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Following the screening of the Cairo speech, during the discussion moderated by Pol/Econ Chief William Martin, an audience member raises a point.

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Following the screening of the Cairo speech, during the discussion moderated by Pol/Econ Chief William Martin, an audience member raises a point.

President Obama’s Cairo Speech Relevant to Nepal

June 5, 2009

Public Affairs Kathmandu hosted an audience of 52 professors, students, and other key contacts for a screening of President Obama’s Cairo speech.  The speech was followed by a lively discussion.  Also, Public Affairs sent the broadcast information to local television stations and encouraged them to run the speech live or to use it for their news broadcasts.  Copies of a recording of the speech are being distributed to key contacts.

The audience who viewed the screening of the speech at the Embassy thoroughly enjoyed it and applauded at the end.   Many followed along with a post-provided transcript of the speech, underlining sections and even taking notes to use in later discussion.  Participants debated whether or not the speech was relevant to Nepal.  Professor Mohammed Habibullah, a retired professor and member of the Army Integration Committee, commented on how important it was that President Obama made the distinction between Islam and how Al-Qaida and the Taliban have distorted religion for their own purposes. 

"This speech is not just for Muslims, but for the entire world."

- Grishma Pudasaini
  Nepali Student