cnn

World Dominic-main page of Return Transcript
Kahn was released on bail;
President Obama\'s speech on the Arab Spring Festival
Response from Syria and Libya;
Israel is satisfied with Obama\'s speech;
Blair\'s reaction;
Have we heard it before? ;
Response to the commitment of Egypt and Tunisia to provide economic support;
Is the number big enough or too big? ;
The idea of an Egyptian revolutionary in May 19, 2011
ETTHIS is a rush transcript at 16:00:00.
This copy may not be in final form and may be updated.
Becky Anderson, CNN International host: a week ago, he was one of the most powerful people in the world.
Now, former president of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique-
Strauss-Kahn has been charged with several criminal charges ranging from sexual abuse to attempted rape.
Well, the indictment was issued today after a jury in Manhattan heard evidence of the case earlier this week.
In that court 10 minutes ago, Strauss.
In fact, Kahn was released on bail.
His lawyer had a hard lobbying to release him, and the judge agreed to the specific conditions.
Well, the hearing was held a few hours later in Strauss.
Strauss-Kahn resigned.
As head of the International Monetary Fund, I am sure you will agree that the stunning graceful decline that started on Saturday in New York is alleged to have tried to rape a hotel waitress.
Of course, CNN will cover the story for you from all angles.
In a moment, we will speak to Jeffrey Tobin, CNN\'s senior legal analyst, who will stand by us and provide us with his expert input on everything we have seen so far today.
Our own Richard Quest spoke with people who are currently managing the International Monetary Fund about how to elect a new leader.
We will arrange an interview for you in a few minutes.
Richard Ross is following legal action in New York, Strauss-
Kahn was charged an hour ago.
We start here tonight--
Richard, outside the court, was busy all day.
Let\'s go back. First of all, just a few minutes.
Of course, he was released on bail. -
People will think that it is not a big surprise, but it will certainly reassure him.
Richard Ross, CNN\'s senior UN correspondent: You see, since this case has started for me, anything could be a surprise.
No one can predict anything.
I think there are some surprises when you read to the judge the argument why he should or shouldn\'t go out. This was not --
No deal was reached.
He will now be released on bail, bail in a package, millions of dollars in cash, $5 million in bonds, handing over travel documents, passports, United States of America. N.
Travel passes and other actions, including electronic monitoring and other means, the defense says they will definitely keep their client Dominique-
Strauss-Kahn will not pose a flight risk in New York.
Prosecutors strongly advocate Dominique Strauss
Kahn is a rich, powerful, influential person who may be able to go beyond the boundaries of the United StatesS.
Jurisdiction, can find a place where he can live, quoting the words \"comfortable life.
\"So far they have failed in the argument.
However, the indictment filed seven criminal charges against Dominic, including sexual assault charges, imprisonmentStrauss Kahn.
Just a day ago, the head of the International Monetary Fund was hard to believe.
His wife and a daughter are in court.
When he walked in, he first acknowledged them with a smile, and then he kissed in the air during recess.
Defense counsel for the alleged victim of sexual offences said that if Dominic Strauss-
In fact, Kahn was released on bail, which was neither bad nor terrible for her clients, because he said that what happened had already hurt her.
The defense says Dominic Strauss
Mr Strauss-Kahn was not guilty. in his resignation statement on Wednesday night, the former imf president said he wanted to clarify his name and said he was not guilty of the charges. -Becky.
Anderson: OK, Richard.
This is the story of today, very amazing things.
Of course, we haven\'t heard from Dominic Strauss yet.
Starting from the weekend.
However, we got word from William Taylor, his defense lawyer.
At the bail hearing just now. (
Start Video Editing)
William Taylor, Strauss\'s defense lawyer
Kahn: there is no doubt that the police know the reason for his whereabouts is because he called the hotel, which is the scene of the incident, and asked the hotel from Kennedy Airport if he found his mobile phone.
The hotel informed him that he had found it and asked about his whereabouts and he immediately told them.
In fact, he called the hotel for the second time, called the security guard for the second time, told the plane was boarding, and urged the Hotel delivery staff to bring him his cell phone in time. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: Okay, one of Dominic\'s defense lawyers. Strauss Kahn.
So, what is the next step for the former IMF president? A senior so --
Jeffrey Tobin, senior CNN legal analyst, is now on the phone with us from New York.
I just wanted to hear the details of the grand jury.
Seven charges he was charged
First of all, your reaction to what happened in da-Jeffrey?
