feudalism, need to be
eradicated for democracy, good governance and institutions to flourish. The rule of Law has to be followed in all walks of life and
only then opportunity, jobs, peace; poverty eradication and education will come to the people
-Get rid of Taliban and give opportunities to all Pakistanis
-Be part of one world to reject violence and religious extremism.
-STANDFAST AGAINST EXTREMIST AND PROMOTE DEMOCRACY, FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER, LOW LITERACY RATE, EXTREMISM
-They are supported in these trying times. They will support the governments which posses’ merit and are honest.
-That the mistakes were made in the past but he is ready to take new direction. He should recognize the sacrifices made by
Pakistani Armed Forces in fighting America's war which now has become Pakistan's war.
-Education very very important......
-Thank you for always being there for United States
-US will work on the stability of the entire South Asian region
-We feel for the millions displaced in Pakistan
-He will help Pakistan to get rid of Taliban.
-We need to stay the course
-Yes, We can!
-EXTREMIST WITH GUNS WILL NOT DO ANY GOOD TO EITHER ISLAM OR PAKISTAN
-Support his efforts to promote world peace.
-I think the people of Pakistan should tell Obama that his forces have killed innocent women and children and we want them out
of our country.
-America is apologetic for its on again, off again friendship and for the damages it has caused. From now on, it will deal
Pakistan with same respect and honor that it extends to other friends like India and Saudi Arabia. It will not meddle in Pakistan's
internal affairs anymore. It will not support dictators anymore; may they come from military or civilians. Finally, he should thank
Pakistanis for their support and sacrifices during the Cold-War, Afghan war and then again (post 9/11) Afghan war.
-People of Pakistan need assurance that their economic and social needs will be met, not through the Government but through the
social organization who have a track record of delivering the promises.
-Pakistan has suffered as a result of American war against soviet union and America must take the responsibility for helping
Pakistan to undo the damage that it did to Pakistan’s economy, infrastructure and terrorism which is the direct result of American
policy, and America must help Pakistan undo all of this.
-We respect you
-Elect honest and capable secular leaders
-Sorry about the IDPs and the attacks that people in Pakistan have sustained for so long
-Thank you for always being there for United States. Remain committed to fight against terror
-Share Intelligence and stop the drones attacks.
-He will support the people of Pakistan not the Government.
-Select your future leaders wisely
-USA must stop backing up dictators in Pakistan. USA should support people of Pakistan not the corrupt dictators and human
rights abusers.
-How to fight together with the terrorists!
-Kashmir issue was his top priority during the Election but not any more. He must help solve Kashmir issue.
Q 9: Which of the following effects do you believe, the speech today by President
Obama had on the extreme voices in the world, who use faith to justify murder and harm on to people of other faiths?
72.82 % - Made those voices WEAK and IRRELEVANT
1.94 % - Made those voices STRONGER
25.24 % - No Change
Q 10: End of Questionnaire Comments
-America should also take active role to solve the Kashmir problem for good.
-Choosing a country was not a good decision. President Obama should have used White House with Muslim leaders beside him.
-Thank You for asking our views. We say God Bless America and Long Live Pakistan in the same breath. We are invested in Pakistan
and here is U.S simultaneously. Stakes are high and we cannot see extremists win. Please go back to the principle of Unity, Faith
and Discipline.
-Excellent speech.
-I think his speech was a good start. One speech is not going to undo the damage done in last few decades. Speeches like these
should be followed by deeds.
-Actions speak louder than the words .... wait and see ...
-Generally it was a good speech and fresh and healthy start.
-Good work PAKPAC
-Balanced and hopefully a new beginning
-The Speech was very refreshing and certainly "Food for Thought’ and should be taken in a Positive Attitude.
-Nice speech, but did not discuss any major policy changes. No real effects will be seen unless the words are followed up with
actions.
-Obama has to translate his rhetoric into action and policy changes. He has to appoint qualified Muslim Americans in his
administration. There are huge pools of Muslim Americans who can help Obama Administration to achieving his goal of having good
relations with Muslim countries.
-Any country which does not stand on their own would not last long. People make a country not AID from outside
-Important message at a very crucial time. It had substance, sounded like a true voice of President Obama's heart, and was very
forceful.
-Proud of our President......
-Thank you PAKPAC
-Actions speak louder than words. Muslim world will remain skeptical till words are followed by tangible policy shift. At the
same time, Muslim world needs to reciprocate Obama's historic goodwill initiative. Politically, Obama has put a huge capital
online; Muslim world should help him by meeting at least half way.
-It is good beginning
-There is some hope.
-This is just the beginning.
-Obama cannot help us if we are not going to help ourselves.
-I was generally impressed.
Total responses received: 103
