And the pundits, and the academic elites, and Peter Mansbridge's nightly filter.
It's 2006. You don't need anyone to tell you what he said.
Here, without further commentary, is the text of President George W. Bush's address today, to the General Assembly at the United Nations. You, good readers, can judge its worth for yourselves.
(*note - II received the original version of this post via email from a member of the media. I've found a later version that indicates it was incomplete. The remainder is in the extended entry)
Mr. Secretary General, Madam President, distinguished delegates, and ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for the privilege of speaking to this General Assembly.Last week America and the world marked the fifth anniversary of the attacks that filled another September morning with death and suffering. On that terrible day, extremists killed nearly 3,000 innocent people, including citizens of dozens of nations represented right here in this chamber.
Since then, the enemies of humanity have continued their campaign of murder. Al-Qaida and those inspired by its extremist ideology have attacked more than two dozen nations. And recently a different group of extremists deliberately provoked a terrible conflict in Lebanon.
At the start of the 21st century, it is clear that the world is engaged in a great ideological struggle between extremists who use terror as a weapon to create fear and moderate people who work for peace.
Five years ago I stood at this podium and called on the community of nations to defend civilization and build a more hopeful future. This is still the great challenge of our time.
It is the calling of our generation.
This morning I want to speak about the more hopeful world that is within our reach, a world beyond terror, where ordinary men and women are free to determine their own destiny, where the voices of moderation are empowered, and where the extremists are marginalized by the peaceful majority.
This world can be ours, if we seek it and if we work together.
The principles of this world beyond terror can be found in the very first sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document declares that the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom and justice and peace in the world.
One of the authors of this document was a Lebanese diplomat named Charles Malik, who would go on to become president of this assembly.
Mr. Malik insisted that these principles applied equally to all people, of all regions, of all religions, including the men and women of the Arab world that was his home.
In the nearly six decades since that document was approved, we have seen the forces of freedom and moderation transform entire continents. Sixty years after a terrible war, Europe is now whole, free and at peace, and Asia has seen freedom progress and hundreds of millions of people lifted out of desperate poverty.
The words of the Universal Declaration are as true today as they were when they were written.
As liberty flourishes, nations grow in tolerance and hope and peace. And we're seeing that bright future begin to take root in the broader Middle East.
Some of the changes in the Middle East have been dramatic, and we see the results in this chamber.
Five years ago, Afghanistan was ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, and its seat in this body was contested.
Now this seat is held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan, which is represented today by President Karzai.
Five years ago, Iraq's seat in this body was held by a dictator who killed his citizens, invaded his neighbors and showed his contempt for the world by defying more than a dozen U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Now Iraq's seat is held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraq people. It is represented today by President Talabani.
With these changes, more than 50 million people have been give a voice in this chamber for the first time in decades.
Some of the changes in the Middle East are happening gradually, but they are real. Algeria has held its first competitive presidential election, and the military remained neutral.
The United Arab Emirates recently announced that half of its seats in the Federal National Council will be chosen by elections.
Kuwait held elections in which women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time.
Citizens have voted in municipal elections in Saudi Arabia and parliamentary elections in Jordan and Bahrain and in multiparty presidential elections in Yemen and Egypt.
These are important steps, and the governments should continue to move forward with other reforms that show they trust their people.
Every nation that travels the road to freedom moves at a different pace and the democracies they build will reflect their own culture and traditions.
But the destination is the same: a free society where people live at peace with each other and at peace with the world.
Some have argued that the democratic changes we're seeing in the Middle East are destabilizing the region.
This argument rests on a false assumption: that the Middle East was stable to begin with.
The reality is that the stability we thought we saw in the Middle East was a mirage.
For decades, millions of men and women in the region had been trapped in oppression and hopelessness. And these conditions left a generation disillusioned and made this region a breeding ground for extremism.
Imagine what it's like to be a young person living in a country that is not moving toward reform. You're 21 years old, and while your peers in other parts of the world are casting their ballots for the first time, you are powerless to change the course of your government.
While your peers in other parts of the world have received educations that prepare them for the opportunities of a global economy, you have been fed propaganda and conspiracy theories that blame others for your country's shortcomings.
And everywhere you turn, you hear extremists who tell you that you can escape your misery and regain your dignity through violence and terror and martyrdom.
For many across the broader Middle East this is the dismal choice presented every day.
Every civilized nation, including those in the Muslim world, must support those in the region who are offering a more hopeful alternative.
We know that when people have a voice in their future, they are less likely to blow themselves up in suicide attacks. We know that when leaders are accountable to their people, they are more likely to seek national greatness in the achievements of their citizens, rather than in terror and conquest.
So we must stand with democratic leaders and moderate reformers across the broader Middle East. We must give them voice to the hopes of decent men and women who want for their children the same thing we want for ours.