Jeffrey Tobin, senior legal analyst at CNN: Well, this is obviously a question of whether he should ---
He should be released on bail.
You know, a judge refused bail earlier this week.
The judge agreed. And I --
I can see how the judge came to this conclusion because he will be under such a tight rule (AUDIO GAP).
The bigger point is (AUDIO GAP)
If convicted, he will face long prison terms.
So yes (AUDIO GAP)
He went out for a while (AUDIO GAP).
Yes, okay.
As you can hear, we have minor technical issues with Jeffrey\'s phone.
If we can bring him back, we will bring him back.
A lot of analysis is needed on what is the greatest story.
So how will the next head of the global financial system choose?
Well, the current acting director, John Lipsky, was interviewed by CNN\'s Richard quays a while ago.
Listen to this. (
Start Video Editing)
IMF Acting Director John Lipsky: The board will meet in the next day or so to agree on the process ---
We call it--
And the details of how to do the search and how to make the selection.
Once the process is agreed ,--
Then transfer, then it will be placed in place and the selection process will start.
Host Richard Quays: \"mission means business\": ---
This is formal if you like.
But as clear as you are, as you are now talking to me, the struggle around consensus candidates for positions is almost ongoing.
Lipsky: it\'s important to note--
Members recognize the role of the fund and the importance of having talented and effective leadership and leadership that can reach consensus on decision-making and action.
So the process may begin soon.
The formal process will begin soon, hopefully in--
Very fast and effective approach.
I need to ask you straight, do you want this job?
Lipsky: Richard, my term of office ends on August 31. -I had already --
Before these events, I have announced my intention--
From--at that time.
But personality is not important.
It is important that the work of the fund continue.
Important work.
Richard, let me point out that I am the third deputy general manager.
All three of us are depressed. -
Act as an acting managing director during the period of the managing director.
So it\'s normal. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: John Lipsky.
Dominique Strauss
Kahn resigned as managing director of the IMF today.
But I tell you the competition for his job is heating up.
There are some people here--
At least, it seems that some people who are interested in running ---
Although maybe I should say the job is in progress.
John is currently the general manager before choosing a permanent replacement.
Gordon Brown, of course, is the former prime minister and another possible candidate.
Of course he wants the job, I believe.
Kemal Dervis will be the first leader in Turkey\'s history and the first non-Turkish leader
European leader of the International Monetary Fund
He is the former finance minister of Turkey and the former Treasury secretary of the United States. N.
Development programmes.
To be honest, Christine Lagarde may be the leader of the job.
The French finance minister, of course, has been well respected in the financial sector.
Another big thing we have tonight is Dominic.
Of course it\'s Kahn\'s story.
Our other show on CNN, America. S.
The president addressed the Middle East and the Arab world.
We will hold talks with the US ambassador to the United States. N.
With regard to the plans to support Egypt and Tunisia, the two countries struggled in the aftermath of the revolution.
We will hear from Farid Zakaria about this.
This is a new chapter in American diplomacy.
Is there a shift? Stay with us. (
Business break)
Anderson: welcome back.
You watch wired world on CNN.
Well, a delicate task, months of consideration and delivery today.
The biggest focus now is the United States. S.
President\'s high-profile speech to the Arab world-
In recent months, great changes have taken place in the world.
The time of the speech is to allow the audience in the Arab countries to watch after work.
In his speech, Obama stressed that the interests of the United States are not hostile to the hopes of Arab countries.
He criticized Syria for \"choosing the path to murder and mass arrests\" and told the United StatesS.
The use of force by Bahrain\'s allies will not call for reform. Mr.
Obama said that the whole region, especially Tunisia and Egypt, has heard calls for human dignity, urging people there to wait patiently, saying: \"Change takes years, not a few
He told them: \"If you do it right, then AmericaS.
I will help you there. \" (
Start Video Editing)
US President Barack Obama: From what we have learned around the world, we think it is important to focus on trade rather than just aid;
Investment, not just aid.
The goal has to be a model in which protectionism makes it open, business domination shifts from a few to many, and the economy creates jobs for young people.
S. support for democracy will therefore be based on ensuring financial stability, promoting reform and integrating competing markets and the global economy.
We will start in Tunisia and Egypt. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: Earlier President Obama.
When we talk to the United States ambassador to the United Nations, we will learn more about what will be covered later on in the program.
Another cornerstone of Mr.
Obama\'s speech, the pursuit of Palestine-Israeli peace.
He advocated the resumption of negotiations between the two sides, saying that the endless delay would not let the problem disappear.
