President Bush called for a “free and just Middle East” during a speech in the United Arab Emirates.
Bush, in a speech made “directly to the people of the Middle East,” said the United States would stand behind them in their fight against extremism.
The U.S. leader urged the Palestinian people to stand behind Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ efforts toward peace and to oppose terrorists. He told Israel that peace requires “tough decisions,” and promised that the United States would stand with it in the face of terrorism.
Bush praised Iraqis for choosing democracy.
“The United States will continue to support you as you build the institutions of a free society,” he said, “and together we’ll defeat our common enemies.”
Bush called on Tehran to allow the Iranian people to live in liberty and justice.
“And when that good day comes, you will have no better friend than the United States of America,” he promised.
Bush made the speech halfway through an eight-day tour of the region that began in Israel.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
