The treatment oftaken and held as or as if a prisoner of war ; the carelessness human life for monetary profits, and failure government with regards to the significant practice of slavery on society sociality, economically, and politically has globally impacted humanity for centuries.
The American Slavery was very cruel in the social society. People were racial and prejudices about color people. The slaves had to go to work with harsh labor. So that the slaves would run off and escape; their owners used their cruelty as concentration of their 1/2 slave foot. The muslim slavery was abit different in the social society. The slaves are honored second only to their owners; Muslims
not to be slaves. All the Muslims had traces of slaves blood but also all inhumane behavior is cotagorically forbidden. The American and Muslims were very much similar because they were based on on an attitude of either skin color or religion.
In the economic society American slavery had little value for human for profit, they also made their money off of cash crops, sugar, coffee, and tobacco. In the Muslim slavery the economic society had banned all slave trade toonly increase the value of the slave. The differences was slave trader must treat them with fatherly care and provide edequate supplies for journey.
In the political society the American slaves had an emancipation as early as 1794. Following after that in 1865 the USA post civil war begun. they also had cruel oppression. Muslims slavery was that Holy laws permitted slavery. The differences was that the emancipation of slaves in muslims regions in up into the 20th century.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pres. Obama unleashes on Republican energy policy
Pres. Obama unleashes on Republican energy policy
By Mark Knoller Topics White House , Domestic
CORAL GABLES, Florida - With rising gasoline prices posing a threat to his bid for re-election, President Obama wants Americans to understand "there is no silver bullet" to quickly produce more gasoline and make it less costly at the pump - no matter what Republicans say.
"It's the easiest thing in the world make phony election-year promises about lower gas prices," said the president in a swipe at Republicans, including those seeking to unseat him in November.
Addressing a predominantly student audience at the University of Miami campus here, Mr. Obama cited a recent news report from Politico that portrayed Republicans as gleeful that gasoline prices are soaring 8 months before the presidential election.
"Gasoline prices are on the rise and Republicans are licking their chops. That's a quote," he said, quoting from the Politico story.
Clearly finding it easy to believe the report, President Obama said, "Only in politics do people root for bad news, do they greet bad news so enthusiastically."
He's said he's sure Republicans are "dusting off their 3-point plan for $2 gas."
Step one is to drill and step two is to drill," said the president, seeking to ridicule the GOP energy strategy. "And then step three is to keep drilling."
"Well, the American people aren't stupid," said Mr. Obama. "They know that's not a plan, especially since we're already drilling."
He called the drill, drill, drill approach nothing more than "a bumper sticker" and "not a strategy to solve our energy challenge."
He portrayed Republicans as adopting "a strategy to get politicians through an election."
"There are no quick fixes to this problem," the president said. "We can't just drill our way to lower gas prices."
Pres. Obama used his speech to reaffirm his commitment to what he calls his "all-of-the-above strategy" to develop every available source of American energy.
More production of oil and gas are part of his energy strategy, "but also wind and solar and nuclear and biofuels, and more," he said to an outburst of applause.
"We need to keep developing the technology that allows us to use less oil in our cars and trucks; in our buildings and plants. That's the strategy we're pursuing, and that's the only real solution to this challenge. "
The president is also demanding an end to the $4-billion a year government tax subsidies to the big oil companies.
"It's outrageous. It's inexcusable," he said. "And every politician who's been fighting to keep these subsidies in place should explain to the American people why the oil industry needs more of their money. Especially at a time like this. "
Finding it a worthwhile target, Mr. Obama said "it's time to end taxpayer giveaways to an industry that's never been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that's never been more promising. "
He again called on Congress to renew the clean energy tax credits that "will lead to more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil. "
But Republicans were quick to pounce back citing the doubling of gasoline prices over the past 3 years.
"From his drilling moratorium to his denial of the Keystone pipeline," said press secretary to Speaker John Boehner, Brandon Buck. "The President has time and again sided with his liberal base over American families."
President Obama didn't watch last night's GOP presidential candidates debate, though he sounded as though he wanted to have the last word today on energy policy.
