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."
How neat to be able to see the world through your daughter’s eyes and pictures!
Thank you, Cow. Can it handle Mac? If so, I’ll gladly try it.
I’ll respond to you tomorrow. Have to get up early for church tomorrow. Thanks, again.
snugs you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and attention to detail. Of course. I remember now. You’re probably right. Plus Arab nations and women don’t often mix well. Grrrh.
Well, I’m confused. Which post are you responding to in #84?
“This is idle speculation...but Laura did say she and Jenna were going to sit down after the first of the year and plan the wedding.”
It doesn’t seem to be on topic with that post.
Maybe FR is skipping posts on my computer.
Oh....snugs....that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful. It’s the most beautiful toaster I’ve ever seen!!!
It is his birthday on 20th January maybe you ought to send a birthday card and ask for one :o)
Yep. I thought of going over to work in the Education Centers over there, but too late- I’m retiring.
I think daisy is responding to questions as to why the First Lady has not accompanied the President on this visit.
Well it is time for me to sign off and go for a Sunday afternoon drive. I will call in later.
It was great chating to you all. Thanks.
I’m sorry but I don’t see anything wrong with the grammar
you’re very welcome
Lol...i was just rambling on about the question of why Laura did not go on the trip. I suggested that she stayed home to plan the wedding since Jenna is off to Peru and that left a small window for them to get together.
I plan on doing a full Sunday Dose tomorrow as I suspect there will be lots of photos. Hope I get my act together by then...lol...I actually have started already and have borrowed your lovely island photo for the opening.
Things are up and down at home but more ups than downs except for the other day when he fell and could not get up and we had to call 911 to help but he did not injure himself so we are grateful for that. Thanks for asking.
How wonderful for your daughter, and thank her for me
for her service .. and you, too. Can’t be a tougher
role than to be the parent of one in the military.
God bless you all.
Did she see the President, and did she get pictures?
If she did and sent them to you, I hope you’ll post them
here. Thanks for visiting.
Notice...the King’s sword is longer.....
Thanks, Kas .. that was one I posted above.
It might take me a day or two to notice when you ask to Register a new login, if in my absent mindedness I forget to check the email box that those requests go to. Try poking me with a FreepMail as well, when you submit your Register request, as I'll see that sooner (I'm addicted to FreeRepublic, and seldom get more than a few hours from here ;).
You’re most welcome .. ;)
Sorry .. you’ve lost me .. ;)
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