Bush: Israel to Respond if Attacked

AP ^ | 10-16-02 | STEVE WEIZMAN

[veronica]

President Bush, calling Saddam Hussein a dangerous man, said Wednesday after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that he was certain Sharon would retaliate if Iraq attacked Israel.

Bush gave no indication in an Oval Office news conference that he had tried to restrain Sharon, who already has said his country could not stand by if attacked.

"If Iraq were to attack, I am sure the prime minister will respond," Bush said.

Sharon, in brief remarks, said Israel had never had a better friend in the White House than Bush. "We never had such cooperation in everything as we have with the current administration."

Bush's father, by contrast, pressured Israel to stay out of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, and then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir complied, even after Iraq hit Israel with 39 Scud missiles.

"He's got a desire to defend himself," Bush said of Sharon's situation.

Bush said Saddam has to understand the international community would not condone an attack on Israel or any other country. "He is a dangerous man. He has gassed his own people. That's why he has to be disarmed," Bush said.

[Coop]

Very good, Mr. President.

[Catspaw]

Well, well, well....

I hope this has given Saddam pause (but I really doubt it).

[Semper Paratus]

I saw Bush and Sharon together after their meeting and Sharon hasn't looked that happy in a while.

[backhoe]

Excellent. Israel should do whatever her leaders deem necessary for her security. No holds barred.

[cardinal4]

I wonder who Saddam would fear more? The US or Israel? The Israelis have shown the world what they can do when pushed..

[My2Cents]

This bears repeating:

Sharon, in brief remarks, said Israel had never had a better friend in the White House than Bush. "We never had such cooperation in everything as we have with the current administration."

[Nachum]

A welcome developement.

[A. Morgan]

And from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-2095388,00.html

[veronica]

Sharon, in brief remarks, said Israel had never had a better friend in the White House than Bush. "We never had such cooperation in everything as we have with the current administration.

I hope this has given Saddam pause.

To say nothing of the Democrats. ;)

[ASA Vet]

The Israelis have shown the world what they can do when pushed..

The same could have been said about the U.S. 60 years ago.

[tessalu]

May God keep Israel under the shelter of his wings!

[The Great Satan]

Thank you, President Bush!

[montag813]

Sharon, in brief remarks, said Israel had never had a better friend in the White House than Bush. "We never had such cooperation in everything as we have with the current administration."

Yes, put that on a billboard in Palm Beach for the 2004 elections.

[dasboot]

Can't wait to see Jennings, Brokaw and Rather squirming tonight. Bunch a' femmes.

Great news....didn't think I'd ever see it.

Thanks, Prez!

[RightWhale]

The Israelis have shown the world what they can do when pushed

So has everyone else. It's human nature. I don't know that being surrounded by enemies for so many years is causing them to grow eyes in the back of their head, but they are under stress, no doubt about that.

[cardinal4]

[mystery-ak]

Well, my guess you won't see it...

[The Great Satan]

The Iraqi people would be wise to rid themselves of Saddam ASAP. Failing that, they might want to consider evacuating their cities and heading for the hills.