but the most important lesson we've learned, we don't always practice it, is that inclusion counts. let me say that again. inclusion counts. being brought in and made a part of the community, whether as my irish ancestors with signs, no irish need apply, and the anti-catholic movement of the no-nothings in the late 1800's, straight through to how some respond today to the number of folks in the united states of america that are hispanic of background.

we've always ultimately overcome it. but it's always been about inclusion. being a part of the whole. we still have problems but i'm proud of the american record on culture and economic integration of not only our muslim communities but african communities, asian communities hispanic communities, and the wave still continues. it's not going to stop. nor should we want it to stop. as a matter of fact, one of the things i think we can be most proud of. the truth of the matter is, when i say we have to be able to see one another, i'm not talking about surveillance, i'm not talking about cameras. i'm talking about being able to look at one another and see one another. see who we are. understand how similar we are. it's about recognizing the dignity that every person in america is entitled to be afforded. without exception. every person in america. immigration -- excuse me immigrant or native-born. because at the end of the day, it's about treating each other with respect and although we need technology, technology

cannot replace contact. technology can't replace contact. that was the principle behind the notion we had in that bill i wrote a long time ago called community policing. it wasn't about just getting tougher on the street. it was about making sure that the policeman got out of his car and knew who the local shop owner was, knew his name. muhammad, my name is officer shmedlap, here's my card -- no, literally. literally. not figuratively. we did community policing, the police around this table can tell you. violent crime in four years dropped over 19% in the united states of america. it was because the police officers went to the community meetings, they showed up in the church basements.

they were engaged. and the guy who said it best is a friend of mine, who occasionally gets criticized but his name is bill bratton. former commissioner up in boston and los angeles and new york boston, new york, l.a., now back in new york. and he said, joe, when i was out in los angeles, he said, an african-american woman who was an activist in the community came up and said to me something i've never forgotten. she said, there is an african saying by a large african tribe centered just north of south africa. and she said, the phrase is, we see you. we see you. folks, we're not going to make a lot of progress unless we can

we see you. bill bratton was correct. it's important when the minority community understands that law enforcement, faith leaders social workers like my daughter, mental health officials, athletic associations, ymca's, ywca's are all working together. that's where it works, as the communities can tell you. that's where it works. when everybody is in the game. it can't be done without that kind of community building. but the efforts, the initiatives that we hope will arise from this summit are those designed to bring together coalitions to help solve the problems. but mainly so every child and every minority community in america, particularly now in the muslim american community, is able to feel like we see them. we actually see them. who they are. carmen ortiz said it best, he said, our goal is to really

promote public safety and to have a community to be part of our national security. national security flows from a sense of community. it flows from a sense of community. so if you're dealt out, if you're not treated with respect, if you're not understood, if i can't see you, then it won't work. it's not easy. we have some significant experience in the past and i hope we can expand on it.

so, let me say to all of you since -- and i apologize for taking as long as i did, but this is the opening salvo of this three-day conference and i want to make sure we're on the same page what have we're trying to do and trying to figure out why all of you leaders have been invited, because that's been your business. you've been trying to see, see. not hide from, see what the problems are. and respond. and it's not going to be easy. but it's necessary. and i know from my discussions in belgium last week, all of europe is trying to figure this out right now. because again, although there's been a good deal, there's been a significant amount of immigration over the last 40 years, 50 years into europe from all over the world, it is a newer phenomenon. there's a lot we can do together, i think. >> vice president biden from the white house. we are waiting to hear president obama wrap up the daylong session on the summit of

combating violent extremism. we will follow the president's comments with yours, your phone calls and tweets. earlier today the group heard from homeland security secretary jeh johnson. he called the terrorist threat more complex since 9/11 and renewed his request homeland security be fully funded with the measure running out at the end of february. we will show you as much as we can while we wait to hear from president obama. [applause] >> thank you. good morning.

as i look around the room at some many familiar faces from places as varied as boston and minneapolis, and i think about the weather of those three places, it is all a matter of perspective here in washington. to some of you it is freezing cold. to others it is a warm respite from where you come from. welcome everybody. this is a terrific opportunity to get together on a timely and important issue. there are many distinguished people in the room that i see here, including several members of the united states senate as well as the mayor of paris, who is here, as well as state and local federal officials from a around the country including our pilot cities.

it is an important topic at an important time. as i have said many times, we have evolved to a new phase in the global terrorist threat, we therefore must evolve to a new phase in our counterterrorism efforts. 13.5 years ago when we were attacked in this country on 9/11, we were attacked by core al qaeda. which sent operatives into our country through a relatively straightforward command and control structure. 13.5 years later the global terrorist threat is more decentralized, more diffuse, and more complex. our more al qaeda affiliates. there are more groups that core al qaeda has denounced. isil is

prominent on the world stage these days. we see very effective and slick use of the internet by terrorist organizations. larry effective, slick use of social media, when you compare where we are today with just a few years ago and the way in which bin laden used to communicate through grainy films taken on the foot of a mountain side of a long monotone, and compare that with some of the product we see put out today. in just a short time we have come a long way. terrorist organizations ability to communicate. they have the ability to reach into our communities and attempt to recruit and inspire individuals who may turn towards violence. right here in the homeland. this has to be a collective effort.

as the vice president said it has to be more than a military response requires not only as a whole of government effort but a whole of society effort. the state and local law enforcement which is represented in this room, as well as the public and the community. the campaign, if you say something see something, it has to be more than a slogan. i have personally made as part of my personal agenda, our department engagement, as many of you know, i am traveled not just to the pilot cities of boston, los angeles and minneapolis, but to columbus chicago, and i intend to do more of these. through these engagements in meetings of have the opportunity to meet many of you in this room. let me share with you just a

couple of observations and some of the things that i have said in our engagement across the country. first of all, and i'm sure many of you would agree, when we in the federal government meet in the community's at cultural centers, city hall and so forth to engage community leaders, it has to be about more than just countering violent extremism. we have to have a dialogue across the range of issues. my department, the department of homeland security in particular has more interactions with the public than any other department of government. there are a range of issues that we discuss. frankly it is an exercise in lowering barriers, lowering suspicion, and building trust.

when we had our engagements in conversations, we bring together very often the u.s. attorney in the state or the city. the police chief, the share, the mayor senators. it is across a spectrum of issues. things happening with local law enforcement. things happening at the airport. issues that individuals face at the airports, for example. for my part, i have been on listening mode for these conversations. i've also said that we in the administration and government should give voice to the plight of muslims living in this country, and the discrimination that they face. i have committed to speak out about the situation that very

often people in the muslim community in this country face. the fact that there are 1.6 billion muslims in the world and the islamic faith is one about peace and brotherhood. >> we ask that you think about everything discussed in the presentation, identify ways for you to leave here as active innovators. if we all of for ways to engage communities of religious and civic leaders we will create an inclusive space where fewer and fewer people feel marginalized. it is my privilege to introduce miss lisa monaco who will provide the initial closing remarks and introduce our keynote speaker. [applause] >> good afternoon everyone. i know that i am the only person

standing between you and the main event so i will be brief. i do want to thank everyone for being here today. law enforcement officer is, community leaders, elected officials, foreign ministers and of course entrepreneurs thank you for taking part today and spending your time here in these discussions with us. this summit focuses on domestic and international efforts to prevent terrorist attacks like those that we have seen most recently in copenhagen, paris boston sydney and which sadly occurred daily in places like nigeria, iraq and beyond. in the u.s., thanks to the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform to our diplomats, intelligence personnel, and law enforcement officers, since 9/11, our defenses have been hardened, plots have been disrupted, and alliances have been strength in.

