Speaking from Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to several of the religion's holiest sites, Trump implored dozens of Muslim nations to join the United States against the killing of innocent people in the name of religion and the failure to take a firm and united stand.
He insisted that "This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects or different civilizations," Trump said. "This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life and decent people, all in the name of religion - people that want to protect life and want to protect their religion. This is a battle between good and evil."
Trump used a substitute phrase: "Islamist extremism." To pinpoint the terrorists and not the Muslims. Trump was generous in his praise for Saudi Arabia, a Sunni Muslim state that considers Shiite Iran to be its principal rival for regional power.
He proudly announced a $110 billion arms deal signed with the Saudis during his visit here and said the United States was willing to extend the same partnership to other nations that share its objectives. Trump also met with the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, and noted the long friendship between the two countries and the prospect of future trade.