By Mark Knoller Topics White House , Domestic
CORAL GABLES, Florida - With rising gasoline prices posing a threat to his bid for re-election, President Obama wants Americans to understand "there is no silver bullet" to quickly produce more gasoline and make it less costly at the pump - no matter what Republicans say.
"It's the easiest thing in the world make phony election-year promises about lower gas prices," said the president in a swipe at Republicans, including those seeking to unseat him in November.
Addressing a predominantly student audience at the University of Miami campus here, Mr. Obama cited a recent news report from Politico that portrayed Republicans as gleeful that gasoline prices are soaring 8 months before the presidential election.
"Gasoline prices are on the rise and Republicans are licking their chops. That's a quote," he said, quoting from the Politico story.
Clearly finding it easy to believe the report, President Obama said, "Only in politics do people root for bad news, do they greet bad news so enthusiastically."
He's said he's sure Republicans are "dusting off their 3-point plan for $2 gas."
Step one is to drill and step two is to drill," said the president, seeking to ridicule the GOP energy strategy. "And then step three is to keep drilling."
"Well, the American people aren't stupid," said Mr. Obama. "They know that's not a plan, especially since we're already drilling."
He called the drill, drill, drill approach nothing more than "a bumper sticker" and "not a strategy to solve our energy challenge."
He portrayed Republicans as adopting "a strategy to get politicians through an election."
"There are no quick fixes to this problem," the president said. "We can't just drill our way to lower gas prices."
Pres. Obama used his speech to reaffirm his commitment to what he calls his "all-of-the-above strategy" to develop every available source of American energy.
More production of oil and gas are part of his energy strategy, "but also wind and solar and nuclear and biofuels, and more," he said to an outburst of applause.
"We need to keep developing the technology that allows us to use less oil in our cars and trucks; in our buildings and plants. That's the strategy we're pursuing, and that's the only real solution to this challenge. "
The president is also demanding an end to the $4-billion a year government tax subsidies to the big oil companies.
"It's outrageous. It's inexcusable," he said. "And every politician who's been fighting to keep these subsidies in place should explain to the American people why the oil industry needs more of their money. Especially at a time like this. "
Finding it a worthwhile target, Mr. Obama said "it's time to end taxpayer giveaways to an industry that's never been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that's never been more promising. "
He again called on Congress to renew the clean energy tax credits that "will lead to more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil. "
But Republicans were quick to pounce back citing the doubling of gasoline prices over the past 3 years.
"From his drilling moratorium to his denial of the Keystone pipeline," said press secretary to Speaker John Boehner, Brandon Buck. "The President has time and again sided with his liberal base over American families."
President Obama didn't watch last night's GOP presidential candidates debate, though he sounded as though he wanted to have the last word today on energy policy.
Knicks-Heat Preview
The NBA's All-Star game may be looming, but the New York Knicks and Miami Heat may be delivering the marquee matchup of the season thus far.
In the toughest test yet for the phenomenon that is Jeremy Lin and the rest of the Knicks, they'll try to prove worthy of the astounding hype as they face LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Eastern Conference-leading Heat on Thursday night.
New York (17-17) has seen its season revived behind a complete unknown. Lin is averaging 23.9 points and 9.2 assists in helping the Knicks win nine of 11 while gaining global notoriety that's been dubbed "Linsanity."
"It's a great rags-to-riches story," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That's the bigger story. And hopefully years from now it'll be about that, not about the ethnicity."
The hype has garnered some criticism, however, since Lin and the Knicks have played eight of those games against teams with current records at or below .500. However, they're 3-0 against teams with winning records following Wednesday's 99-82 victory over Atlanta, during which they led by as many 30 points.
Now, the stiffest challenge awaits New York before the All-Star break as it visits Miami (26-7), which enters as the NBA's hottest team with a seven-game win streak.
"It's going to be a high-energy game," Wade said. "The crowd is going to be into it. Fans around the world are going to watch the game, obviously, for many different reasons, so it'll be great."
The hype, as well as the Knicks' resurgence, has provided motivation for the Heat -- atop the East by percentage points over Chicago -- to prove Lin and the Knicks are just upstarts.