We must seek stability through a free and just Middle East, where the extremists are marginalized by millions of citizens in control of their own destinies.
Today I'd like to speak directly to the people across the broader Middle East.
My country desires peace. Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam.
This propaganda is false and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. We respect Islam, but we will protect our people from those who pervert Islam to sow death and destruction.
Our goal is to help you build a more tolerant and hopeful society that honors people of all faiths and promotes the peace.
To the people of Iraq, nearly 12 million of you braved the car bombers and assassins last December to vote in free elections.
The world saw you hold up purple-ink-stained fingers. And your courage filled us with admiration.
You stood firm in the face of horrendous acts of terror and sectarian violence. And we will not abandon you and your struggle to build a free nation.
America and our coalition partners will continue to stand with the democratic government you elected. We will continue to help you secure the international assistance and investment you need to create jobs and opportunity, working with the United Nations and through the international compact with Iraq endorsed here in New York yesterday.
We will continue to train those of you who step forward to fight the enemies of freedom. We will not yield the future of your country to terrorists and extremists.
In return, your leaders must rise to the challenges your country is facing and make difficult choices to bring security and prosperity.
Working together, we will help your democracy succeed so it can become a beacon of hope for millions in the Muslim world.
To the people of Afghanistan, together we overthrew the Taliban regime that brought misery into your lives and harbored terrorists who brought death to the citizens of many nations.
Since then, we have watched you choose your leaders in free elections and build a democratic government.
You can be proud of these achievements.
We respect your courage and determination to live in peace and freedom. We will continue to stand with you to defend your democratic gains.
Today, forces from more than 40 countries, including members of the NATO alliance, are bravely serving side by side with you against the extremists who want to bring down the free government you've established. We'll help you defeat these enemies and build a free Afghanistan that will never again oppress you or be a safe haven for terrorists.
To the people of Lebanon, last year you inspired the world when you came out into the streets to demand your independence from Syrian dominance.
You drove Syrian forces from your country and you re-established democracy. Since then, you have been tested by the fighting that began with Hezbollah's unprovoked attacks on Israel. Many of you have seen your homes and your communities caught in crossfire.
We see your suffering and the world is helping you to rebuild your country and helping you deal with the armed extremists who are undermining your democracy by acting as a state within a state.
The United Nations has passed a good resolution that has authorized an international force, led by France and Italy, to help you restore Lebanese sovereignty over Lebanese soil.
For many years, Lebanon was a model of democracy and pluralism and openness in the region. And it will be again.
To the people of Iran, the United States respects you.
We respect your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture and your many contributions to civilization.
You deserve an opportunity to determine your own future, an economy that rewards your intelligence and your talents, and a society that allows you to fulfill your tremendous potential.
The greatest obstacle to this future is that your rulers have chosen to deny you liberty and to use your nation's resources to fund terrorism and fuel extremism and pursue nuclear weapons.
The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.
Despite what the regime tells you, we have no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program.
We're working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis. And as we do, we look to the day when you can live in freedom, and America and Iran can be good friends and close partners in the cause of peace.
To the people of Syria, your land is home to a great people with a proud tradition of learning and commerce. Today, your rulers have allowed your country to become a crossroad for terrorism.In your midst, Hamas and Hezbollah are working to destabilize the region, and your government is turning your country into a tool of Iran. This is increasing your country’s isolation from the world.
Your government must choose a better way forward by ending its support for terror and living at peace with your neighbors, and opening the way to a better life for you and your families.
To the people of Darfur, you have suffered unspeakable violence. And my nation has called these atrocities what they are: genocide.
For the last two years, America joined with the international community to provide emergency food aid and support for an African Union peacekeeping force. Yet your suffering continues.
The world must step forward to provide additional humanitarian aid. And we must
strengthen the African Union force that has done good work, but is not strong
enough to protect you.The Security Council has approved a resolution that would transform the African
Union force into a blue-helmeted force that is larger and more robust. To increase its strength and effectiveness, NATO nations should provide logistics and other support.The regime in Khartoum is stopping the deployment of this force. If the Sudanese government does not approve this peacekeeping force quickly, the United Nations
must act. Your lives and the credibility of the United Nations is at stake.So today I’m announcing that I’m naming a presidential special envoy, former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, to lead America’s efforts to resolve the outstanding disputes and help bring peace to your land.
The world must also stand up for peace in the Holy Land. I’m committed to two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
I’m committed to a Palestinian state that has territorial integrity and will live peacefully with the Jewish state of Israel.
This is the vision set forth in the road map, and helping the parties reach this goal is one of the great objectives of my presidency.
The Palestinian people have suffered from decades of corruption and violence and the daily humiliation of occupation. Israeli citizens have endured brutal acts of terrorism and constant fear of attack since the birth of their nation.