Well, as you can imagine, our reporters in the Middle East and North Africa are evaluating the response to Obama.
Obama\'s speech and all his views are not only the right of the people he says to choose their own leaders, but also the issue of faith and trust, the treatment of women, even Osama bin Laden\'s death. Well, Mr.
Obama talked about the pros and cons of the Arab Spring and tried to link American interests with the uprising.
Of course, wolf policy is listening to CNN.
He\'s in Washington, DC, CNN. I\'m off --
My feeling is that the umbrella of all this
What Obama wants to stress is that it takes time, but America is definitely on your side.
Right?
Wolf blitzer, the \"situation room\" Host: Yes.
He basically told People in North Africa and the Middle East that the United States would be there.
Yes, there will be moments that look inconsistent, policy moments, where the United States takes a position, for example-
In Libya, Tunisia or Egypt, possibly in Bahrain, for example, even in Syria, there are subtle different positions on this issue.
But he said the United States is determined to promote human rights and democracy throughout the region. And he --
He said that and I will play a little clip, Becky, why is this so important to youS.
National security. (
Start Video Editing)
Obama: One Square after another, one town after another, one country after another, people have come up to demand their basic human rights.
The two leaders have stepped down.
There may be more next.
Although these countries may be far from our shores, we know that our own future is determined by economic and security forces, history and beliefs. (END VIDEO CLIP)
And he--
To support this, he--
He pointed out that the United States has promised to provide Tunisia and Egypt with about $2 billion in various forms of economic assistance, loan guarantees, debt relief from Egypt, and more money on the road. -
When it\'s important, when AmericaS.
Trying to cut its own dome-
Considering all the budget deficits here, domestic spending, Becky.
So the president is going out and making it clear that the U. S.
It will be there, it will be a partner and a friend, though it will not be easy in any case.
Anderson: Yes, he took a lot of boxes and made it very clear that Wolf, Washington fully supports the wave of democracy across the region, maybe they are, at the beginning of what we now call the Arab Spring, it is slow.
He did not mention Saudi Arabia, however.
I was a little surprised by this because he ticked in many other countries. Were you?
Yes, I am--
I am not surprised because there is so much interest in this US. S. -
Saudi relations are now.
To be sure, the relationship with King Abdullah is already tense because of the United StatesS.
Position on BahrainThe --
The Saudis are unhappy with the Obama administration\'s approach to dealing with President Mubarak in Egypt.
It is clear that a lot of oil is in danger now.
I\'m kind of waiting. when the president gave that long speech, there was--
With regard to the full paragraph on how important women are, you can\'t ignore women, you can\'t abuse women, women are right to democracy and-
They should be allowed to vote.
I\'m waiting for him to say something about Saudi Arabia where women can\'t even drive now. So it --but --
But he didn\'t say that. So --
But this is in line with current efforts to improve relations with Saudi monarchy.
So, it\'s a thunderous silence, if you want, without mentioning the name of Saudi Arabia.
Yes, maybe the elephant in the room.
As ever, Wolf Blitzer is always a pleasure.
In fact, we thank you very much for leaving Washington with us this evening.
Well, some of the toughest words we \'ve heard from Obama are the brutal crackdown on the Syrian regime.
Government protests-
The UN\'s estimated crackdown last week killed as many as 850 people and arrested thousands during the unrest there. Here\'s what Mr.
Obama had to address the Syrian president. (
Start Video Editing)
Obama: President Assad has a choice now.
He can lead the shift, and he can get out of the way.
The Syrian government must stop shooting at demonstrators to allow peaceful protests.
It must release political prisoners and stop unfair arrests.
It must allow human rights observers to enter cities such as Daraa and begin serious dialogue to advance the democratic transition.
Otherwise, President Assad and his regime will continue to be challenged from within and will continue to be isolated abroad. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: President Obama\'s speech today.
Another major focus of this speech is arab-
The Israeli conflict.
He said negotiations must focus on a viable Palestine and a Safe Israel, both of which have safe borders.
He also said that choices need to be made between hatred and hope across the region.
Listen to this. (
Start Video Editing)
Obama: The recent announcement by Fatah and Hamas to reach an agreement raises profound and reasonable questions for Israel.
How can a person negotiate with a party that shows reluctance to recognize your right to survival?
In the coming weeks and months, the Palestinian leadership must provide a credible response to this issue.
At the same time, the United States, our quartet partners and the Arab states need to continue to do everything they can to break the current impasse. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: Okay.
I would like to withdraw from the breaking news this hour, the bail hearing and the prosecution of Dominic. Strauss Kahn.
