Posted on 01/12/2008 2:36:06 PM PST by STARWISE
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
The President continues his travels to Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt from January 8-16, 2008.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Jan. 12, 2008 ~ President George W. Bush reaches out to greet members of the military in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
QUOTE(s) OF THE DAY
President's Radio Address ~ January 12, 2008
Good morning. I'm speaking to you from the Middle East, where I have been meeting with friends and allies. We're discussing how we can work together to confront the extremists who threaten our future. And I have encouraged them to take advantage of the historic opportunity we have before us to advance peace, freedom, and security in this vital part of the world.
My first stop was Israel and the Palestinian Territories. I had good meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas. Both these men are committed to peace in the Holy Land. Both these men have been elected by their people. And both share a vision of two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security.
I came away encouraged by my meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Each side understands that the key to achieving its own goals is helping the other side achieve its goals. For the Israelis, their main goal is ensuring the safety of their people and the security of their nation. For the Palestinians, the goal is a state of their own, where they can enjoy the dignity that comes with sovereignty and self-government.
In plain language, the result must be the establishment of a free and democratic homeland for the Palestinian people, just as Israel is a free and democratic homeland for the Jewish people. For this to happen, the Israelis must have secure, recognized, and defensible borders. And the Palestinians must have a state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent.
Achieving this vision will require tough decisions and painful concessions from both sides.
I believe that a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians that defines a Palestinian state is possible this year. Prime Minister Olmert made clear to me that he understands a democratic Palestinian state is in the long-term security interests of Israel. President Abbas is committed to achieving this Palestinian state through negotiation.
The United States cannot impose an agreement on the Israelis and Palestinians -- that is something they must work out themselves. But with hard work and good will on both sides, they can make it happen. And both men are getting down to the serious work of negotiation to make sure it does happen.
The United States will do all we can to encourage these negotiations and promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. But the international community has a responsibility to help as well.
In particular, the Arab nations of the Gulf have a responsibility both to support President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad, and other Palestinian leaders as they work for peace, and to work for a larger reconciliation between Israel and the Arab world. And in my meetings with Arab leaders over the next few days, I will urge them to do their part.
A democratic Palestinian state is in the interests of the Palestinians. It is in the long-term security interests of Israel. And it is in the interests of a world at war with terrorists and extremists trying to impose their brutal vision on the Middle East.
By helping the Israeli and Palestinian people lay the foundation for lasting peace, we will help build a more hopeful future for the Holy Land -- and a safer world for the American people.
Thank you for listening.
President George W. Bush reaches out to King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa as he deplanes Air Force One Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, after arriving at Bahrain International Airport in Manama, Bahrain.
This was ALMOST the Photo of the Day .. look at that smile and the smiling Bahrainis.
President George W. Bush enjoys the moment with performers Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, after being presented with a sword by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, left, during arrival ceremonies in Manama, Bahrain.
Today, in Kuwait, with Gen. David Petraeus, Amb. Ryan Crocker, Sec. Condoleezza Rice and our awesome troops
President George W. Bush emphasizes a point as he speaks to troops at Camp Arifjan Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Kuwait. Said the President, "There is no doubt in my mind when history is written, the final page will say:
Victory was achieved by the United States of America for the good of the world; that by doing the hard work now, we can look back and say, the United States of America is more secure, and generations of Americans will be able to live in peace."
Moo!!
Please wait for the ALL CLEAR for posting or re-posting photos or appropriate graphics in keeping with the spirit of this thread.
Thanks. LOVED the photos. Especially the photo of the sunset over the sea. Where was this taken?
Hey there!
Great buncha pictures. Thanks for being here to help us
stand watch till he comes home!
gorgeous photos — swords and all - but I’ll feel a whole lot better when Mr. President is back home on sovereign soil
I pray for the safety of this hard-working president and I pray that God will richly bless his life
Yes - that opening sunset is fine!
Victory was achieved by the United States of America for the good of the world; that by doing the hard work now, we can look back and say, the United States of America is more secure, and generations of Americans will be able to live in peace."
Very powerful.
**Grammar police alert**
The latter part of his statement needs to be edited, though.
His departure today from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait with Gen. Petraeus, Amb. Crocker
My pleasure ...;) I don’t know the
location. It’s heavenly for sure.
Looks Pacific islandish to me.
Is it the official Sanity Island opening photo? Perhaps it should be.
It does, but they also have palms in the Middle East, so it
could be one of the locations where the president has been
“hanging out”. :D
It's obvious they love their CIC.
What a contrast to how they felt about the buffoon, Bubba
President George W. Bush smiles as he stands with King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa as they view the honor guard Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, during arrival ceremonies in Manama, Bahrain. ((That is one jolly king ;)
The President receives an award from Bahrain's King Hamaid bin Isa Al-Khalifa
US President George W. Bush, left, and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa , right, sit down together, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Manama, Bahrain.
I’m a bit of a wordsmith; and, although a bit
on the longish side, it seems grammatically
acceptable to me .. ;).
that’s quite an award! Would take a pretty big chest to wear that medal!
President George W. Bush sits with participants during a roundtable discussion on democracy and development with Kuwaiti women Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Kuwait City prior to his departure from the country.
A participant listens to President George W. Bush as he joins a roundtable discussion Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, on democracy and development with Kuwaiti women in Kuwait City. The President told the women, "All societies are enriched by the participation of women. I happen to believe very strongly in the freedom agenda and I think an integral part of that agenda is making sure that all participants in society have got an equal voice."
President George W. Bush leans toward Dr. Rasha Al Sabah, Kuwait's Undersecretary for Higher Education, during a roundtable discussion in Kuwait City, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, on democracy and development with Kuwaiti women.
Good evening! Thanks for the ping and thanks for yoour hard work in putting today’s dose together
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