Shiite Muslims

LISTEN NOW! (Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM!)  [Part 1 of 2] We continue the coverage of President Trump’s first International trip and his first stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As we have been discussing his speech in the heart of Islam, in the Middle East, as well as his actions to have Saudi Arabia invest more than $500 Billion in America’s economy, we are seeing President Trump express himself as quite the statesman. When we see President Trump’s bold actions in the Middle East, some may wonder why our relationship with Saudi Arabia was not utilized during the last eight years of the Obama Administration. When Prince Faisal, advisor the Saudi Prince, spoke with Fox News, he addressed this very topic.

“Saudi Arabia has always been keen in playing its role in the region and in partnership with the U.S. so I think we are more than ready to cooperate with the United States on countering ISIS in Syria, in Iraq, across the region.” As the Prince continues, he elaborates on just how detailed Saudi Arabia is committed to partnering with the United States. “Not just financially, but the Saudi government offered, in the Obama Administration’s time, to send its troops into Syria to fight ISIS. That was not met with enthusiasm by the Obama Administration.” He continues to elaborate how their willingness has not changed now that there is new leadership in charge. “I think that offer remains on the table, and I’m sure we’re more, with the Saudi Government, is more than ready to support the U.S. in eradicating ISIS. But, as I said, not just financially, but actually with its own troops and with its own people.” This is such a vital reality that is important to understand. What we are realizing is that many of the statements that were made over the last eight years were simply lies.

It’s important to understand the role that Saudi Arabia plays in the Middle East as an ally with the United States. Some may not know that there are two totally different sects within the religion of Islam. For example, Saudi Arabia is made up of mainly Sunni Muslims, while Iran is comprised of Shia Muslims. The relationship between these two nations can be described as rocky, at best. NowThis elaborates more on the differences of beliefs between the two sects and the relationship between the two nations. “Despite both countries being predominately Muslim, each has a different and opposing Islamic sect as the religious majority. In short, the Saudi’s follow Wahhabism, an ultra-conservative sect of the Sunni faith, while the Iranians are mostly “Twelvers” of the Shia faith.” NowThis continues to elaborate more on the details of Islam throughout the world and the stark differences. “Most of the world’s Muslims identify as Sunni and nearly half of the world’s Shiite’s live in Iran.”   As Iran underwent a stark change in the 1970’s, they vehemently voiced anti-American rhetoric and condemned Saudi Arabia’s relationship with America as an ally. Looking more closely at recent events, Iran stood in support of Syria’s leadership by Bashar-al Assad, which further highlighted how far apart their relationship with Saudi Arabia had grown.

As we understand this paradigm, and the differences of the beliefs within Saudi Arabia and Iran, we can now see how President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia to speak to more than 50 Arab and Muslim nations, calling on the aggregate fight to eradicate Radical Islam, was so strategic and bold. “Every country in the region has an absolute duty to ensure that terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil.” President Trump understands that the ability of terrorists to operate throughout the world comes from their depth of funding that allows their operations throughout the region and the world to take place. The President continues, “As we deny terrorist organizations control of territory and populations, we must also strip them of their access to funds. We must cut off the financial channels that let ISIS sell oil, let extremists pay their fighters, and help terrorists muggle their reinforcements.” Because of the President’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the strong partnership between our two nations, the President signed an agreement called the New Terrorist Financing Targeting Center.

The President continues to express how the fight against Radical Islam is not simply a war that America will fight, but when the region understands they must come together, only then can there be success. “…it means standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians.” He leaves no room for interpretation and he speaks with clarity as to how Radical Islam must be addressed. “Religious leaders must make this absolutely clear: Barbarism will deliver you no glory – piety to evil will bring you no dignity. If you choose the path of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, and YOUR SOUL WILL CONDEMENDED.” He continues this thought with this revealing truth: “Heroes don’t kill innocents; they save them.” It is beautiful to see the President being bold in front of an audience of 50 Arab and Muslim nations. How many Christians are not saying this truth?