Listen to a regional lawyer speaking outside the court. CYRUS R. VANCE, JR.
District attorney in Manhattan :--
According to US law, this is an independent body that has been harmed by impartial citizen jurors who have considered the evidence provided by my office and found that it is sufficient to bring a public prosecution and try the accused.
According to US law, these are extremely serious allegations, based on the verdict of the grand jury, and the evidence supports
The two sides agreed to forced sex.
The accused is charged with all charges filed with the grand jury, including first-class criminal conduct, Class B violent felony and attempted first-class rape, and Class C violent felony
In the course of this criminal proceeding, the defendant, under the supervision of an independent and experienced judge, will receive all the protection available in our judicial system to ensure a fair trial.
These protections guarantee everyone accused of committing crimes in these courts, whether they are residents or tourists.
This includes each of the more than 100,000 defendants who come to my office every year.
For more than 200 years, the fairness and justice of the criminal justice system in the United States has been the cornerstone of our democracy.
It received strict support from the New York court and our office.
The work of the Manhattan district attorney\'s office will be guided in this case, as in every case, following a principle ---
Do the right thing without fear or favor, no matter where. Thank you.
Anderson: OK, let\'s take a look at what Richard Ross thinks about what we just heard from the Dominic district attorney.
Kahn in Manhattan-
Richard, just got the information. -
Today\'s trial.
What do you think?
Ross: Well, it\'s a little hard to hear about the prosecution there.
But I think in the comments-
About how many cases they considered and handled-
I don\'t think they suggested he should be released on bail.
In the last 30 minutes, we \'ve heard that Dominic-
After a bail and security deposit and everything else has been submitted by the defense counsel team, Strauss-Kahn will be released ---
Locked him in his home in Manhattan.
But prosecutors say the idea of an electronic ankle bracelet is ridiculous and he can easily escape.
He is a man of power and wealth.
He\'s in court.
His wife is there.
And his daughter was there.
I do not think that some of the prosecution\'s arguments had responded earlier.
As my court colleague Susan Candiotti said, it was a long legal path and she described to me in court the atmosphere a few minutes ago.
The next session will be held on June 6.
But as the prosecution has said, their charge is Dominique-
Strauss, then president of the International Monetary Fund?
Forced sex agreed upon by both parties
He will have to respond to this--Becky. ANDERSON: Yes. All right.
I have these documents in my hand and, of course, a copy.
Seven charges he was charged
Of course, as Richard suggested, he was--
He was released on bail.
Let me tell you the exact date on which Justice Michael OBBs granted bail today.
These are conditions. -
$5 million in cash, $ Bonds.
He had to hand over his travel documents and was detained at home.
Dominic\'s news came thick and fast.
Today is Kahn.
Well, you\'re looking at connecting the world.
I\'m Becky Anderson.
Next, support the transformation of a country whose people have ended 30 years of one-man rule ---
We received news from the United States. S.
Ambassador to the United StatesN.
Susan Rice talks about the latest U. S. stance on Egypt
What does President Obama\'s vision for the future of the Middle East mean for troubled areas, as we are exploring his speech on the Middle East a few hours ago.
The next step is connecting the world. (
Business break)
Anderson: just after 09:30, I\'m Becky Anderson from CNN\'s connected world.
Let\'s check the headlines for you this hour.
In his Arab Spring speech, Obama said the United States supports reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa.
The president also provided additional economic assistance to Egypt and Tunisia and expanded trade in the region.
There\'s more in half an hour.
Former IMF President Strauss
A judge in New York approved Mr. Kahn\'s bail.
Earlier, he was indicted by a grand jury on seven charges, including sexual assault and imprisonment.
He resigned from the IMF on Wednesday night.
I just wanted to check out some of the pictures we just had around the court.
Dominique Strauss
Kahn\'s daughter and wife, I believe we can show you as long as we leave the court.
The CNN Center just received these photos.
No, don\'t roll on them.
When we get these pictures, we bring them.
OK, I\'m going to stay with these pictures. Here we go. (
Start Video Editing)(
A woman who speaks French)(END VIDEO CLIP)
Dominique Strauss-Anderson
Kahn\'s wife, 26-year-old daughter, a graduate of Columbia University, is currently studying at Columbia University.
Both of them were in court earlier today.
There is also a media melee. Big story.
Of course, you will get all the details on CNN.
Well, Linkedin\'s stock started on the first day of the social networking site, the New York Stock Exchange.