"It's the game right before All-Star," James said. "But it won't be like 'that' game before All-Star, like people are accustomed to. Everybody always says, you know, the game before All-Star, people are ready to get to All-Star weekend. I don't think so. Just knowing the rivalry, knowing the history between the Heat and Knicks. It could be one of the most watched games we've had in a long time, especially with what Jeremy Lin is doing."
While Lin's emergence has captivated the league, James and Wade are averaging 27.6 and 22.4 points, respectively.
The duo combined for a 59 points in a 99-89 win over the Knicks in Miami on Jan. 27, while Lin didn't get off the bench.
Wade is averaging 24.1 points while the Heat have gone 13-2 since, including 30 points and 10 assists in a 120-108 romp of Sacramento on Tuesday. James finished with 18 points and eight assists, as Miami's home winning streak reached eight games with a 14-2 record on the season.
The Heat aren't the only team swept up in the anticipation of this matchup.
"We're playing a great team, and it's going to be a good evaluation of where we're at," said Lin, who had 17 points and nine assists Wednesday. "So from that end obviously we're excited and ready for the challenge. But besides that, we're just going try to stay consistent."
Carmelo Anthony could help in that regard. The All-Star forward has totaled 26 points while making 11 of 27 shots from the floor over the last two games after sitting out seven with a groin injury.
He missed last month's meeting with the Heat due to wrist and ankle ailments, but he's averaged 26.0 points in 15 career games against them.
"It's going to be a lot of, a lot of anticipation about this game," Anthony said. "We're going down there to win. Miami is playing great basketball right now. One of the hottest teams, if not the hottest team in the NBA."
In the toughest test yet for the phenomenon that is Jeremy Lin and the rest of the Knicks, they'll try to prove worthy of the astounding hype as they face LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Eastern Conference-leading Heat on Thursday night.
New York (17-17) has seen its season revived behind a complete unknown. Lin is averaging 23.9 points and 9.2 assists in helping the Knicks win nine of 11 while gaining global notoriety that's been dubbed "Linsanity."
"It's a great rags-to-riches story," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That's the bigger story. And hopefully years from now it'll be about that, not about the ethnicity."
The hype has garnered some criticism, however, since Lin and the Knicks have played eight of those games against teams with current records at or below .500. However, they're 3-0 against teams with winning records following Wednesday's 99-82 victory over Atlanta, during which they led by as many 30 points.
Now, the stiffest challenge awaits New York before the All-Star break as it visits Miami (26-7), which enters as the NBA's hottest team with a seven-game win streak.
"It's going to be a high-energy game," Wade said. "The crowd is going to be into it. Fans around the world are going to watch the game, obviously, for many different reasons, so it'll be great."
The hype, as well as the Knicks' resurgence, has provided motivation for the Heat -- atop the East by percentage points over Chicago -- to prove Lin and the Knicks are just upstarts.
"It's the game right before All-Star," James said. "But it won't be like 'that' game before All-Star, like people are accustomed to. Everybody always says, you know, the game before All-Star, people are ready to get to All-Star weekend. I don't think so. Just knowing the rivalry, knowing the history between the Heat and Knicks. It could be one of the most watched games we've had in a long time, especially with what Jeremy Lin is doing."
While Lin's emergence has captivated the league, James and Wade are averaging 27.6 and 22.4 points, respectively.
The duo combined for a 59 points in a 99-89 win over the Knicks in Miami on Jan. 27, while Lin didn't get off the bench.
Wade is averaging 24.1 points while the Heat have gone 13-2 since, including 30 points and 10 assists in a 120-108 romp of Sacramento on Tuesday. James finished with 18 points and eight assists, as Miami's home winning streak reached eight games with a 14-2 record on the season.
The Heat aren't the only team swept up in the anticipation of this matchup.
"We're playing a great team, and it's going to be a good evaluation of where we're at," said Lin, who had 17 points and nine assists Wednesday. "So from that end obviously we're excited and ready for the challenge. But besides that, we're just going try to stay consistent."
Carmelo Anthony could help in that regard. The All-Star forward has totaled 26 points while making 11 of 27 shots from the floor over the last two games after sitting out seven with a groin injury.
He missed last month's meeting with the Heat due to wrist and ankle ailments, but he's averaged 26.0 points in 15 career games against them.