countering extremism in its forms is not just an american problem or a western problem, it is an international problem. every community test by violence faces the same questions whether it is boston or paris, back thad -- baghdad. how can we stop people before they turn to violence? how can we replace the dark world view of extremists in the muslim world or elsewhere with an alternate vision for a brighter future? how can we work together more effectively within our own government, with international partners and local communities. this summit is a place where we are looking to find answers to those questions and develop action plans that hold all of us accountable as we move forward. before we hear from president obama, allow me to make 2 brief observations from the last day and a half of discussion.

the first is the government cannot meet this challenge alone. as you have heard from vice president biden another's, local communities, teachers, coaches family, friends, those are the people that our best to provide an alternate path before someone is radicalized to violence. while governments can help, ultimately the solutions will have to be rooted and found in local communities. the second point i want to emphasize is that countering violent extremism is constantly evolving. we have got to keep refining our approach that we can respond to new threats. we can't just rely on traditional tools when we are dealing with internet savvy terrorists who reach across osan's -- oceans with the click of a mount, who asked -- with the click of a mouse. we need to be creative to think outside the box. we need to leverage our vast

intellectual talents, our creativity, our innovative efforts and spirit, our technical know-how to take on extremist, bankrupt ideologies. i set down with some of silicon valley's most creative and innovative minds, some of whom i am thankful have joined us today to discuss just this challenge. our conversation included tech entrepreneurs, content creators, authors, ngo leaders, all of whom have an important voice in countering extreme as propaganda online. we discussed ways to apply integrated network solutions to drown out the hate of groups like al qaeda and isil. one anecdote -- one antidote is to lift up the voice of freedom and tolerance. we are seeing people step up to do their part, and looking ahead i challenge tech and social media communities to expand these efforts, to give young

people more opportunities to raise their voices above the noise of extremism. is plenty of work to do and i hope the past two days have done enough to inspire you as it has me. we will count on each one of you for your good ideas and leadership going forward. now, i have the distinct honor of introducing someone who has been a laser focused on making countering extremism a central part of our strategy from his first days in office, including developing the first government wide strategy to prevent violent extremism at home. ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the president of the united states barack obama. [applause] >> thank you.

thank you so much. thank you. everyone, please have a seat. thank you for the introduction. lisa is an example of the countless dedicated public servants across our government, a number of whom are here today working tirelessly every single day on behalf of the security and safety of the american people. we very much appreciate her. thanks to all of you for your attendance and participation. for more than 238 years united states of america has not just endured, but we have thrived and surmounted challenges that might have broken a lesser nation. after terrible civil war we repaired our union. we whether a great depression. we became the world's most iconic -- dynamic economy. we liberated europe, face down

communism and won. communities have been destroyed by tornadoes and floods, and each time we rebuilt. the bombing that killed 168 people could not break oklahoma city. on 9/11, terrorists tried to bring us to our knees. today, a new tower soars above new york city. america continues to lead throughout the world. after americans were killed at fort hood, the boston marathon, it did not divide us. we came together as one american amalie. in the face of horrific acts of violence, at a sikh temple in milwaukee or a jewish community center outside of kansas city. we've reaffirm their commitment to freedom. the polls to buy the notion that

anyone should ever be targeted because of who they are what they look like, or how they worship. most recently with the brutal murders in chapel hill of three young muslim americans, any muslim americans are worried and afraid. i want to be as clear as i can be. as americans all faiths and backgrounds, we stand with you in your grief and we offer our love port. my point is this. as americans, we are strong and resilient. when tragedy strikes, when we take a hit, we pull together. we draw on what is best in our character. our optimism, our commitment to each other, our commitment to our values, our respect for one another. we stand up and we rebuilt, and we recover. we emerge stronger than before.

that is who we are. [applause] and, i say this because we face genuine challenges to our security today. just as we have throughout our history. challenges to our security are not new. it did not happen yesterday. or a week ago, or a year ago. we've always faced challenges. one of those challenges is the terrorist threat from groups like al qaeda and isil. this is not our challenge alone. it is a challenge for the world. isil is terrorizing the people of syria and iraq. be heading and burning human beings, unfathomable acts of cruelty. we seen deadly attacks.

in the face of this challenge we have marshaled the full or subunit is government and we are working with allies and partners to dismantle terrorist organizations and protect the american people. given the complexities of the challenge, and the nature of the enemy, which is not a traditional army, this work takes time and will require vigilance and resilience. in perspective. i am confident that just as we have for more than two centuries, we will ultimately prevail. part of what gives me that confidence is the overwhelming response of the world community to the savagery of these terrorists. not just for, but a concrete commitment to work together to vanquish these organizations. at the united nations in september i called on the

international community to come together and eradicate the scourge of violent extremism. i want to thank all of you across america and around the world for answering this call. tomorrow, the state department governments and groups for more than 60 countries will focus on the steps that can take as governments. i will speak about how her own nation's have to may -- remain relentless in our counterterrorism efforts against groups that are plotting against our countries. but we're here because we have a specific challenge. countering violence and extremism. something that is not just a matter of military affairs. by violent extremism, we don't just mean the terrorist killing innocent people. we mean the ideologies, the infrastructure of extremists. the propaganda is -- the

propaganda, the fundamentalist to recruit, or incite people to violence. we all know there is no one profile of a violent extremist or terrorist. there is no way to predict who will become radicalized. around the world, and in the united states, inexcusable acts of violence have been committed against people of different faiths, by people of different faith, which is of course betrayal of all of our faith. it is not unique to one group. or to one geography or one. -- or one period of time. we are here because of the thread of isil and we are focused on prevention

preventing these groups from recruiting or inspiring others to violence in the first place. i have called upon governments to come to the united nations is fall with steps that we can take together. today when i want to do is suggest several areas for i believe we can concentrate our efforts. first, we have to confront squarely and honestly the twisted ideology these terrorist groups used to incite people to violence. leading up to the summit has been a fair amount of debate in the press and among pundits about the world's -- words we use to describe the challenge. i want to be very clear about how i do it. al qaeda and isil and groups like it, are desperate for legitimacy. they try to rick perry themselves as religious leaders, holy warriors -- they try to pretrade themselves as religious leaders, holy warriors.

