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."
Pretty much settled in now, and looking forward to seeing the Dallas Cowboys wup up on the Giants tomorrow (American football.)
Could I get that opening sunset picture from this thread on my toaster?
I have not checked out photo bucket since this morning when I uploaded my last toaster
Hi everyone! Just wanted you to know that there are people outside of the States who are praying for President Bush’s safety during this trip.
Could anyone please tell me why the First Lady is not accompanying the President?
Thanks.
That’s wonderful! Thank you. There can never
be too many prayers for President Bush, especially
now, and we appreciate it.
I’m sure if he knew that, he’d be SO moved and
grateful. You know, I’ll bet you could send
him an email and tell him... someone in the White
House will definitely get it.
Thanks for visiting, and thanks for the prayers.
Come back often .. sadly, only one year left.
I think kaslin did it as a link so not to disturb the run of starwise’s photos as it showed up as a link on my screen as well
Nick!
Hello long time no see hope you are keeping well
I don’t know why she isn’t there, either; but thank you for your concern for our President. You warm my heart. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Four out of five people who have tried it went on to something else instead; but you're welcome to give it a try, and if you find it to your liking, make yourself at home there.
NICK? NORD! Hi there
Thanks Starwise. I always presumed they wouldn’t be so interested in messages from people outside the USA. Maybe I should give it a try! :)
Any clues about Laura?
Great photos tonight Starwise. The Palace in Bahrain is gorgeous. And the Kuwaiti woman is beautiful. Hurry home President Bush. You have been gone too long and we worry about you.
The last time the VP did a extended tour of the middle east Lynne did not accompany him at the time we suggested that this may have been because of the imminent birth of Mary's child but maybe it was for the same reason that Laura has not accompanied the President this time - who knows our speculations maybe way off beam.
There is of course the other consideration of security and it may also have been a factor.
Hi Snugs, Yes I have only been lurking for a while. Mostly by the time I get here everyone has gone to bed. :)
But I am still cheering for the President.
Thanks for asking, I am OK, but not yet great.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/fairlands/Dick%20Cheney/Dick%20Cheney2/FAVOURITESCANNED.jpg
So I am sure the White House would love to hear from someone in Australia.
I'll leave with a couple of photos that I find touching, and especially the sentiments in the first.
If it can snow in Baghdad for the first time ever in anyone's memory as it did this week, let's hold onto hope and to the belief that many things are possible. Many of the Iraqi's who experienced this were touched spiritually, and took it as a great sign of hope. May it be so .. dear Lord, let it be so.
"I rushed quickly to the balcony to see a very beautiful scene," he said. "I tried to film it with my cell phone camera. This scene has really brought me joy. I called my other friends and the morning turned to be a very happy one in my life."
This one of President Bush at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait is so impressive.
You are welcome!
Wow! I would love a photo. Thanks for the suggestion. Do you think it would make a difference if I send a request by mail rather than email?
BTW: sorry about the delay in replying I am still on very slow dial-up.
Personally I think mail is better and more likely to get a response.
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