"It's going to be a lot of, a lot of anticipation about this game," Anthony said. "We're going down there to win. Miami is playing great basketball right now. One of the hottest teams, if not the hottest team in the NBA."
Chris Brown collaboration is typical Rihanna
Chris Brown collaboration is typical Rihanna, analysts sayBy Stephanie Goldberg, CNN
updated 2:41 PM EST, Thu February 23, 2012
Rihanna and Chris Brown perform together in December 2008.STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The artists' remixes, "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up the Music," hit the Web on Monday
Response to partnership has been negative, but remixes are doing well
Brown pleaded guilty in June 2009 to assaulting his then-girlfriend
(CNN) -- The public has been shaking its collective head since rumors of a Rihanna-Chris Brown collaboration began circulating on the Internet last week.
Once the artists' respective remixes, "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up the Music," featuring each other, hit the Web on Monday, that head-shaking turned into full-blown opposition.
Some have questioned why Rihanna would musically reunite with her ex and whether their working together was a straight career move or a byproduct of her feelings for Brown. But based on the way the "We Found Love" singer markets herself, industry experts agree, her decision to collaborate with Brown is actually quite characteristic.
"So much of (Rihanna's) music is about being in control of herself," said Tamar Anitai, the managing editor of MTV Buzzworthy. "Some of her fans have been really surprised by (her working with Brown again), but a lot of her other fans are so used to her making these big, bold statements."
Should Chris Brown be forgiven?
Dr. Drew talks Rihanna, Chris Brown
Rihanna, Chris Brown collaborating Rihanna has been in the game for a long time, Anitai said, and she wants people to know that she makes her own decisions. "This is her way of saying, 'I've made peace with my past.' "
Since he pleaded guilty in June 2009 to assaulting his then-girlfriend on the eve of the 51st Grammy Awards, Brown's career has flourished -- as has Rihanna's.
Country singer Miranda Lambert and HLN's Dr. Drew are among those weighing in on Brown's successes in addition to his troubles, including outbursts on Twitter and a reported tantrum after an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America" last year.
A firestorm erupted when many women tweeted after this year's Grammy Awards that they would let Brown beat them.
But while the response to the pair's partnership has been overwhelmingly negative, their remixes have actually been well-received, said Ian Drew, Us Weekly's senior editor for music.
"Say what you will about them ... but when they're on a track together, it sort of lights up and ignites," Drew said.
Referencing Rihanna's "S&M," which shocked listeners with talk of chains and whips, he said that "these two are all about pushing buttons."
What is boils down to, Drew added, is whether people have the ability to separate the artists' personal lives from their music.
It's unclear what effect their collaborations will have on their careers. But the critics seem to be out in full force.
A recent Newsday story titled "Rihanna and Chris Brown deserve each other" states, "Apparently, Rihanna wants to show her independence and Brown wants to show that he can beat a woman and still get her to be friends."
And AJ Reynolds, who hosts Canada's Top 20 Countdown, said that all tracks featuring Brown have been pulled from the radio show after numerous parents complained.
The backlash couldn't have come as a surprise to the two artists. Music producer The-Dream, who wrote "Birthday Cake" with Rihanna, told MTV it was actually her idea to feature Brown on the song's remix.
"When she raised the question to me, I know she's not crazy," he said. "So my thought was, 'you've been thinking about this; you've already thought it out, so evidently you know what reaction you gonna get.' "
Despite the fact that Rihanna typically embraces her sexuality in her music, "Turn Up the Music" (which features the lyrics, "So let's go tonight and do whatever it takes to make it right") and "Birthday Cake's" explicit nature are a bit jarring, given the pair's history, said Bill Werde, Billboard's editorial director.
Even so, Werde said, he can't see Rihanna's career being hurt by the collaboration.
"If Chris Brown can rebound from (the assault) ... please don't tell me that Rihanna can't rebound from what some are perceiving as a lapse in judgment," he added.
In the end, fans reserve the right to support the artists or not, but onlookers have to remember, this is still a real and tumultuous situation.
"People have the tendency to forget that maybe this isn't some kind of contrived career move or a staged opportunity for PR," Werde said. "This media-saturated world is trying to make sense of a very, very human decision.