they propagate the notion that america, and the west generally is at war with islam. that is how they recruit. that is how they try to radicalized young people. we must never accept the premise that they put forward. it is alive. nor should we grant these terrorists the legitimacy they seek. they are not religious leaders they are terrorist. [applause] we are not at war with islam. [applause] we are at war with people who have roots in islam. just as those of us outside muslim communities need to reject the terrorist narrative

that the west and islam is in conflict, i believe muslim communities have a responsibility as well. al qaeda and isil do draw selectively from the islamic texts. they do depend upon the misperception around the world that they speak in some fashion for people of the muslim faith. that islam is somehow inherently violence. that there is some sort of clash of civilizations. of course, the terrorists do not speak for a billion muslims that reject their ideology. they no religion is responsible for terrorism.

people are responsible for violence and terrorism. [applause] to their credit, there are respected muslim clerics and scholars around the world to push back on this twisted interpretation of their faith. they want to make very clear what islam stands for. we joined by some of those leaders today. they preach that islam calls for peace and justice, and tolerance towards others. terrorism is prohibited. that anyone who kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind. those are the voices that represent over one billion people around the world. if we are going to effectively isolate terrorists, if we are

going to address the challenge of their efforts to recruit our young people, if we are going to lift up the voices of tolerance and pluralism within the muslim community, we've got to acknowledge their job is made harder by a broader narrative that it does exist in many communities around the world that suggests the west is at odds with islam in some fashion. the reality, which many leaders have spoken to there is a strain of thought that does not embrace isil tactics, but does buy into the notion the muslim world has suffered historic grievances sometimes that exact.

-- some times is accurate. it buys and the believe that it flows from the conspiracy, by the the idea that islam is incompatible, that it is polluted by western values. those beliefs exist. some communities around the world, they are widespread. it makes individuals, especially young people who may be disaffected are alienated more rife for radicalization. we've got to be will to talk honestly about those issues. we've got to be much more clear about how we are rejecting certain ideas. suggesting leaders like myself reject the notion that terrorist like isil genuinely represent islam, muslim leaders need to do

more than just -- this credit that we are determined to suppress islam. that there is an inherent clash of civilizations. everybody has to speak up clearly that no matter what the grievance, violence against innocent damages islam and muslims. [applause] when all of us together are doing our part to reject the narratives of violent extremist when all of us are doing our part to be very clear about the fact that there are certain universal precepts and values that need to be respected, in this interconnected world, that is the beginning of a partnership.

as we go forward we need to find ways to amplify the voices of peace and tolerance, and inclusion. we need to do it online. we also need to lift up the voices of those who know the hypocrisy of groups like isil firsthand, including former extremists. their words speak to us today. i know in some discussions the voices have been raised. eyewitness horrible crimes committed by isis. it is not a revolution or jihad. it is a slaughter. i was shocked. this isn't what we came for, to clear -- to kill other muslims. i'm 28 years old, is this the only future i'm able to imagine. it is the voice of so many who were temporarily radicalized and then saw the truth.

they have warned other young people not to make the same mistakes. do not run after illusions. do not be deceived. do not give up your life for nothing. we need to lift up those voices. and all of this work, the greatest resource are communities themselves. especially like those young people who are here today. we're joined by a talented young men and women who are pioneering new innovations and social media tools, new ways to reach young caps off. -- to reach young people. we are joined by people who want to support their efforts. i want to challenge all of us to be old -- to build ways to unleash creativity in young muslims, not just to expose the lives of extremists but to power

you to service and with that people's lives. that can be a calling for your generation. that is the first challenge. we've got to discredit these ideologies. we have to tackle them head on. we can't shy away from these discussions. too often folks are understandably sensitive about addressing some of these rude issues. but we have to talk about them honestly and clearly. [applause] because, and the reason i believe we have to do so, because i'm so confident when the truth is out, we will be successful. the second challenge is, we have to address grievances terrorists

exploit, including economic grievances. poverty alone does not cause a person to become a terrorist anymore that poverty alone causes, to become a criminal. there are millions of people billions who live in abject poverty and are focused on what they can do to build up their own lives, and never embrace violent ideology. conversely there are terrorists who come from extraordinarily wealthy backgrounds, like osama bin laden. what is true is that when millions of people, especially you are impoverished and have no hope for the future, when corruption inflicts daily humiliation on people, when there are no outlets by which people can express their concerns, resentment festers. the risk of instability grows.

where young people have no education they are more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and radical ideas. it is not tested against anything else. they have nothing to way of. we have seen this across the middle east and north africa. terrorist groups are all too happy to step in to avoid -- two a void. they can support their families. they offer social services schools, health clinic to do what governments will not do. they try to justify their violence in the name of fighting the injustice of corruption that steals from the people, even while those terrorist groups into committing even worse abuses like kidnapping and human trafficking. if we are going to prevent people from being susceptible to the false promises of extremism the international community has to offer something better.

the united states intends to do its part. we will keep promoting development and growth that has broadly shared so more people can provide for their families. we will lead a global effort against corruption because the culture of the bride has to be -- the bride has to be replaced. countries have to truly invest in the education and skill and job training are young people need. that is boys and girls, men and women. countries will not be successful if the half their populations are denied opportunities. [applause] america will continue to forge new partnerships and entrepreneurship's, and innovation, and science and technology. young people can start new businesses and create more prosperity just as we address

economic grievances, we need to face a third challenge. addressing the political grievances that are exploited by terrorists. when governments oppress their people and denied human rights or marginalized ethnic and religious groups, or favor certain religious groups over others, it sows violence and makes those communities more vulnerable to recruitment. terrorist groups claim that change can only come through violence. it peaceful change is impossible that plays a extremist propaganda. the essential ingredient to real and lasting stability is more democracy. [applause] it is institutions. institutions that uphold the rule of law and apply just as equally.

it is security forces and police that respect human rights and treat people with dignity. it is free speech and strong civil societies where people can organize and assemble an advocate for peaceful change. it is freedom of religion where all people can practice their faith without here and intimidation. -- without fear and intimidation. [applause] all of this is part of countering violent extremism. fourth, we have to recognize our best partners in all of these efforts, the best people to protect individuals falling victim are their own communities, their own family members. we have be honest with ourselves. terrorist groups deliberately target their propaganda in the hope of reaching and brainwashing young muslims. especially those who may be disillusioned. that is the truth.

