"... we must defeat determined enemies, wherever they are, and build coalitions that cut across lines of region and race and religion.
"And America's moral example must always shine for all who yearn for freedom and justice and dignity. And because we've begun this work, tonight we can say that American leadership has been renewed and America's standing has been restored."
Iraq War
"Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left with their heads held high. American combat patrols have ended, violence is down and a new government has been formed.
"This year, our civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America's commitment has been kept. The Iraq war is coming to an end."
Afghanistan War
"We've also taken the fight to al-Qaida and their allies abroad. In Afghanistan, our troops have taken Taliban strongholds and trained Afghan security forces. Our purpose is clear: By preventing the Taliban from reestablishing a stranglehold over the Afghan people, we will deny al-Qaida the safe haven that served as a launching pad for 9/11.
Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead, and the Afghan government will need to deliver better governance. But we are strengthening the capacity of the Afghan people and building an enduring partnership with them.
"This year, we will work with nearly 50 countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead. And this July, we will begin to bring our troops home."
Pakistan, Iran, North Korea
"In Pakistan, al-Qaida's leadership is under more pressure than at any point since 2001. Their leaders and operatives are being removed from the battlefield. Their safe havens are shrinking. And we've sent a message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of the globe: We will not relent, we will not waver and we will defeat you."
"... the Iranian government now faces tougher sanctions, tighter sanctions than ever before. And on the Korean Peninsula, we stand with our ally South Korea and insist that North Korea keeps its commitment to abandon nuclear weapons."
"Shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity."
"American leadership can also be seen in the effort to secure the worst weapons of war. Because Republicans and Democrats approved the New START treaty, far fewer nuclear weapons and launchers will be deployed."
"This is just a part of how we're shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO and increased our cooperation on everything from counterterrorism to missile defense.
"We've reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, built new partnerships with nations like India."
"In south Sudan - with our assistance - the people were finally able to vote for independence after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in the streets.
"... we saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And tonight, let us be clear: The United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia and supports the democratic aspirations of all people."
U.S. Troops and Their families
" let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our nation is united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them as well as they've served us - by giving them the equipment they need, by providing them with the care and benefits that they have earned, and by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own nation.
"Our troops come from every corner of this country - they're black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim.
" And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past."
"WE DO BIG THINGS"
- "We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution.
- We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try.
- We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything is possible.
"The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it's because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward and the state of our union is strong.
Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America."
At the White House website, read the entirety of President Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address.