Before the initial public offering, Linkedin\'s share price was $45 per share, but after the public offering, the share price doubled, at one point exceeding $100 per share.
The FBI is investigating whether the notorious Unabomber has anything to do with the 1982 Tylenol poisoning case.
The agency is looking for DNA samples from Ted Kaczynski, who served his sentence in prison for an email blast that killed three people and injured 23 others.
Let\'s go back to court.
Strauss-William Taylor
Mr. Kahn\'s lawyer is talking now. (Background sound)
Anderson: Well, that happens when you do a live event, isn\'t it?
I believe that you will tolerate us when we try to get you to know what is going on outside the court, but when we speak it is thick and fast.
Of course, let me remind you of what we ate today.
Bail hearing
Of course, he is now on bail.
What we have just heard from his lawyer is that he is leaving Ricks Island tonight.
So there are many conditions. -
Sorry, tomorrow.
Some conditions of the bail decision.
It\'s 5 million in cash, the dollar bond, and he\'s going to be tagged electronically.
He will spend the night on Ricks Island and will be released tomorrow.
This is the latest news we have, so, as you have, on CNN. All right.
When we get it, more.
Back to Obama\'s speech earlier today on the Arab Spring.
Now, the revolutionary movement that continues to sweep the Middle East and North Africa is the focus of Washington\'s earlier speech.
The president of the United States praised Egypt and Tunisia for their successful overthrow of the dictatorship and pledged support in their transition to democracy.
He also criticized leaders in Syria and Bahrain for choosing the path of a brutal crackdown, warning that the use of force would not suppress calls for change.
He reiterated the need for Israelis and Palestinians to find one
Urgently address national issues to ensure peace throughout the region.
As you would expect, our reporters in the area watched the speech and then listened to the response.
Our Sarah Sidner is among the rebels. held Libya.
First of all, let\'s take a look at Arwa Damon, who is covering what Syria thinks about the speech.
But that reminds us that Syria certainly won\'t let CNN and most other foreign journalists into the country. (Start Video)
Ava Damon, CNN International: I\'m Ava Damon from Beirut.
President Obama, speaking directly to the Syrian president, may have used the toughest wording yet, he said
Assad has the option of either leading the transition or letting go.
But that\'s far from meeting the expectations of most Syrian activists who want to hear the U. S. president tell Bashar al-
He lost the legitimacy of his leadership.
At the same time, activists recognize that it is not the US or US President who will bring about change in Syria.
It\'s very simple. it\'s the Syrians themselves.
They reiterated that they were willing to stick to it, no matter what happened.
CNN International correspondent sara sidner: I\'m Sara Sidner in Benghazi, Libya. we\'re in a hotel cafe where people usually stare at Free Libyan TV and support the opposition.
However, the station\'s channel was changed to a radio station where President Obama could be heard speaking in Arabic.
So far, the reaction to the opposition party speech has been very positive, saying it is good enough.
They were pleased to hear that he first mentioned Libya, and he mentioned Gaddafi, saying that he was running out of time.
But what they are particularly interested in is that he referred to the Council, calling it a legitimate interim committee, which the council hopes will mean that the United States will eventually recognize that the entire National Transitional Council is legitimate, so more money for the rebels, perhaps guns and training. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Anderson: OK. That\'s the view there.
We are going to Jerusalem now, our director, Kevin Flower.
The Israeli reaction to you(Start Video)
Kevin Flower, head of CNN\'s Jerusalem bureau: Overall, I think they\'ll be pretty happy with what they hear.
They heard the White House\'s unshakable commitment to Israel\'s security.
They heard an outline. -
They are basically very familiar with the peace process, the peace plan and the peace plan they support.
They will also like the words they hear. -
This sentence is aimed at the Palestinian side, and the president of the United States told the Palestinians that he did not support their efforts to recognize an independent state at the United Nations in September.
He raised the question.
He said the Palestinians will have to answer how Hamas
The Fatah coalition government will continue to move forward and how this will work.
So I think, in general, the Israelis benefit more actively than the Palestinians.
There is not much good news for the Palestinians. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Anderson: OK, Kevin Flower will give it to you from Jerusalem.
Of course, a key factor in bringing Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table is the Middle East Quartet, and I asked one of its delegates, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in this speech, what substance does he think is there.
That\'s what he said. (Start Video)
Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister: there are actually three points.
First of all, strong support for parentsdemocracy, pro-
In this regard, the reform movement and what he said about Syria are very interesting.
Second, it seems to me that it is very important that he put together the rationale for political reform and the rationale for economic reform and say how the United States will support it.