Many brave men and women have made the commitment to peace, yet extremists in the region are stirring up hatred and trying to prevent these moderate voices from
prevailing.The struggle is unfolding in the Palestinian territories.
Earlier this year, the Palestinian people voted in a free election. The leaders of Hamas campaigned on a platform of ending corruption and improving the lives of
the Palestinian people, and they prevailed.The world is waiting to see whether the Hamas government will follow through on its promises or pursue an extremist agenda.
The world has sent a clear message to the leaders of Hamas: Serve the interests of the Palestinian people, abandon terror, recognize Israel’s right to exist, honor agreements that work for peace.
President Abbas is committed to peace and to his people’s aspirations for a state of their own.
Prime Minister Olmert is committed to peace and has said he intends to meet with President Abbas to make real progress on the outstanding issues between them.
I believe peace can be achieved and that a democratic Palestinian state is possible.I hear from leaders in the region who want to help.
I directed Secretary of State Rice to lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region to help the Palestinians reform their security services and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences.
Prime Minister Blair has indicated that his country will work with partners in Europe to help strengthen the governing institutions of the Palestinian administration. We welcome his initiative.
Countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan and Egypt have made clear they’re willing to contribute the diplomatic and financial assistance necessary to help these efforts succeed.
I’m optimistic that, by supporting the forces of democracy and moderation, we can help Israelis and Palestinians build a more hopeful future and achieve the peace in the Holy Land we all want.
Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed. It must be chosen.
From Beirut to Baghdad, people are making the choice for freedom.
And the nations gathered in this chamber must make a choice as well. Will we support the moderates and reformers who are working for change across the Middle East, or will we yield the future to the terrorists and extremists?America has made its choice. We will stand with the moderates and reformers.
Recently, a courageous group of Arab and Muslim intellectuals wrote me a letter. In it, they said this: The shore of reform is the only one on which any lights appear, even though the journey demands courage and patience and perseverance.The United Nations was created to make that journey possible. Together, we must support the dreams of good and decent people who are working to transform a troubled region. And by doing so, we will advance the high ideals on which this institution was founded.
Thank you for your time. God bless.
Is that the whole thing? It seems incomplete and to end rather abruptly. Was it cut off by Ahmadinejad entering the room and hypnotizing everyone? Just wondering.
Wow. Clear, concise, good flow from beginning to end, covering a wide gamut of recent historical occurences and piecing them together along with America's stand on them, to express a well made statement of intent and respect for those who want peace and real global community.
Well done.
Lickmuffin:
Maybe the software cut it off when even IT managed to realize that it would've taken three minutes to read a reasonable summary of this speech in a news report, and that you could digest all the top news for an entire day in the time it takes to read this speech, and that almost nobody in the modern world has the inclination -- and the time -- to sift through original speeches all day instead of reading the news.
And just maybe this exercise has helped prove another point: that the news media serve a valuable function in our society, by helping people access news they might never otherwise see or get through.
This part here...
"You deserve an opportunity to determine your own future, an economy that rewards your intelligence and your talents... Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions."
He's calling Ahmadinejad out... it's sh#t or go blind time.
Tony: but it only took me about three minutes to read the whole thing and see what was really said.
I'd rather do that than be told what to think about what was said by the CBC.
Lots of people have the inclination to read the complete text. And for those with the inclination, they know how to make the time.
In any case, I don't think this is the complete text of the speech -- Kate, can you provide a link?
"You deserve an opportunity to determine your own future, an economy that rewards your intelligence and your talents... Iran must send its leader to Harvard to get the type of education that will allow him to lead the American Democratic Party."
What does he mean by the "broader Middle East"?
What does he mean by the "broader Middle East"?
He meant "broads in the Middle East." Or "borders in the Middle East."
He's broad minded that way.
I think he's already leading the Democratic Party. And the U.N., 60 Min., Reuters, Lebanon.........
Who needs Harvard? All it takes is money and a maniacal desire to rid the world of Jews and Americans.
Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be homicidal bombers. There's more to life than death. Be happy. Be free. Let no man abuse your, body, your mind, your family.
David Frum Bush's former speechwriter did not like the speech...transcript from Fox today:
FRUM: This speech represents the collapse of the President’s Iran policy, and I think it will be seen — when Iran does succeed in going nuclear, this speech will be seen as a turning point in which the United States made the decision — the decision has been made — they formally announced to the world that it wasn’t going to do anything much to stop it. I think in conjunction with President Chirac’s remarks this morning, where he opposed any kind of sanction — and that’s important because Chirac is not just the leader of France. France is one of the three European countries — France, Germany and Britian — that the United States had subcontracted the job of negotiating with the Iranians. The Iranians have lied to the group, stiffed it, and up until now the French have been the most robust, the strongest, of the European 3. The French are saying, “no consequences,” and President Bush today said, “OK.” And he went to the UN and he had these words of respect for the Iranian people, but nothing about the huge next item on the UN agenda, which is whether or not we will enforce the IAEA rulings on Iran that say they are cheating, they are lying, they are making their way toward a nuclear weapon. We at the IAEA are bunkrupt. It must go to the Security Council. Obviously, it is not going to the Security Council. And I think we are heading toward a nuclear Iran.
tony, spoken lieka true liberano.
