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By Reuters | Feb.13,2013 | 5:56 AM
U.S. President Barack Obama declared that he would stand by Israel in pursuit of security and peace, and that he would do what was necessary to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, as he delivered a closely watched State of the Union address Tuesday, laying out his priorities for the year ahead and for his newly begun second term in office.
"In the Middle East, we will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights, and support stable transitions to democracy," said Obama as he spoke on the areas of defense and freedom. "The process will be messy, and we cannot presume to dictate the course of change in countries like Egypt; but we can - and will - insist on respect for the fundamental rights of all people."
He also said the United States "will keep the pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people, and support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian."
"And we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a lasting peace. These are the messages I will deliver when I travel to the Middle East next month," he continued.
The speech before a joint session of Congress' two chambers was dominated by domestic issues, but Obama did also refer to his policy on Iran. "[T]he leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a diplomatic solution, because a coalition stands united in demanding that they meet their obligations, and we will do what is necessary to prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon."
"At the same time," he continued, "we will engage Russia to seek further reductions in our nuclear arsenals, and continue leading the global effort to secure nuclear materials that could fall into the wrong hands - because our ability to influence others depends on our willingness to lead."
Withdrawing from Afghanistan
With the economy still the biggest concern of most Americans, Obama devoted less time to foreign policy this year. But he did announce plans to withdraw 34,000 troops from Afghanistan - about half the force there. This announcement is a major development, even if it was highly anticipated, putting the United States on pace to formally finish the protracted war by the end of 2014.
While foreign policy did receive less attention this year, it took on some greater urgency as the speech came hours after North Korea announced that it had detonated a nuclear device. Obama said North Korean leaders "must know that they will only achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international obligations.'
He said "provocations" like the test will further isolate North Korea "as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats."
The 'unfinished task'
On the domestic front, Obama challenged deeply divided lawmakers to find compromises that would boost job creation and strengthen America's middle class. He conceded America's economic revival is an "unfinished task."
His focus on jobs and growth underscored the degree to which he is still hampered by the economy, even as he pursues a bolder agenda including overhauling immigration laws, enacting stricter gun-control measures and tackling climate change.
Obama also announced that the United States? will begin talks with the European Union on a trans-Atlantic trade agreement, "because trade that is free and fair across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs."
The annual address is one of the biggest events in Washington. It is broadcast during prime evening viewing hours by the major television networks, with Washington's most powerful officials - lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, military leaders and Cabinet members - all in attendance and millions of Americans watching from home.
This year's speech came at one of the strongest points in Obama's presidency. He won re-election by a convincing margin, is generally popular, and opposition Republicans appear weakened and fractured. Still, Republicans control the House of Representatives and tough fights loom on the budget and other top issues.
Obama also pledged to work with Russia to seek further reductions in nuclear arsenals and to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement with the Asia-Pacific region, in addition to pursuing the European agreement.
Bipartisan solutions for climate change
Obama also used the address to press for congressional action on climate change and for stricter gun control laws, both of which face resistance from House Republicans.
On climate change, Obama pledged to work with lawmakers to seek bipartisan solutions but said if Congress doesn't act, he'll order his Cabinet to seek steps he can take using his presidential powers.
Obama said major storms, droughts and wildfires that have afflicted the United States can be considered "just a freak coincidence, or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science - and act before it's too late."
His push for overhauling immigration laws had broader appeal. It is one of the few major issues on which badly divided Republicans and Democrats can find common ground. Republicans have long opposed relaxing immigration laws, but are reconsidering their positions as they try to appeal to Hispanics, a growing part of the U.S. electorate that has overwhelmingly favored Democrats.
Republicans: No more spending during deficit
One of the leading Republican voices for immigration reform, Sen. Marco Rubio, was tapped to deliver the official Republican response. Rubio, a 41-year-old Cuban-American, is one of the party's brightest stars and a possible 2016 presidential candidate. But in a sign of the divisions in the party, another, unofficial Republican response will be given by Rand Paul, a senator who is a favorite of the small-government tea party movement.
Republicans remain united in their opposition to Obama's proposals for more spending at a time of huge deficits. Obama said his proposals to increase spending on manufacturing, infrastructure and clean-energy technologies would be fully paid for, though he did not specify how he would offset the cost of his proposals.
"Nothing I'm proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime," Obama said.
He called for increased spending to fix roads and bridges, the first increase in the minimum wage in six years and expansion of early education to reach every American 4-year-old.
He is also calling on Congress to prevent another potential blow to the economy on March 1, when massive, automatic spending cuts are scheduled to take place. Obama has asked lawmakers to block those cuts by approving a mix of tax increases and targeted budget cuts. Republicans oppose any further tax increases beyond those they reluctantly agreed to on the wealthiest households at the start of the year in exchange for extending tax cuts for the vast majority of Americans in effect since George W. Bush's presidency.
"He's gotten all the revenue he's going to get," the Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell, said before the speech.
While Obama makes his case for greater gun control, first lady Michelle Obama was sitting with the parents of a Chicago teenager shot and killed just days after she had performed at the president's inauguration last month. Twenty-two House members have invited people affected by gun violence, according to Jim Langevin, a Democratic congressman who helped with the effort. And Republican congressman Steve Stockman said he invited rocker Ted Nugent, a long-time gun control opponent who last year said he would end up "dead or in jail" if Obama won re-election.
Immediately following his speech, Obama was scheduled to hold a conference call with supporters to urge them to pressure lawmakers to back his agenda. He also planned to seek to rally public support with trips this week to North Carolina, Georgia and his home state of Illinois.
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