This is crucial in order for the region to realize its potential.
Thirdly, he provides a framework for the Middle East peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, as long as we can recombine it.
I think this is a very important three points in terms of speech and substance.
Anderson: What do you think we learned from what he said today, is this a new start for the United States in the region?
Blair: Well, I think it\'s an attempt to understand those revolutionary events.
I mean, the last few months-
After five months, we may change more than 50 years.
So what he\'s trying to do is set some principles and say, \"we\'re going to support pro. democracy, pro-
Reform movement.
We will support the economy.
\"Because the biggest danger in this region is that you get the momentum of political change, which does not match that momentum.
Then, it is clear that he is also trying to give some guidance and shaping of the political process currently being blocked between Israelis and Palestinians.
So, he tried to take a step back in a way and say, \"Okay. What is it --
What does it look like now, and how can we help it move in the direction we want?
Anderson: Do you think he has made progress in this regard? a-
Middle East peace process--
The process of his speech today? BLAIR: Yes.
What he is trying to do with the Middle East peace process is to say, \"Well, at the moment we have no negotiations.
We are at an impasse.
But nevertheless, it is the only sensible solution that can take the form and direction.
\"There, the Palestinians have the opportunity to establish a state that is viable in the territory.
So this is a real state where they can have sovereignty.
Israelis are properly and adequately protected from the presence of threats against Israel-(CROSSTALK)
Anderson: But there\'s nothing new, Tony Blair, is there? BLAIR: --
Threatening its existence.
Anderson: It\'s nothing new.
Blair: In fact, there is something new in his sense of laying the foundation for territorial negotiations.
He listed safety tests.
He also said something very important to the two peoples.
Now, it seems to us that this is a very common currency, but the president of the United States is actually new in this way.
Of course, what we need is for both sides to come back and now negotiate on that basis.
Anderson: some people will say that this speech is too little and too late for Obama. Do you agree?
No, I don\'t know. I think --look.
In the past few years, I have often heard the phrase \"too little, too late.
In fact, I think they said the same thing about the previous two governments.
The truth is, this is difficult here.
You see, I was in the West Bank.
This is very frustrating on one level.
The West Bank economy has also performed well recently.
In fact, the Palestinian Authority has done a very good job in security.
There have been many changes there.
But our political process is blocked.
You have to keep going.
In a sense, it will never be too little, too late.
This is always an example, no matter how big the obstacles are, and you have to move on. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Anderson: of course, Tony Blair, a member of the Middle East peace Quartet, spoke earlier today about President Obama\'s speech.
On the next show, Obama pledged to help Tunisia and Egypt.
People are talking about billions of dollars in aid, but is that enough?
After that, we will ask a key player outside the United States. (
Business break)
Anderson: welcome back.
Earlier today, President Obama delivered an overwhelming message to the Arab world in his speech.
America will support you if you want democratic change.
But transformation has never been easy, he said.
Listen to what he said. (
Start Video Editing)
US President Barack Obama: There is no straight line to progress, and difficulties are always accompanied by the season of hope.
But the United States of America is based on the belief that people should manage themselves.
Now, we do not hesitate to stand on the side of those who fight for rights, because we know that their success will bring about a more peaceful and stable world, and more just. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Anderson: America is behind you.
Have we heard of this before?
Now with me is Farid Zakaria, the host of cnn gps.
Farid, what do we hear today compared to what President Barack Obama heard when he talked about the Middle East in Cairo on 2009?
Farid Zakaria, Cnn\'s \"GPS\" Host: Becky, in 2009, tried to gently push the Middle East regime towards reform and democracy.
This is in--
Much of it is in the spirit of a gentle push, because remember that the background is George W.
Bush and his fighters.
Like foreign policy.
This is a brand new game.
Revolution is taking place in the Arab world. It is --
There is an ongoing uprising and the United States is trying to catch up.
I think this is a good speech.
It\'s smart, it lists the patterns we see, and it explains them for us.
It puts the United States directly behind the wave of democracy.
But I have to say that for many of the local people in Egypt, I am now overlooking Tahrir Square, and there is a feeling that the United States is coming here too late and there is too little to offer.
A speech won\'t change that, but I think President Obama has made an important start in trying to build a new relationship between the United States and the West and the new Arab world.
Anderson: OK, let\'s talk about Egypt, Farid.
Despite his new financial aid commitments, which certainly existed in his speech, Egypt remains a state run by the army.
The military has these assets, and so far at least the military has been a beneficiary of American aid.