"I would like to think she's thought through the consequences, but I don't think she's making this decision with an eye toward her career," Werde added. "She's probably just thinking with her heart."
updated 2:41 PM EST, Thu February 23, 2012
Rihanna and Chris Brown perform together in December 2008.STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The artists' remixes, "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up the Music," hit the Web on Monday
Response to partnership has been negative, but remixes are doing well
Brown pleaded guilty in June 2009 to assaulting his then-girlfriend
(CNN) -- The public has been shaking its collective head since rumors of a Rihanna-Chris Brown collaboration began circulating on the Internet last week.
Once the artists' respective remixes, "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up the Music," featuring each other, hit the Web on Monday, that head-shaking turned into full-blown opposition.
Some have questioned why Rihanna would musically reunite with her ex and whether their working together was a straight career move or a byproduct of her feelings for Brown. But based on the way the "We Found Love" singer markets herself, industry experts agree, her decision to collaborate with Brown is actually quite characteristic.
"So much of (Rihanna's) music is about being in control of herself," said Tamar Anitai, the managing editor of MTV Buzzworthy. "Some of her fans have been really surprised by (her working with Brown again), but a lot of her other fans are so used to her making these big, bold statements."
Should Chris Brown be forgiven?
Dr. Drew talks Rihanna, Chris Brown
Rihanna, Chris Brown collaborating Rihanna has been in the game for a long time, Anitai said, and she wants people to know that she makes her own decisions. "This is her way of saying, 'I've made peace with my past.' "
Since he pleaded guilty in June 2009 to assaulting his then-girlfriend on the eve of the 51st Grammy Awards, Brown's career has flourished -- as has Rihanna's.
Country singer Miranda Lambert and HLN's Dr. Drew are among those weighing in on Brown's successes in addition to his troubles, including outbursts on Twitter and a reported tantrum after an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America" last year.
A firestorm erupted when many women tweeted after this year's Grammy Awards that they would let Brown beat them.
But while the response to the pair's partnership has been overwhelmingly negative, their remixes have actually been well-received, said Ian Drew, Us Weekly's senior editor for music.
"Say what you will about them ... but when they're on a track together, it sort of lights up and ignites," Drew said.
Referencing Rihanna's "S&M," which shocked listeners with talk of chains and whips, he said that "these two are all about pushing buttons."
What is boils down to, Drew added, is whether people have the ability to separate the artists' personal lives from their music.
It's unclear what effect their collaborations will have on their careers. But the critics seem to be out in full force.
A recent Newsday story titled "Rihanna and Chris Brown deserve each other" states, "Apparently, Rihanna wants to show her independence and Brown wants to show that he can beat a woman and still get her to be friends."
And AJ Reynolds, who hosts Canada's Top 20 Countdown, said that all tracks featuring Brown have been pulled from the radio show after numerous parents complained.
The backlash couldn't have come as a surprise to the two artists. Music producer The-Dream, who wrote "Birthday Cake" with Rihanna, told MTV it was actually her idea to feature Brown on the song's remix.
"When she raised the question to me, I know she's not crazy," he said. "So my thought was, 'you've been thinking about this; you've already thought it out, so evidently you know what reaction you gonna get.' "
Despite the fact that Rihanna typically embraces her sexuality in her music, "Turn Up the Music" (which features the lyrics, "So let's go tonight and do whatever it takes to make it right") and "Birthday Cake's" explicit nature are a bit jarring, given the pair's history, said Bill Werde, Billboard's editorial director.
Even so, Werde said, he can't see Rihanna's career being hurt by the collaboration.
"If Chris Brown can rebound from (the assault) ... please don't tell me that Rihanna can't rebound from what some are perceiving as a lapse in judgment," he added.
In the end, fans reserve the right to support the artists or not, but onlookers have to remember, this is still a real and tumultuous situation.
"People have the tendency to forget that maybe this isn't some kind of contrived career move or a staged opportunity for PR," Werde said. "This media-saturated world is trying to make sense of a very, very human decision.
"I would like to think she's thought through the consequences, but I don't think she's making this decision with an eye toward her career," Werde added. "She's probably just thinking with her heart."