As the President continues this historic speech, he continues to cast vision and hope for Saudi Arabia as he understands this is not a short-term goal, but one of long term vision. “Saudi Arabia’s vision for 2030 is an important and encouraging state of tolerance, respect, empowering women, and economic development.” It is so important to recognize that we have a President that understands that the empowerment of other nations is so vital. The President continues, “That means promoting the aspirations and dreams of all citizens who seek a better life – including women, children, and followers of all faiths…We must practice tolerance and respect for each other once again-and make this region a place where every man and woman, no matter their faith or ethnicity, can enjoy a life of dignity and hope. Not only were these beliefs boldly declared through the words of the President, but it was also demonstrated as the First Lady and Ivanka Trump accompanied the President without any coverings, as is customary for women in this region of the world.

As the President underscores the urgency for human rights for all human beings, he also makes sure to understand that regimes like Iran cannot be sympathized with. “From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds arms and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.” The President doesn’t shy away from addressing Iran’s true actions that have been carried out in their relationship with Syria. “Among Iran’s most tragic and destabilizing interventions, have been in Syria. Bolstered by Iran, Assad has committed unspeakable crimes, and the United States has taken firm action in response to the use of banned chemical weapons by the Assad Regime – launching 59 tomahawk missiles at the Syrian air base from where that murderous attack originated.” Think about the bold difference of actions that the President is taking when compared to the previous President over the last eight years. It seemed as if the previous President was supporting Iran. It’s important to remember that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism. But, God has intervened with mercy.

This is such an important and vital moment in history, in the Middle East, in America, and in the fight against terrorism from Radical Islam. When we understand the role that Saudi Arabia plays as an ally of the U.S., we can now see just how strategic and impactful it was for the President to make this trip and declare these bold words to more than 50 Arab and Muslim Nations. See the full report to hear both parts of this exciting speech, and so much more. Also, shared in this segment: Radical Islam, The Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Fox News, Bret Baier, Saudi Prince, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, The White House, The Trump Administration, President Donald Trump, Secret Service, narratives, oil prices, Cairo University speech, The Apology Tour, The Obama Administration, religion, radicalization, terrorism, Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, San Bernardino, 9/11 Terrorist Attack, and The Arab Islamic – American Summit. Greg and John shared in this segment. 
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LISTEN NOW! (Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM!) [Part 2 of 2] President Trump begins a new season in his leadership as President as he embarks on his first International trip. He traveled to the Middle East where his first stop was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The President received a royal reception as the literal red carpet was rolled out for his arrival. Full of fanfare and celebration, it was an encouraging sight to see Saudi Arabia receive the our leader of America with such a display of honor and respect as the Presidential Motorcade was also accompanied by horsemen with American Flags.

It’s so important to see our President as a leader who is ready to facilitate our vision and empower others; not simply be a policeman of the world. This is an answer to so many prayers as the President’s visit to the country of Saudi Arabia “makes him the seventh U.S. president to have traveled to the Middle East to meet with a Saudi king since the end of World War II”. The first President to visit was Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945. Since then, America and Saudi Arabia have established and kept a solid relationship as allies.

As ShareAmerica describes, “this week will mark the 7^th visit from a U.S. President to Saudi Arabia since 2002.” What many may not be aware of is that America is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner. Also, 70% of the population in Saudi Arabia is under the age of 30. In addition, only 8 million of the total 30 million population works.

Before the President spoke at the Arab Islamic – American Summit, he signed a tremendously impactful arms deal with Saudi Arabia that would invest nearly $110 Billion in America which would allow Saudi Arabia to fight the war against terrorism in the Middle East.

As President Trump was not only invited to the Arab Islamic – American Summit, he gave an inspirational and impactful speech to the 50 Arab and Muslim nations that were gathered. As he began his words, he made sure to set the tone of what the intentions of his speech were, but also what he intended NOT to do. “In my inaugural address to the American People, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, and to build new partnerships in pursuit of peace. I also promised that America will not seek to impose our way of life on others, but to outstretch our hands in the spirit of cooperation and trust. Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity—in this region, and in the world.” As he continues to underscore the importance of the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, he shares, “Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God.”

The last eight years under the previous administration have been so divided and polarized. But, this is a new day and a new leadership is at the helm of America. The President demonstrated the longstanding partnership between these two nations as he spoke about the $400 Billion agreement that was signed. “Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom that will invest almost $400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and Saudi Arabia.” Some may have balked when the President promised during his campaign trail, “I will get the Gulf States to give us lots of money…”. As it turns out, this is another promise that the President has fulfilled.  

