UN General Assembly
2014

do not neglect the role of their nations in reaching the development that they seek. They do not absolve the West of its misdeeds, but they are also aware of their own failings. Those leaders can assume positions of active leadership by attracting the confidence of the people in their societies and can establish the strongest national and international coalitions against violence. The voices of such leaders are the true voices of moderation in the Islamic world. They represent the familiar voice of an Afghan weary of war, of an Iraqi victim of extremism, of a Syrian fearful of terrorism and of a Lebanese worried about violence and sectarianism. I believe that if countries that claim to lead the coalition do so to continue their hegemony in the region, they are making a strategic mistake. Obviously, since the pain is better known by the countries of the region, those countries can better form a coalition and agree to shoulder the responsibility of leadership in countering violence and terrorism. If other nations wish to take