the high-quality videos, online magazines, the use of social media, terrorist twitter accounts are designed to target today's young people online in cyberspace. by the way, the older people here, as wise and respected as you may be, your stuff is often boring. [laughter] compared to what they are doing. you are not connecting. as a consequence you are not connecting. these terrorists are a threat first and foremost to the communities they target. communities have to take the lead in protecting themselves. that is true here in america as it is true anywhere else. when someone starts getting radicalized, family and friends are the first is the something

has changed in their personality. teachers may notice a student becoming withdrawn or struggling with their identity. if they interview -- intervened that may make a difference. faith leaders may notice someone is beginning to expels violent interpretations of religion. that is a moment for intervention. it allows them to think about their actions. and reflect on the meaning of their faith. in a way that is more consistent with peace and justice. families and friends, coworkers, neighbors. they want to reach out. they want to help save their loved ones and friends and prevent them from taking a wrong turn. communities don't always know the signs to look or or have the tools to intervene, or know what works best. that is where government can play a role if government is

serving as a trusted partner. that is where we need to be honest. i know some muslim americans have concerns about working with government, particularly law enforcement. the reluctance is rooted in the objection to certain practices where muslim americans feel they have been on rarely targeted. in our work, we have to make sure that abuses stop are not repeated, we do not stigmatize entire communities. nobody should be profiled or put under a cloud of suspicion because of their faith. [applause] engagement with communities can't be a cover for surveillance. you can't securitize our relationships with muslim americans dealing through the presence of law enforcement.

when we do that only reinforces suspicions. it makes it harder for us to will trust we need to work together. as part of this summit we are announcing we are to increase our outraged communities. we are went a step up our efforts to engage with partners and raise awareness some more communities understand how to protect their loved ones from becoming radicalized. we have to devote more resources to the efforts. [applause] as government does more, communities are going to have to step up. when he to build on the pilot programs that have been discussed already in los angeles and minneapolis. these are partnership that bring people together in the spirit of mutual respect and create more dialogue, more trust and cooperation.

if we are one a solve these issues, the people who are most targeted and most affected have to have a seat at the table where they can help shape and strengthen these partnerships. [applause] finally, we need to do what terrorists hope we will not do. stay true to the values that define us as a diverse society. if extremists are peddling the notion that western countries are hostile to muslims, we need to show that we welcome people of all faiths. america, it has been woven into the fabric of our country since its founding. generations. generations of immigrants came

here and went to work as farmers and merchants and factory workers. and helped to lay railroads and build up america. the first islamic center in your city was founded in the 1890's. america's first mosque was in north dakota. muslim americans protect our communities with police officers and firefighters, and first responders, and protect our nation by serving in uniform. in homeland security. in cemeteries across our country, including arlington. muslim american heroes rest in peace having given their lives in defense of all of us. [applause] of course that is the story terrorists don't want the world to know. muslim succeeding and thriving in america.

because when that truth is known it exposes their propaganda as the lie that it is. it is a story every american must never forget. it reminds us all that hatred and bigotry and prejudice have no place in our country. it is not just counterproductive. it doesn't just a terrorists. it is wrong. it is contrary to who we are. i am thinking of a little girl named sabrina who last month sent me a valentine's day card. in the shape of a heart. it wasn't the first valentine i got. [laughter] i got it from sabrina and michelle.

she is 11 years old in the fifth grade. she is a young muslim american. she set her valentine i enjoyed being an american. she wants to be an engineer or basketball player. [laughter] which are good choices. she wrote, i am worried about people hating muslims. if some muslims do bad things that doesn't mean all of them do. she asked please tell everyone that we are good people and we are like everyone else. [applause] those of the words and the wisdom of a little girl growing up in america just like my daughters are going up here in america. we are just like everybody else. everybody needs to remember that

during the course of this debate. as we move forward with these challenges, we all have responsibilities. we all have hard work ahead of us on this issue. we can't paper over problems. we are not one to solve this is we are always trying to be politically correct. we do have to remember that 11-year-old girl. that is our hope. that is our future. that is how we discredit violent ideology, by making sure her voice is lifted up. making sure she is nurtured and she is supported. then recognizing little girls and boys like that are all around the world.

and us helping to address economic and political grievances that can be exploited, and empowering communities, and staying true to our values with diverse and tolerant society even when we are threatened. there will be a military component to this. savage cruelty is going on out that have to stop. isil is killing muslims at a rate that is many multiples. everybody has a stake in stopping them. there will be an element of us stopping them in their tracts with force. but to eliminate the soil out of

which they grew, to make sure that we are getting a brighter future to everyone, and a lasting sense of security, we are going to have to make it clear to all of our children including that girl in fifth grade, that you have a place. you have a place here in america. you have a place in those countries where you live. you have a future. ultimately those of the anecdotes to -- antidotes to violent extremism. it will take china time. after 238 years that should be obvious, america has overcome bigger challenges. we will overcome the ones we face today. we will stay united and committed to the ideas that have shaped us for two centuries, including the opportunity and

dignity of every single human being. thank you very much. [applause] >> president obama wrapping up day number two with the white house summit on combating violent extremism. we are opening our phone lines to get your thoughts on the u.s. role in combating terrorism, and what you heard from the president and the other participants earlier today. numbers to call, if you are republican, democrats the number is 202 -- and all others.

look for your comments on facebook and facebook.com. we will re-air the president's comments tonight. you will see all of it online at c-span.org. live coverage beginning tomorrow morning at 8:45 on c-span 2. we will return to coverage later in the day. all of that coverage tomorrow on the c-span network. let's get to your calls. illinois, mike on the republican line. >> thank you. i thought it was a terrible speech. it was another attempt to whitewash islamic terrorism. it is -- it is denial. it is not a river in egypt. he can't even say the word islamic terrorism. it is all happening because obama is sympathizing with these terrorists.

he says they have grievances. i have grievances. i never even thought about doing rings like this. obama is trying to whitewash terrorism and send money, more money to these radicals to fund his ideology. what is this craziness? they have no jobs? is he serious? muslim terrorists have no jobs they commit terrorism? what foolishness is this? obama should repent. he should leave office, his background is not sued him for america. >> now, democrats line. what did you hear in the speech? >> [indiscernible] i want to tell you, this speech was not a pro-democrat speech. this was not a partisan speech. this was not an anti- [indiscernible] this was about how as a nation

we can combat isil, and they are [indiscernible] when i hear a republican attack the president, he said the disenfranchised, we create [inaudible] as an american he needs to reach out to our youth, to those who feel isolated. that means our communities. people are not getting it. it is not about islam. it is about terrorists committing acts of terror. >> we look for your comments on twitter.

-- one more from john. -- victorville, california. go ahead. >> i'm very pleased with president obama and his leadership. i hope that our country will get behind him, stand united. we have not had a leader like this in the white house for many decades. we should be honored to fall behind his lead. >> to haleyville alabama. kathy is on a republican line. >> hello. i just think -- how are you?

i think he says what he thinks that people want to hear, and i also think that the people -- he has writers that write everything down for him to say that. he never says -- he says he's going to do this and that. he never does anything to help us out as a country. sooner or later, our country is going to collapse. the economy. and everybody will drain it -- blame it on president obama because he will not cooperate with the republicans, democrats and republicans won't get together. he is the cause of that. that is what i think. >> let's hear what their of beach florida has to think.