As the President continues his words at the Arab Islamic – American Summit, he talks about how radicalization must be confronted in the Islamic World. “Later today, we will make history again with the opening of a new Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology – located right here, in this central part of the Islamic World.” This fight is not just an American fight. The President empowered the nations gathered to understand that this is their fight also. “Muslim-majority countries must take the lead in combatting radicalization.”

This wasn’t a political speech to Congress or to the Senate. It was to 50 Arab and Muslim nations. This is so vital and important to understand. He is sharing with them the reality of the battle that they are about to fight, a battle that the Saudi’s will invest in America for the arms that will be used to defend Saudi Arabia and fight against Radicalization.

As he speaks to the heart of Sunni Muslims, he also understands that his first priority is not the matters in the Middle East, but to protect America. This is so much different from the first words from the previous Administration when former President Barak Obama said during a 2009 speech at Cairo University, “I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.” Instead, President Trump clearly draws the line to where his responsibilities are and how he is willing to offer his help and support to the region.

“America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership – based on shared interests and values – to pursue a better future for us all.”

He continues to speak truth to power as he boldly describes his empathy and concern for Muslim children. “Young Muslim boys and girls should be able to grow up free from fear, safe from violence, and innocent of hatred.” The President continues to express how this Summit is the beginning of what needs to take place in order to eradicate Radicalization. “With God’s help, this Summit will mark the beginning of the end for those who practice terror and spread its vile creed. At the same time, we pray this special gathering may someday be remembered as the beginning of peace in the Middle East – and maybe, even all over the world. But this future can only be achieved through defeating terrorism and the ideology that drives it.”

This is a reality that America knows all too well as Radical Islam has left its scars on the hearts of Americans; from the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, to the Boston Bombing, San Bernardino, and Orlando, and many others. But, it is not only America, but countries across Europe as well who have suffered from terrorism, as well as Muslims as a whole. The President points out, “But, in sheer numbers, the deadliest toll has been exacted on the innocent people of Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern nations. They have borne the brunt of the killings and the worst of the destruction in this wave of fanatical violence. Some estimates hold that more than 95 percent of the victims of terrorism are themselves Muslim.” He continues to express that actions must be made. “We now face a humanitarian and security disaster in this region that is spreading across the planet. It is a tragedy of epic proportions. No description of the suffering and depravity can begin to capture its full measure.”

The President directly contradicts the many reports of his stance towards the Muslim world as he expresses his hopes to raise people’s desire not to run from the Middle East, but towards it. “This region should not be a place from which refugees flee, but to which newcomers flock.” This is a magnificent shift from the previous administration as the President continues to boldly highlight that we cannot tolerate this overt evil. “There can be no coexistence with this violence. There can be no tolerating it, no accepting it, no excusing it, and no ignoring it…Terrorists do not worship God, they worship death.”

As the President makes the following words made known, take note of who he is speaking to. This is such a breath of hope and clarity.

“If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing—then not only will we be judged by our people, not only will we be judged by history, but we will be judged by God. This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it. This is a battle between Good and Evil.”

This is such an empowering statement. Nations cannot wait for America to fight their battle. They have to make a choice for their future. As Fox News reported, in an interview with Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, advisor to the Saudi Prince, Saudi Arabia offered their support, both financially and militarily, to the previous administration in the fight against ISIS, but it was “not met with enthusiasm…”

President Trump continues to express the type of response that Muslim Nations must take on Radicalization throughout the Earth. “A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out. DRIVE THEM OUT of your places of worship. DRIVE THEM OUT of your communities. DRIVE THEM OUT of your holy land, and DRIVE THEM OUT OF THIS EARTH.” It’s important to note that the President isn’t talking about Muslims, as a whole, but about Radical Islamic Terrorists. The President continues, “Above all, America seeks peace – not war. Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden, if we are going to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology into oblivion.”

This is such an exciting moment for America, for the Middle East and the war against terrorism. The words of hope and boldness that the President is sharing are so empowering. When the President makes such confronting and clear statements, policies come as a result. We are seeing God shifting the very realities of the Earth. See the full conversation of the President’s speech, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Radical Islam, The Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Fox News, Bret Baier, Saudi Prince, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, The White House, The Trump Administration, President Donald Trump, Secret Service, narratives, oil prices, Cairo University speech, The Apology Tour, The Obama Administration, religion, radicalization, terrorism, Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, San Bernardino, 9/11 Terrorist Attack, and The Arab Islamic – American Summit. Greg and John shared in this segment. 
screen capture from youtube.com/The White House