Obama hits back at Republican criticism of high fuel prices
Obama hits back at Republican criticism of high fuel prices
* Obama blames high oil prices on Iran tensions
* Says speculators also driving prices higher
* Says Republicans making "phony" promises
By Laura MacInnis
MIAMI, Feb 23 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama hit back on Thursday at election-year Republican criticism of his energy policies, offering a staunch defense of his attempts to wean Americans off foreign oil and saying there is no "silver bullet" for high gasoline prices.
Obama sought to deflect growing Republican attacks over rising prices at the pump, blaming recent increases on a mix of factors beyond his control, including tensions with Iran, hot demand from China, India and other emerging economies, and Wall Street speculators taking advantage of the uncertainty.
U.S. gasoline prices have jumped nearly 9 cents in the past week to an average of $3.61 a gallon, and are expected to rise further toward the crucial $4 mark through the summer driving season and the approach of the Nov. 6 election..
In a visit to the University of Miami less than nine months before the presidential election in which he will seek a second term, Obama offered a modest series of proposals aimed at diversifying fuel supplies and increasing energy efficiency.
"It's the easiest thing in the world (to) make phony election-year promises about lower gas prices," Obama said, offering his most comprehensive rebuttal yet of the intensifying Republican criticism.
"What's harder is to make a serious, sustained commitment to tackle a problem that may not be solved in one year or one term or even one decade," he said.
Obama's speech was part of a broader White House strategy to try to regain the upper hand in the debate and deflect blame, but the president's arguments may fall on deaf ears if gas prices continue to rise and cause financial pain for voters.
Republicans have made rising gas prices one of their main attack lines against Obama, sensing an electoral vulnerability for the president. His re-election prospects depend in part on his ability to keep a fragile economic recovery afloat and to continue reducing high unemployment.
Republicans seeking to dislodge Obama from the White House are seeking to pin the higher prices on the president's tax and environmental policies they say have hindered domestic production and kept the United States at the mercy of imports.
They cite his decision to block the Keystone pipeline that would transport Canadian oil to refineries in Texas as proof he is beholden to environmentalists .
The Obama administration has delayed a final decision on Keystone until after the election, saying the proposed route could pose a danger to water supply in the nation's breadbasket.
Obama needs to win the war of words to gain an upper hand over Republicans in Western battleground states including Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, where people drive a lot and feel the sting of rising prices acutely.
Gasoline prices have climbed alongside crude futures, the major component in determining the price of gasoline, due to concerns about a potential disruption of supplies from Iran, which is locked in a standoff with the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
U.S. crude prices have jumped 9 percent this year, nearing $108 a barrel on Thursday, the highest level since May, 2011.
DRILL, DRILL, DRILL
As gasoline prices become an increasingly important election issue, Republicans are scrambling to prove they can offer relief. On Wednesday, Republican candidate Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, promised gasoline prices of $2.50 a gallon if he won the White House.
"You can bet that since it's an election year, they're already dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas," Obama said. "I'll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill and step three is keep drilling."
While Obama said he had asked officials to look for opportunities to help consumers in the short term - in areas such as permitting and delivery bottlenecks - he repeated there would be no "silver bullet" for America's energy crunch, and said real change would come only in the long run.
The trio of proposals announced in Miami included a $30 million competition in natural gas technologies and a $14 million program to development algae-based fuel.
Obama highlighted steps already taken to expand domestic production and improve fuel efficiency.
He also repeated calls to roll back tax incentives for the oil industry and urged renewal of a clean energy tax credit in Congress, where lawmakers are deeply divided and little legislative action is expected this year.
His remarks were met with disdain from top Republicans.
"Facing an election, the President would like everyone to forget that gas prices have doubled over the past three years while he consistently blocked and slowed the production of American-made energy," said Brendan Buck, a spokesman for John Boehner, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives.
While Republicans blame high oil prices on actions such as Obama's Keystone pipeline decision, an oil boom led by North Dakota is expected to push U.S. crude output this year to its highest level since 1999.
Lawmakers from Obama's own party are asking him to take steps to ease the price pressure in the short term. Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged the White House to signal it is ready to tap the country's strategic petroleum reserve, which contains about 696 million barrels of oil.