>> yes. can you hear me? >> i just think i have friends that are muslim. -- there are more than 100 verses in the koran, kill the infidel. >> ok. thank you for your call. the president did talk about religious leaders of al qaeda and isis, saying they are terrorists. we will show the president again tonight at 9:30. live coverage on c-span 2 and

here on c-span. we have more live coverage coming up in a half-hour. 30 minutes away. next up is andy, in west virginia on the democrats line. >> hello. >> i was listening to the president. first of all, i don't approve of him being in the position he is him. i don't think he is qualified for it. i didn't think he has done this much for our country including stopping terrorism. he is trying to say that we should be able to stop young adults from making up their minds. and i have nation and my thoughts these young adults -- if these had jobs with a did not have to sit in front of the

computer all day, if they had jobs in this country, they would not have time for that. we don't have the jobs. and to get up in his speech -- the unemployment was the lowest? well heck. it was not the limits. >> i appreciate your comments. let's look at some comments on facebook. alex says, why don't we had a president that will fight islamic terrorism instead watering it down? you'll find more at facebook.com/event. a tweet from the homeland security committee. potus has ignored reality and downplayed the threat of violent extremism. let's get a few more of your

calls. let's go to michigan. independence line. >> when you spend diamonds whether it be bahrain rain or tunisia, you come to understand that unless the women are allowed to raise their voice mainly, as they should, we are going to be on a revolving course with this. it will be on the a lot of hired lines that i will keep going. american people also have to understand that most muslims do not wish you harm. but if you ask a muslim, as i have if we are opposing each other. and he knew i was a christian what would you like to happen?

he would tell you, i wish you are on another strength of the street. that's the hard part for americans to understand, because we believe that if we are nice and kind and honest, that will win the day with anyone. but, you can't see it through an american size. the final point would be, is that these muslims are not dumb. they know that there crude oil is going away and experts say within a couple of decades. they have nothing left after that monetarily. what we staying? >> he said he spent part of your work life in the middle east? >> i was within admiral, night quest, he set up a field depot. when you walk the streets there of course they will ignore you. i had to get away from

americanism and keep my head down and look away. he never wore his uniform. >> we appreciate you sharing your experiences. molina, illinois, republican line. >> thank you for taking my call. what i heard from the president's speech was more ways that he blamed america for the problem that we don't help them enough with financial aid, he blames us for treating little muslims, and talks about homegrown terrorists. that is not a problem. the problem is overseas where they are chopping people's heads off and killing people. he always blames us. blaming a woman that got raped a cut of how she dressed, that is terrible. next >> a couple of more tweets. here's one from jim.

kelly says i appreciate that obama is taking his time to come out with a lasting solution to combat isis and forces alike. one more says good defensive non-extreme muslims but no solutions for the terrorists, or did i miss something? one more call. >> yes, i listened to the speech very intently. all i heard was we are to appease our beheaded. every time obama speaks, he speaks about the sins of christians. he doesn't mention the sin of muslims. we are being excoriated for our beliefs, our religion, and yet the people who are supposedly perforating their religion are not being excoriated. i find it very troubling. i find it troubling that he finds a little girl's letter more troubling to him then to -- that beheadings and burnings of christians.

all in the name of a perverted religion. what is obama's religion? >> appreciate your call. more of your comment that facebook.com/c-span. coming up in a one half an hour we will be light or the senate -- sit 10 -- center for strategic and international studies. i will be live here on c-span. more coverage tomorrow at 2:00 of the white house summit on combating violent extremism. coming up next, some of the comments from today's white house briefing. we will see as much as we can until the eye: three discussion.

>> mr. joseph clancy, director clancy who is a 27 year veteran and a former special agent in charge has served as the acting director since october 1 of last year. many of you will recall that justice clancy has a special request, has had a rather difficult time. over the course of last several months he has demonstrated the kind of leadership that many of us expected him to demonstrate. he has built up a lot of credibility and he used that to put in place reforms that were recommended by this outside panel. he has a lot of important work still ahead of him and his

leadership thus far has been recognized with this permanent appointment. i have -- questions now. >> when the outside group that reviewed -- made recommendations, for the secret service recommended that the administration hire an outsider and only a director from outside the secret service will be able to be honest or do the honest top to bottom reassessment. >> i plan couple of things. anytime you're making a personal decision, you will way someone's personal attachment inside the agency. with their ability to take a cold eyed assessment at what

needs to be changed so they can live up to the high standards they except for themselves. mr. clancy has demonstrated that he was willing to conduct a candid, clear i assessment of the agency and implement them. that precisely is why he has been promoted to this permanent role. his willingness to use his credibility to implement reforms in some ways is the best of both worlds. that is not just an assessment of the president but at least one member of the outside panel. tom curley, a senior justice department official, said that acting director clancy is it that good -- dedicated public servant to has made important changes and started the process of reforming the service. i look forward to working with him.

i think that is a pretty clear indication of at least one member of the panel who has spent a lot of time thinking about what kinds of changes are needed at the age of the. -- at the agency. he has the kind of credibility within the organization to implement successfully the kinds of changes that the outside panel believes are necessary. >> did the president consider order -- other candidates? i did he go through a job reviewed to see if he could become permanent? >> i don't want to get into the inner workings of this personal process, but i can tell you it was not at all a foregone conclusion that when mr. guaranty was given -- mr. clancy was given notice that he would be asked to stay on, but certainly is solid performance over the last several months, i think served him well as he was considered.

>> is the administration limiting the amount of information that it is giving to israel regarding the iran nuclear talks? >> well, i have certainly seem -- seen some reports to that effect. some initial reports indicated the united states is no longer communicating with our ilife -- allies. that obviously is false. there are any number of things that -- meetings that have taken place in recent weeks. for the week ahead, we indicate a continued coordination between u.s. national security officials and israeli counterparts. the national security council met monday with israel's administrator of intelligence. the focus of that was present

best principally on the iran negotiations. i contained the national security advisor maintains regular contact with her israeli counterpart. and it's been a mr. cohen is actually expected to be at the white house later this week for consultations with dr. rice. under monday sherman -- wendy sherman, the principal negotiator has repeatedly met with the israeli national security advisor, as well as the israeli minister of intelligence on a number of occasions. those times and consultations are going to continue. at the same time, we have also been very clear about the fact that the united states is not going to be in a position of negotiating this agreement in public rate particularly when we see there is a continued

practice of cherry picking specific pieces of information and using them out of context to distort negotiating positions. there is an obligation when you are participating to ensure that those consultations and negotiations are carried out in good faith. that means giving negotiators the room and space to negotiate. at the same time, i can tell you that there is -- at least on one assessment i have heard it is not a real precisely to quantify this, but you could make the case that there is no country that is not participating in negotiations that has a greater insight into what going on -- is going on at that negotiating table. it is not a coincidence. you can make a strong case there is no nation that has not been edited negotiation that has a

