Obama Backs Mosque Near Site of Sept 11 attack

United States of Americas President Barack Obama forcefully endorsed building a mosque near the site of the former WTC (World Trade Center), saying Friday that America's founding principles demand no less.



The site is near where almost 3,000 people died on Sept. 11, 2001, after Muslim hijackers flew two hijacked jetliners into the center's twin towers, which crumbled as New Yorkers fled in terror.

"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country," Obama sad, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has driven New York and the nation.

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," he said.

"This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."

The president made his remarks at an Iftar dinner at the White House celebrating the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In broaching the issue, Obama waded into a national controversy that has sparked passionate and at times angry debate.

Obama had not previously commented on the matter. The White House had said it was a local issue.

taken from  : http://www.thejakartapost.com/files/images2/mosque.jpg