Obama made no mention of taking that step in his speech.
* Obama blames high oil prices on Iran tensions
* Says speculators also driving prices higher
* Says Republicans making "phony" promises
By Laura MacInnis
MIAMI, Feb 23 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama hit back on Thursday at election-year Republican criticism of his energy policies, offering a staunch defense of his attempts to wean Americans off foreign oil and saying there is no "silver bullet" for high gasoline prices.
Obama sought to deflect growing Republican attacks over rising prices at the pump, blaming recent increases on a mix of factors beyond his control, including tensions with Iran, hot demand from China, India and other emerging economies, and Wall Street speculators taking advantage of the uncertainty.
U.S. gasoline prices have jumped nearly 9 cents in the past week to an average of $3.61 a gallon, and are expected to rise further toward the crucial $4 mark through the summer driving season and the approach of the Nov. 6 election..
In a visit to the University of Miami less than nine months before the presidential election in which he will seek a second term, Obama offered a modest series of proposals aimed at diversifying fuel supplies and increasing energy efficiency.
"It's the easiest thing in the world (to) make phony election-year promises about lower gas prices," Obama said, offering his most comprehensive rebuttal yet of the intensifying Republican criticism.
"What's harder is to make a serious, sustained commitment to tackle a problem that may not be solved in one year or one term or even one decade," he said.
Obama's speech was part of a broader White House strategy to try to regain the upper hand in the debate and deflect blame, but the president's arguments may fall on deaf ears if gas prices continue to rise and cause financial pain for voters.
Republicans have made rising gas prices one of their main attack lines against Obama, sensing an electoral vulnerability for the president. His re-election prospects depend in part on his ability to keep a fragile economic recovery afloat and to continue reducing high unemployment.
Republicans seeking to dislodge Obama from the White House are seeking to pin the higher prices on the president's tax and environmental policies they say have hindered domestic production and kept the United States at the mercy of imports.
They cite his decision to block the Keystone pipeline that would transport Canadian oil to refineries in Texas as proof he is beholden to environmentalists .
The Obama administration has delayed a final decision on Keystone until after the election, saying the proposed route could pose a danger to water supply in the nation's breadbasket.
Obama needs to win the war of words to gain an upper hand over Republicans in Western battleground states including Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, where people drive a lot and feel the sting of rising prices acutely.
Gasoline prices have climbed alongside crude futures, the major component in determining the price of gasoline, due to concerns about a potential disruption of supplies from Iran, which is locked in a standoff with the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
U.S. crude prices have jumped 9 percent this year, nearing $108 a barrel on Thursday, the highest level since May, 2011.
DRILL, DRILL, DRILL
As gasoline prices become an increasingly important election issue, Republicans are scrambling to prove they can offer relief. On Wednesday, Republican candidate Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, promised gasoline prices of $2.50 a gallon if he won the White House.
"You can bet that since it's an election year, they're already dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas," Obama said. "I'll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill and step three is keep drilling."
While Obama said he had asked officials to look for opportunities to help consumers in the short term - in areas such as permitting and delivery bottlenecks - he repeated there would be no "silver bullet" for America's energy crunch, and said real change would come only in the long run.
The trio of proposals announced in Miami included a $30 million competition in natural gas technologies and a $14 million program to development algae-based fuel.
Obama highlighted steps already taken to expand domestic production and improve fuel efficiency.
He also repeated calls to roll back tax incentives for the oil industry and urged renewal of a clean energy tax credit in Congress, where lawmakers are deeply divided and little legislative action is expected this year.
His remarks were met with disdain from top Republicans.
"Facing an election, the President would like everyone to forget that gas prices have doubled over the past three years while he consistently blocked and slowed the production of American-made energy," said Brendan Buck, a spokesman for John Boehner, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives.
While Republicans blame high oil prices on actions such as Obama's Keystone pipeline decision, an oil boom led by North Dakota is expected to push U.S. crude output this year to its highest level since 1999.
Lawmakers from Obama's own party are asking him to take steps to ease the price pressure in the short term. Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged the White House to signal it is ready to tap the country's strategic petroleum reserve, which contains about 696 million barrels of oil.
Obama made no mention of taking that step in his speech.
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