Ramadan 2017: Donald Trump issues statement mentioning terrorism in almost every sentence

Donald Trump has issued his first statement commemorating Ramadan as president, and fit mentions of terrorism into nearly half of it.

Mr Trump, who started his first foreign trip in a Muslim country, wished “all Muslims a joyful Ramadan,” and said that “the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict." He also noted that Ramadan was starting at a time when the world "mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan."

The president has been talking about the need for counter-terrorism efforts frequently lately, and this week urged Nato allies in Moscow to commit to fighting against Isis in Syria. The recent bombings in Manchester that left 22 dead and dozens more wounded has only added urgency to Mr Trump's strong anti-terror rhetoric.

But some on the internet were quick to note that Mr Trump's Ramadan statement contrasted significantly with the statement released by former President George W Bush when Ramadan came just two months after the September 11 terror attacks in the US that killed nearly 3,000 people. Mr Bush at that time wrote of the diversity in Muslim communities, and of the teachings of Islam to be charitable, extend mercy, and search for peace.

Although the United States had sent troops to Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks a month earlier, Mr Bush still did not connect terrorism to the Islamic faith in his Ramadan statement. He instead noted that the US was "proud to play a leading role in the humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan, through airdrops and truck convoys of food, medicine, and other much-needed supplies."

Here’s Mr Trump's whole statement.

On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan.

During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. At its core, the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict.

This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology.

On my recent visit to Saudi Arabia, I had the honour of meeting with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations. There, in the land of the two holiest sites in the Muslim world, we gathered to deliver together an emphatic message of partnership for the sake of peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and for the world.

I reiterate my message delivered in Riyadh: America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace.

I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families.