So, for example, how does the military\'s influence affect the White House\'s plans for the country?
Becky aria: you nailed the nail to your head, Becky. This is the --
This is the current problem in Egypt.
Egyptian activists, the feeling of the student movement, experienced this extraordinary revolution to get rid of the country\'s military dictatorship.
Four months later, guess who is running Egypt?
Military dictatorship, including arbitrary arrests, military courts, tear gas.
State, everything is still there.
Media Control, censorship.
So, I think what they hope is that the Obama administration will make it clear to the military that all this help that Egypt will receive will definitely depend on the path to a very systematic, truly democratic one.
I think it\'s the Obama administration\'s plan, but I don\'t think they realize how deep the suspicion that the Egyptian military will not actually give up power is, or just stand behind the curtains and try to create some sort of civilian facade.
So that\'s why I said-
Great speech.
But the real action here is to consolidate these revolutions, which are still very incomplete, especially in Egypt.
Anderson: Let me have a good humor here.
When I listen to the speech, I think, my God, we can talk about the League of Nations.
We have heard a lot about ourselves.
The determination of common interests and mutual help.
I know a lot of people will say, what is he not talking about?
What did he miss?
Of course, one thing we didn\'t hear was that, although we heard a lot about Washington\'s full support for the Democratic wave in the region, what we didn\'t hear was Saudi Arabia, which he certainly didn\'t mention.
Why do you think this is?
Zakaria: Well, the reason is obvious.
He did mention it. -
You see, in the short term, there will be conflicts between our interests and our values, he said.
He didn\'t say 800-
The pound gorilla at that intersection.
That is, of course, Saudi Arabia.
Look, I know he didn\'t do that, and I recognize that as much as you do.
And I understand why he didn\'t.
He is not just a professor of constitutional citizenship, he is also the president of the United States.
If there is serious instability in Saudi Arabia and such protests in Egypt, you may see oil prices reach $250 a barrel, which means that the oil prices of ordinary consumers in the Western world will double.
It can easily push the Western world, even the whole world, to another recession. So, yes.
Saudi Arabia is the most difficult country in all of this, because our interests are indeed ---
Let us move in the stable direction of that kingdom.
But our values do change our direction.
He has not been able to flatten the circle.
I honestly don\'t know who else can do it.
I know. you\'re very good.
Fareed, before you go, all in all, we \'ve heard a lot about what\'s good in the area, what\'s going on in the area, where the area needs to go, in particular, we certainly heard a conversation about Syria.
You said that the elephant in the room is Saudi Arabia, where do you think the focus of the United States is, and where is its influence? Is it Syria?
Is this the star of the White House government at this point?
Becky, you are correct in pointing out that he seems to have slightly changed his policy towards Syria.
I must admit that this is an area where I am confused about Obama\'s position and confused about the administration\'s foreign policy.
They seem to be ruthlessly seeking to remove Bashar al-
Assad and his regime.
Today, he goes further and says Assad needs to make himself part of a democratic transition or step down.
Well, it is not possible for Assad and his family to make themselves part of the democratic transition.
They rule a highly oppressive minority regime of the Alawite, which even accounts for less than 10% of Syria.
They know that they have no future in a democratic Syria.
They will fight to the end.
Now that we know, logically, that means we need--
We in the United States will call on Assad to step down. in a few weeks, why not do so now?
There seems to be a slow-motion aspect of form ---
I don\'t understand the policy on Syria.
This will be an opportunity to draw a line and to make it clear that President Assad needs to step down.
Anderson: as in the past, my colleague Farid Zakaria analyzed the speech for you tonight in Cairo, which is good --
There are views in Europe, countries, and even the entire Arab region, the Middle East and North Africa.
Okay, we have to take a break.
More about this after this break. (
Business break)
Anderson: this is Becky Anderson. you\'re back.
Today\'s speech, Obama\'s speech, of course, is about the Middle East, and the president of the United States has asked the people of Egypt and Tunisia to wait patiently because the United States is making plans to support democratic reform.
Let\'s listen to the four key initiatives he outlined.
This is Obama\'s speech in Tunisia and Egypt. (
Start Video Editing)
Obama: First of all, we have asked the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for G-
8. to hold a summit on what needs to be done to stabilize and modernize the economies of Tunisia and Egypt.
Second, we do not want democratic Egypt to be dragged down by past debt.
Therefore, we will reduce the debt of up to $1 billion for the democratic country of Egypt.
Third, we are working with Congress to build corporate funds for investment in Tunisia and Egypt.