clear stake in the outcome of negotiations. that is an important reason why the president has pursued this diplomatic opening. the principal reason is he believes it is clearly in the national security interest of the united states for iran not to obtain nuclear weapons. the most effective way to do that is to get the ring in regime to voluntarily -- iranian regime to voluntarily give up the pursuit of nuclear weapons. and maintain that an put in place a regime to make sure they don't acquire one. that is the goal of these negotiations. the united states has a clear stake, but so does israel. that is why we will continue to negotiate with them. >> you are consulting but you are worried about cherry picking. so, does that still limit the information that you provide during those consultations? >> i am not going to be a look to get into the details of the

conversation for obvious reasons. but i think it is fair to say that the united states is mindful of the need to not negotiate in public and ensure that information discussed is not taking out of context and publicized in a way that distorts negotiating positions of the united states and our allies. >> do you think that distortion has occurred or been done by the israelis? >> is no question that some of the things they have said has not been accurate. >> quick question on immigration lasted. -- lawsuit. how does that decision affect the dhs funding? >> in our mind all along we have made clear that the republican leadership in the 19th congress has a responsibility to ensure that the department of homeland security is properly funded.

you have heard me say, it is hard to imagine there is a good time to muck around in the funding of homeland security but now seems like a particularly bad time. the other thing, senator mcconnell himself indicated that at the end of last year and beginning of this year, that republicans finally had an opportunity to demonstrate they could be what he described as a responsible right of center governing majority. it is completely irresponsible to allow a political dispute to interfere with the ability of the united states congress to find the department of homeland security. -- fund the department of homeland security. it will be good for american people and it certainly isn't fair to the hundreds of thousands of department of homeland security employees who may be facing a prospect of going to work to keep the country safe and not getting a paycheck. that doesn't seem fair. it certainly doesn't seem in the

best interests of the united states. >> in terms of this lawsuit will the administration seek an immediate emergency stay of that decision? >> our legal strategy going forward will be by the department of justice. they have indicated they will have more information about how that -- how we will pursue that strategy. that strategy will certainly include an appeal of this ruling because we don't believe it is a fair or accurate reading of the law. >> if you could proceed with an appeal and the injunction would remain in place so you would not be able to implement the program. so why not wait until the whole process is completed before you implement? >> these are exactly the types of questions that the attorneys at the department of justice are considering. within a couple of days i would

think we have more information. >> that has been said yesterday that dhs will the be preparing to implement this program. he believes the administration will prevail. what is the white house's assessment of how long this will take? >> this is another question for the department -- attorneys at the department of justice to evaluate. we want to resolve this as soon as possible because we are confident that when this is resolved, the position of the government and administration will prevail. that is because the steps the president announced at the end of last year are entirely consistent with that kind of steps the previous presidents have taken. of both parties. there is a solid legal foundation for the actions the president announced. more important, we are confident the actions are the right thing for the country.

>> four people are getting rain to apply and are now in limbo, there is no way of telling them how long that will last? >> we certainly would hope that we can move as quickly as we can do the legal system to -- so that situation can be resolved and move forward with a set of decisions that are clearly consistent with the law and the best interest of the u.s. >> do you have any reaction to the foreign-policy team that was announced by jeb bush? >> i don't. >> user -- are you sure? [laughter] what does the white house make of what's going on in argentina? the prosecutor died bringing up issues against the president opponents are charging that they are interfering with the judiciary process and asking washington to bring up claims

about iran and killings there and negotiations. what is your take? >> i think is -- this is a topline matter. obviously the nation of argentina is a significant economy and a significant player in our relations throughout the americas. the president has had the opportunity to meet with the leader of argentina. we certainly are concerned anytime that in a country like argentina, where questions are raised. about the rule of law, and justice. i don't have anything specific to say about where things stand in that process are whether or not there is an appropriate role for the u.s. government to play. i did is certainly something we continue to monitor closely here it is a reflection of the way --

monitor closely. is a reflection of the way we value our relationship with argentina. there may be someone who is a better observer of argentina. this will be a situation we will monitor. april? >> now that you have named clancy has had, -- as head of the secret service, any talk about what has transpired since the former head of the secret service and the filings of the top tiers of the people in the secret service? >> i can tell you that you mean some of the specific reforms that director clancy has implemented since taking over leadership of the agency. this call occurred within the last few months. this is -- since taking office,

clancy has conducted a top -- comprehensive top to bottom assessment including the root cause of the recent shortcomings of the agency. he has directed all personnel who operate on the white house grounds to undergo additional classroom and practical training. he sought additional funding for training. he swiftly implemented personal changes implemented -- recommended by the blue-ribbon panel. >> as far as the number of firings, i was hearing it was quite large. >> i don't have numbers in front of me. the secret service can give you more information. this is consistent with what directly -- director clancy has done. we are talking about men and women who on a regular basis are willing to put their lives on the line to protect the -- president and first family.

protect the white house grounds and all those who work here daily. we certainly appreciate their service and what that agency has done has set a high standard of service and professionalism. there have been some instances where they have fallen short either by their own acknowledgment -- by their own acknowledgment, and director clancy has to make sure the men and women live up to that high standard. certainly does about to have had an opportunity to watch director clancy, he has done his job. he holds himself to a high standard of professionalism. we certainly anticipate that his style of leadership will have a positive effect on the agency and he will continue to implement the reforms that are needed. to ensure that they live up to that high standard. >> immigration reform. since the judge's ruling, we

understand it is not just about one group of people. it is about different groups of people. how does that ruling affect african and caribbean immigrants coming into this country? they were in the naacp and many other organizations working with organizations to push through immigration reform. what does this do for african and caribbean immigrants as well? >> there are a couple of things about this most recent court ruling. the first is it does not apply to the action that the president took in 2012 to grant relief to dreamers. these are immigrants who came as children. they were raised essentially as americans except for their papers. the ruling did not apply to that exercise of executive action. it does not apply as well to the

direction that our law enforcement officers received for the secretary of homeland security about prosecutor gerrie nel -- prosecutorial discretion. they used -- they should use their limited resources on prominent threats to the country. this means that the homeland security and how it relates to the agency handling immigration that they are focused on people who might pose a threat to national security, people who are involved in conducting criminal activity, essentially the actions of those law enforce mint -- law-enforcement agencies should be focused on balance not families. that will remain in place even after this court ruling. i think some of the issues you are raising can be best addressed by congress to

actually taking the kind of legislative action that is long overdue. that is action that will bring about common sense bipartisan reform to our broken immigration system. not just dealing with the millions of people who currently live in the shadows, but also putting in place much-needed reforms of our legal immigration. even though the president has taken executive actions that will have a positive impact on the system and the economy, that we continue to call on congress to take steps they can only take to address this. >> you have 11.4 million people -- in that number, did you get minority groups that you wanted to focus on, the white house made a strong push for african-americans and hispanics. did you get the numbers you are looking for? >> the more granular detail about the numbers included in

this latest one will be available later from hhs. i don't believe they have crunched the numbers. but we did have success in driving down the uninsured rate in the african-american and latino community. people all across the country. one of the most important steps we could see state to state that would have an impact, would be for the remaining states that have walked medicaid expansion to follow through and -- block medicaid expansion to follow through and cover a lot more people. not just african-americans and latinos, but americans of all races. it had a positive impact in driving down the insurance rate. they reduced the uninsured rate by 6.8% in the african-american community and 7.7% in the latino community.

