In terms of providing fundamental rights that are protected, we feel confident that this will be a document that Iraqis will be proud of and the world and America will be impressed with and proud of also.

The days of looking the other way while despotic regimes trample human rights, rob their nations' wealth, and then excuse their failings by feeding their people a steady diet of anti-Western hatred are over.

You have a real constitution that protects freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. These protections are among the most far-reaching of any in the region and probably around the world.

The people of Syria deserve the opportunity to build a better future and to live in freedom.

The United States stands firmly with courageous men and women struggling for their freedom across the Middle East, including in Syria.

In many ways we're seeing that veil of fear is lifting. I think that we're seeing something very real happening across the region in terms of progress toward opening up societies, opening up political systems and economic systems.