Fourth, the United States will launch a comprehensive trade and investment partnership initiative in the Middle East and North Africa. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Anderson: Okay.
The financial package aims to boost economic growth and prosperity. -
I\'m sorry, boom-
There has been a serious lack of opportunity so far.
See how this aid commitment has been received in the region.
Fred Pleitgen reports for you from Egypt this evening. (Start Video)
CNN Correspondent frederik pleitgen: I\'m Fred Pleitgen in Cairo, Egypt, where many people watch the president\'s speech in cafes like this.
Now, I will say, the result is a bit confusing.
A lot of people are very happy that the president announced an economic incentive plan to try to provide assistance to the country, but also to try to help stop unemployment, which is a real problem, many see this as a threat to the democratic transition process. It\'s going on here.
On the other hand, people also have different views on the role of the United States in politics.
Some people think that the United States should do more to promote the transition, but others say that the United States should sit still and let the Egyptians deal with the problem themselves. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Anderson: Well, the financial package talks about canceling a billion-dollar Egyptian debt and wants to help support a billion-dollar debt.
Dollar loans, for example.
The numbers sound big, but are they really big enough?
I raised this issue with US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice a while ago.
That\'s what she has to say. (Start Video)SUSAN RICE, U. S.
Ambassador to the United Nations: The biggest message is that the United States supports the aspirations, democracy, economic opportunities and reform of the people of the region.
We will support every step of their way, not as an afterthought, but as a top priority in US foreign policy.
Anderson: But if the area wants to be in the post-
1945, there is no such cash involved, is there at this point? Why?
This is not the speech of the Marshall Plan, Becky.
This is a speech outlined by the President in very historic terms, and from the United States perspective, this is an opportunity moment for the Middle East and North Africa, and the United States will make supporting reform a priority and support the quartet, economic, political and democratic transition throughout the region.
It is broad and historic.
It also outlines the core principles of the United States in establishing lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
This is a very broad, very comprehensive and very detailed approach to the whole region.
Anderson: The president pointed out to his audience in his country, \"These countries may be far from our shores,\" he said.
\"There will be people in the United States who say,\" Can we really afford it ? \"?
We can afford it. we must afford it.
Even when we reduce our deficits and budget cuts, we must be part of the world, and we are not immune to the changes that are taking place in the world.
The Middle East and North Africa are strategically important regions for the United States.
The peaceful, democratic and sustainable transition in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere is very important to our national security.
That is why the investment announced by the president today is necessary and important and is in our national interest. (END VIDEOTAPE)ANDERSON: Dr.
Rice spoke about President Obama\'s speech today, particularly on Egypt.
I want to go there now and face a face that you will not recognize, but a voice that you will recognize.
Gigi Ibrahim was a frequent visitor to the phone with us during the Egyptian revolution.
I think we can see your face for the first time tonight.
Ji, as I said, you know, you wrote a lot of blogs behind the massive uprising around Tahrir Square in January, February.
You listened to what Barack Obama said today.
What is your idea?
Egyptian blogger gigi ibrahim: I wasn\'t impressed and I wasn\'t expecting much either way, so to be honest I just watched it for an interview as I knew someone would ask me
But the feeling is that Egypt, we are trying to put an end to this cycle as a client country, and that assistance has brought us back into this cycle.
People do not want such assistance.
We are building democracy from the bottom up, and we want to build our economy in addition to any foreign aid.
Now, we are more concerned about the fact that the army is in power, or when they actually leave, that civilians are on trial in military courts, and--
Establishing a political party representing the people ---
Prepare for the parliamentary elections in September.
So we have a lot of things to deal with and we don\'t really care about ---
Anderson: Yes. -IBRAHIM: --
President Obama has to say.
Anderson: very briefly, what do you want to hear from him?
Ibrahim: The United States will retreat for the first time without interfering with anything related to the Arab world, both politically and economically.
Now is the time for the Arab world to take control of itself ---
For their own destiny.
The change came from within for the first time, and these uprisings had nothing to do with foreign intervention.
So, other than any other country or superpower, it\'s time for us to build our future.
Anderson: Gigi, it\'s always a pleasure and I\'m glad things have changed enough now that you can give us a decent Skype call on CONNECT WORLD. Do come up --
Come back regularly and talk to us.
Gigi Ibrahim leaves Cairo for you.
This is Becky Anderson. this is your world.
Thanks for watching.
World headlines and \"background news\" will appear after this short break.
I left you a picture of the Arab Spring. (
Business break)