kristen? >> what is the administration's reaction and what are they concerned about in the fight against isis in libya? >> there was a statement we put out for the president responding to this situation. i can tell you in general that we strongly support the united nations and secretary-general to facilitate formation of the national unity government and bring a political solution to the ongoing political and institutional crisis in that country. we have seen extremists try to capitalize on instability in a country to carry out acts of violence. that is why we continue at -- to be concerned, and we believe the best way to get this under control is to try to stabilize our -- a representative stable government in libya. there is a special

representative from the united nations doing that right now. >> our top officials here in contact with top officials in egypt and discussing aid or military's is part -- military for sport--support? >> the president was very vocal in condemning the killings. we certainly have an important military to military relationship with the egyptian government. they play an important role with our counterterrorism activities in that region of the world. in terms of any specific conversations are requests, i don't have information. >> the president's op-ed, one of the criticisms, with the causes of extremism, does it need to deal with the situation on the ground more?

and the strategy of the united states? >> that is a good question. the summit we have convened is not the summit to discuss comprehensive strategy to eradicate extremists. we do have a strategy for that. one component of that strategy is ensuring that we are countering violent extremism. we want to mitigate the ability of extremists to capitalize on social media and recruiting others. there are other critically important elements. not the least of which, the military strategy. the best example is that success we have had in wiping extremist leaders off of the battlefield. everywhere from pakistan, to yemen, to somalia. there is a military strategy, and a couple of months ago i invited david cohen, the

assistant secretary of treasury, to talk about financing of terrorist organizations including isil. we have seen that setting off their financing is a critical way we can reduce their ability. >> what is going to come out of the summit, or is this just more of a meeting of the minds? >> you phrased the question is if those are not mutually exclusive. there are a number of things important about the senate. but i found most interesting is there are already in local communities across the country coordinated efforts to counter extremist messaging that is aimed at vulnerable youth in communities across the country. we are going to hear in the context of this summit from law-enforcement, political and community leaders from boston

minneapolis, and los angeles. three communities that have devoted significant time and effort to counter that radical messaging and communities in their cities. to the extent that they can talk about some of the success that they have had, and that local leaders and other communities can apply those lessons. i think those are real tangible results and ideas that other leaders can employ to make sure they are protecting people. >> quickly on dhs, it seems like a likely resolution to the funding problem is a short-term extension. with the president signed that -- would the president signed that? >> i'm not sure what the outcome will be. we just saw speaker of the house go on television and declared that he was certainly comfortable with not funding the dhs. i'm not sure what kind of analysis leads him to that conclusion. it is not the best interest of the country.

but he still said it. i think that does raise some questions about whether or not this new governing republican majority of congress is committed to actually being responsible and acting in the best interest of the american people. one of the things senator mcconnell said last year, one of his goals was to make sure that republicans did not appear scary to the american people. when i saw that, he was setting the bar really low. it looks like right now there going to wiggle underneath that bar. >> if there was a short-term extension, with the president cited? -- sign it? >> what should emerge is republicans reaching an agreement on homeland security before the deadline. >> you can see the rest of this at c-span.org. now a discussion about women in afghanistan, including the first

lady of anniston, -- afghanistan, rula ghani. >> we are here on ash wednesday so i haven't applied my makeup. thank you for that in advance. thank you also for braving the cold weather we have had here. more called -- cold will come, but i hope you will be warmed by the great conversation we have put together tonight. i want to think in particular our sponsorship. we have put up for you, our twitter handle at smart women and we are broadcasting this life. --live. it is my pleasure to introduce our two speakers. the first lady of afghanistan, rula ghani, here for the first time.

she is from lebanon. she met her husband at the american university in beirut here it she is quite accomplished as having earned her master's degree from columbia university and of course she is worked extensively on women's and children's issues in afghanistan. i'm sure she will be sharing those experiences with us here tonight. providing the moderation is as always, nina easton a senior associate here at the sis and also a columnist and share of fortune's most powerful women international summit. please introduce us -- our speakers tonight. [applause] >> thank you all for coming. thank you for that terrific introduction. i wanted to get one shout out to one other person. a weekly podcast. you can find it on your

smartphone and it is a great way to hear women talk about pressing foreign-policy matters. thank you so much for being here. it is just truly an honor. it was delightful to get to know you over the couple of -- last couple of days. it is interesting because your predecessor was a doctor. a professional lawmen. but never seen in public. you have come in and become quite visible. and have been accused of making waves. which we like here. let's start with that. what is your vision how you want to be first lady? >> first i would like to say that i'm very glad to be with all of you. i hope that i will not disappoint. i would like to say a word about mrs. karzai.

she is and -- a doctor and an accomplished person. she happens to be -- happened to be in her child rearing years. when her husband was president. i remember when i was in my child bearing years, i did not have time for anything else. if she chose not to have a public life, i think it was her choice. i don't think she should be blamed for that. anyway, coming back to me. once i moved, i found that if i stayed at home, i would be just waiting for my husband to come back. you may know that my husband is a workaholic and he will not come back until maybe quite late. i very quickly got bored. with his encouragement, i

decided to have an office. slowly this office has grown. we now are seven women, young and old, i am the old one. we decided to have an open door policy. recently, i see my role as a listener and facilitator. i don't have a budget. people don't come to me to get money. but they come to me to talk and share concerns. to sometimes voice complaints. sometimes just to let me know if they are doing. it is really wonderful because i have had women and men, mostly women, and a lot of young people, and see me.

maybe it was a novelty. they wanted to see who is that person who had become the first lady. that might be the reason why there are so many of you here tonight. but also to have a chance to talk about what is worrying them or what is interesting them. their hopes, misgivings,. this is what my office does, welcome people. in the cases where we can help for example, picking up the phone and obtaining an appointment for them in some government agency. we have helped quite a few people. not too many but we have made

some leeway. >> what have you learned about the country and the state of the country in this to her we are doing is you and i talked about the wedding -- widening gap. >> the first thing i discovered is that there are a lot of very strong women who are determined to better their lives. that is something that does not come into the press. for some reason, it is like a broken record that keeps saying poor afghan women. it is true they are facing very difficult situations. but they are facing them with a lot of resilience. with a lot of strength. and with a lot of resourcefulness. through their talks as you mentioned, i realized there is a

widening gap between the urban areas and the provinces. women come to me and say you have forgotten us. nobody comes to help us. we don't have access to medical services. we don't have access to education. let alone legal services. a lot of the teachers in the provinces are men. in many of these provinces servants -- people will not send a children to a classroom led by a man. the solution is easy. train local women to become teachers. first, elementary teachers and then middle, then upper. high school. we don't need to think about

university yet. but there is a need to concentrate on these women. i worry because if the gap increases, we will be two countries. >> you found some incredibly -- incredible stories of resilience among some of those women in the provinces where security is an issue. when the taliban is an issue. -- where the taliban is an issue. can you tell the tea party story ? >> this is very inspiring. it was a lawman who came to see me from kandahar. -- a women who came to see me from kandahar. she told me the story of a widow who had to leave her village and go to cobble to be able to -- kabul to make up living for

herself and her sit -- children. she went to visit a cousin who is also a widow and finds out that the question -- cousin had been dislodged her home. a very modest home. she and her cousin are illiterate. she finds out that she is being dislodged by the taliban. so she says, ok, i'm going to deal with it. she takes three glasses -- we drink tea glasses. she took a teapot with hot tea and goes there. and greets people with the three glasses in front of three people. and starts pouring tea for them.

