US President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address

WASHINGTON : US President Barack Obama began his State of the Union address in which he focussed on the American economy, his government’s policy in dealing with terrorism across the globe and how he plans to deal with the Iran nuclear programme.
Here are the highlights:
US economy poised for ‘breakthrough’ after recession

Al-Qaeda threat evolving, taking root in new places
In Ukraine, we stand for the principle that all people have the right to express themselves freely and peacefully, and have a say in their country’s future
Calls on Congress to raise the minimum wage
After five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth
I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America
The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible. But let me be clear: if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it.
For the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed
Say yes. Give America a raise. This will help families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend
Support a proposed bill that would hike the base rate nearly 40 per cent
Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our generation is to restore that promise
There are millions of Americans outside Washington who are tired of stale political arguments
What I offer is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth
Let’s do more to help the entrepreneurs & small business owners who create most new jobs in America
America’s deficits cut by more than half
Business leaders say US is No 1 place to invest, not China
Will take steps without Legislation whenever possible
Let’s make this a year of action
Let’s do more to help entrepreneurs who create most new jobs in America
Let’s get immigration reform done this year
America does not stand still – and neither will I
Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled and too many still aren’t working at all
The United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on earth
It’s one that champions free markets – and trusts people to make their own decisions, not a government that decides for you
We have to prepare tomorrow’s workforce by guaranteeing every child access to a world-class education
The fact is, that danger remains and the United States had to remain vigilant in face of changing global threats
I strongly believe our leadership and our security cannot depend on our military alone
As commander-in-chief, I have used force when needed to protect the American people, and I will never hesitate to do so as long as I hold this office
But I will not send our troops into harm’s way unless it’s truly necessary
It is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the progress of Iran’s nuclear program – and rolled parts of that program back – for the very first time in a decade
With our allies and partners, we’re engaged in negotiations to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon
Citizenship means standing up for lives that gun violence steals from us each day
It should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank account, that should drive our democracy
We can pursue our individual dreams, but still come together as one American family
Because of this law, no American can ever again be denied coverage for a preexisting condition
When I took office, nearly 180,000 Americans were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, all our troops are out of Iraq
After 2014, we will support a unified Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future
We won’t be safer if people around the world believe we strike their countries without regard for consequences
American diplomacy, backed by threat of force, is why Syria’s chemical weapons are being eliminated
By year-end, our longest war will finally be over
America must move off a permanent war footing