Palestinians: Bush won’t pressure Israel
Bush spoke inarticulately about his concerns over Israeli settlements, said his convoy managed to get through Israel Defense Forces checkpoints without delay and suggested the Palestinians abandon United Nations resolutions, because they were of no help to them in the past.
As Bush spoke, the Muqata, Abbas’ Ramallah headquarters, was under closure and Palestinian security forces were inspecting cars every ten minutes in an extremely unusual move. American flags were not scattered through the city, but were only visible in the press conference hall and the Muqata plaza.
Bush first met personally with Abbas and then with a wider forum of the Palestinian leadership. When it was time to meet with reporters, a feeling of discomfort and restlessness was visible on the face of the American president when he couldn’t hear the simultaneous translation of Abbas’ statements. In a familiar American stunt, he jokingly told Abbas he completely agrees with him despite the fact that he does not understand Arabic.
During the speeches, it was clear from the faces of the Palestinian leadership that were not expecting anything new. The Palestinian claim is clear: Bush doesn’t intend to exert pressure on Israel in order to advance the peace process.
Abbas still praised Bush – for being the first American president to call for the establishment of a Palestinian state. But it’s doubtful that many people believe it will be declared in his last year in office.
This Bush trip into the mouth of the dragon is a feeble attempt to salvage a shredded legacy. The pomp and circumstance offered by Israel is little help for an American embarrassment. Filled with strained politeness, the Palestinians seek hope wherever they can find it … the term “cautious optimism” is overstating their position. This war torn spectacle of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon has to be skeptical about a visit from Bush.
The person who is waking up this morning in the presidential suite of the King David Hotel is a God-fearing man. A man who believes that a hidden hand brought him from Texas to the presidency in order to carry out a Divine mission. The president cannot say so publicly, but since September 11, 2001 it has been clear to him that the role assigned him is both historic and religious: to save America from the new barbarians; to defend the West from the Huns who are attacking it from the East.
This is a sad demonstration of humoring an American President who has literally changed the balance of the world negatively. The balance of world power can be prepared to a formidable natural disaster; hurricane, earthquake, tsunami or volcanic eruption. BossKitty sees the world weary and tolerant for a lame duck disaster. The world can only hope that more rational and global leadership will follow and start damage control. This is a mighty task for the next President of the United States.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Good call the President will not get anything real accomplished in Palestine. But have you thought that perhaps Bush is planning a joint strike with Israel to attack Iran?
Bush may be looking to boost his poll numbers by being close to the action.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I agree. Bush will poke the hornets nest until it breaks open. The funny picture is Bush running for his life. The awful picture is the rest of the world becoming collateral damage.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
any one who cares about israel should watch this movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBt-LxzXllA