then she sits down and starts talking with them. first is just, you know, the usual talk of how are you, are you fine. how are your children. then she starts telling them very nicely that this is the house of my cousin. she is a widow and has seven children, and her husband has died. she really relies on this piece of land around the house for having food. she plants and cultivates. and it went on for an hour, two hours. the third hour, she kept repeating the same thing. the commander of the taliban

takes the gun he had and said let's go, we will go to another house. very calmly and quietly, she negotiated the taliban from getting out of her house and had her cousin reinstated in her house. that tells you, women are strong. they have their own way of doing things. they don't come barging in. they don't say, who do you think you are and where did you come from. they are persistent. and they keep pushing and pushing until their voices heard. -- voice is heard. >> i love that story. what about a more formal role for women in peace negotiations? when the taliban came in and forced women to wear burqas, and bent girls from schools, now you

have 40% of students in afghanistan are girls. there has been tremendous progress. and there is pressure from a lot of organizations and afghan women's networks to aid women at that piece table and talk about women's issues. what is your perspective on that? >> i think it is not yet the time for it. i think we don't really have negotiations yet. whether or not there are women in the negotiation team, it is a question. yes, there have been a lot of meetings and back and forth going to qatar and saudi arabia. but all of this has resulted in nothing. i think women have their roles

where they are living. if you have taliban families there, too the with their families. often they do, because when you coexist with other people, you have to stick together. maybe there is a question of school that needs a teacher or a question, i don't know, common things when people live together. i don't think it is time for women to sit at the table because there is no table yet. >> the status of women. you talked about the entrepreneurial spirit you are seeing. there is a perception about women in afghanistan. we talked about your beautiful coat that was designed.

can you talk about work -- what types of companies women are involved in? >> i have had delegations of business women coming to me. these are not small businesses. imad factory owners -- i have had factory owners, women who actually lease a big tract of land and tried to cultivate vegetables. i have had women who trade carpets. of course there also women who trade embroidery things. women are very savvy. they just need a little bit of pushed. they need support and encouragement. once they are given that, they perform.

they get things done. i see there is maybe half of the audience is women tonight. and women know that when they put their mind to it, he can get it done, no matter what it is. met their -- whether it is at home or work. when they put their mind to it they get it done. i think we have been surprised to see their -- what they would ask. for example, they would say as women we are not getting good deals at the banks when we go for a loan. the banks will not give us loans without putting our whole house as collateral. we ask for a small loan and they want the whole house. why don't they take the car?

the car is still valuable. so they will usually talk to me about their problems and tell me what the solution is. i find it so much easier to help them because when is talking to a certain agency, and we have had a couple of women like that. it is also very encouraging to see how determined they are to make it and make it for their daughters and children. and for the country. >> you gave a speech in oslo not long ago, said that afghan women need to reclaim their past in an islamic tradition. he cited a number of powerful women. >> -- you cited a number of powerful women.

>> yes. it is the luck of the fact that i left afghanistan just before the war. i left during its heyday. i have yet less lived for years there. i lived within the family of my husband. i lived with my in-laws and extended family. i saw that the situation was and what the culture really was. it is a culture that is very harmonious. of course there were problems, like any society. people lived in harmony with each other and knew what their faith was. they knew what was expected from them. there was no gap, for example it -- between city and province. members of the family that lived in a province would come and stay for an extended time

sometimes two or three weeks. with us, we would go back and stay with them. there was a back and forth all the time. we spent weekends in the closest province. this is what i call our culture in which women were respected. my mother-in-law, my husband's grandmother, where powerful women. and yet there were women that state at home. there were other members of the family that worked outside. and they were also quite respected. i never heard somebody say, she is working outside, who is she? on the contrary, we had one with a phd in history and another one was, when the hospital was

opened, she got the job of managing the hospital. from my microcosm of the family, i could tell that there was a society that was respected and appreciated. this is something i would like to rely on culture. i also say we would like to go to our islamic roots because women were very important in islam. especially in the first few decades. >> in the 20th -- 20th?

>> no no, i am talking about the profits. the most important traders saudi arabia was a woman. she had caravans going to the east persian gulf. his daughter married for love. that is another interesting notion. there were -- the sister they were the ones who did fighting. they were warriors. in islam, women are important. the kind of islam that is now

taking place is being presented to the young generation, it is no longer that. it is not actually not -- it is not actually islam. i would not say it is a variation. it is something else. i was making a speech one day for an event about midwives and ob/gyn doctors. in islam, in the holy koran, it says they should be 30 months between children. it says this clearly. for the health of the child and the mother.

the distortion of islam, we should not accept it. we should get back to the basics and go back to the text. you mentioned queen's array of --zoraya. she was at the beginning of the 20th century. she was an educated woman. she became the minister of education. she really is a person who built the foundation for educational existence that existed in afghanistan before the civil war. the education system that gave

birth -- which allow people for my husband to allow university studies, when they came to the -- american, they had no problem adjusting. they knew as much as the others. they had subjects they are being told to freshman. we had a wonderful education system. clean -- queen soraya insisted that people had to have education. they had masters, they were professionals, and they did a great job educating generations

of afghans. this is why it are very well read and educated. they know their history and geography and science. thanks to this one woman. i think afghan women are -- when they put their minds to it, capable of great things. >> let's talk about you, a role model. you are a lebanese christian in a pretty illustrious family. talk about what your father did. >> my father came from another background that came to study in lebanon -- in france. but when he came back he wanted

to put together the agriculture of the country. different varieties of food, new varieties of vegetables. he introduced fertilizers, insecticides, eventually he got into water treatment. he was quite a pioneer. he was opposed to become the head of the fao. >> you studied in paris, and you talked about the uprising in 1960 having an impact on you. >> >> the family -- the time

when i left was in the middle of the first line to see what was happening. i was very young. i did not truly understand. what stayed with me was that you can be an agent of change. by seeing what was happening. seeing all of these students.