The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)

I know — I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

Amen! Not just no system of government; no puppet rulers, as well. But then, why is the US government busy micro-managing elections in Afghanistan, and governance in Pakistan?

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)

Fine words, let us hope that US practice catches up with these aspirations. At the moment, the United States undermines due process whenever it disapproves of its outcome: the US protests when the court acquits a disliked criminal for lack of evidence; it removes popularly elected leaders, when it dislikes them; and helps to undermine the rule of law, in support of favoured dictators.

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.

Mr. Obama needs to persuade his military establishment of these truths: they are busy in implementing programmes of “strategic communication” (the new name for psychological warfare, and propaganda), aided by a budget that exceeds the defence budgets of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the declared aim of “controlling the narrative”.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

Is this the loophole by which Mr. Obama seeks to take away all he has said so eloquently in support of lawful democracy so far? As a politician in Pakistan commented: by democracy in our countries, Americans mean a government of the people, by the people, for the Americans! It is doubtful that the Americans will not meddle with elections in which parties they do not like win.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!

While we can give Mr. Obama the benefit of doubt, do Americans realise that this was a hand-picked audience! Reportedly, Egyptian security had petty much imposed a curfew on the city.