The complete transcript can be found here.
Kate's post contains the first 2/3 of the speech.
I thought the speech was OK until he got to this nonsense:
Sigh
Lickmuffin,
Entire speach video is at foxnews.com runs over 20 minutes
There's lots more than the snippet above. See it at W's website: whitehouse.gov/president. A little message for everyone. To the people of [fill in the blank] ... etc.
There's still about a page and a half of the speech not transcribed. CNN has it; you have to go to CNN, then click on the peripheral Bush Challenge under Latest News..and then, yet another box, for the full speech.
I disagree with Frum's take on the speech, though I agree that it's a different tack. Bush is essentially handing over a fair bit of responsibility for the establishment of democracy to the people. He's not speaking to the governments of these countries; he's not speaking to any gov't, for that matter. He's talking directly to the people. And, he's telling it 'straight' -
that their rulers have 'chosen to deny you liberty and to use your nation's resources'...(to Iranians)
"your government is turning your country into a tool of Iran' (to Syrians)
'you came out into the streets to demand your independence from Syrian dominance" (to Lebanese)
' to the people of Darfur - my nation has called these atrocities what they are: Genocide"...the regime in Khartoum is stopping the deployment of this force...If the Sudanese gov't does not approve..the UN must act. Your lives and the credibility of the UN is at stake."
'Recently a courageous group of Arab and Muslim intellectuals wrote me a letter; in it, they said this" The shore of reform is the only one on which any lights appear..
I thought it was a very good speech; it was, however, not to any gov't. It was to the people. How many people will hear/read it - is another matter.
None of this matters. The Democrats and the rest of the international left have fatally damaged Bush's presidency. He is more than a lame duck now and there is nothing this administration can do against their efforts. Iran will become a nuclear power. Then the world will know pain. At least it will be President Clinton's mess by then. We will find out whether she can handle it better. I hope so. Kerry liked to say he would get better cooperation from the Europeans, and he was probably right.
i disagree....i think bush knows his legacy is ruined short term, so b4 he leaves, i think u will see air attacks on strategic targets in iran...at least one can hope...
This was a significant speech on a significant day. I am confident that recorded history, if we are still able to record it, will mark this speech on this date, and the Pope's speech at Regensburg as turning points.
The Dems had better hope and pray (if any of them do) that if Iran fires off a nuke, it's done on Bush's watch and not theirs. The MSM will go berserk trying to figure out who to blame - that is, after they get done burying their own dead, and get their laptops decontaminated.
The only explanation I have for the MSM undermining the security of our civilization is that they think Iran and the Islamofascists are bluffing, that they don't really mean it when they tell us our choice will be to "convert or die"; that they will be sated once they have erased Israel and hobbled the United States and world economy. This must be what the MSM believes. I see no other explanation.
Since when did the MSM get to make that call?
"At least it will be President Clinton's mess by then"
Yes, the impressive way she dealt with healthcare and Bill loose with a bevy of buxom Whitehouse interns means that more camel's asses in more desert tents will be hit by cruise missiles than ever before.
That'll teach i'm to mess with the Wicked Witch of the Whitehouse!
To address the issue of why the MSM continues to undermine everything the Bush Admin does:
Partly Because in their inflated heads they believe that they hold the moral high ground on every issue.
And partly because it took decades for the control of MSM to be wrested from the grip of conservative interests and the current crop of libcomsimps is hell bent on getting their political licks in.
Many of these nitwits think that by bashing the president they are emulating the efforts of the famed "Watergate Exposers" Woodward and Berstein.
They are at heart a bunch of self centred narcissistic assholes and hypocrites who don't give a shit about the consequences of their actions.
Obvious hateful comments - imagine the gall of telling people they have a right to freedom and sdelf-determination.
Call out the mobs!!!
I'm undecided. It was good rhetoric and pretty straightforward. It obviously doesn't please even our "allies" such as Saudi Arabia, let alone Syria. All this talk of oppresive regimes and the need of democracy. It was also smoothly coated in honey.
But Frum is right in that he has "let it pass" in so far as Iran ignoring UN demands.
So, if it is just s speach, then it is a diplomatic nicety but if it isn't backed up by vigorous action, it will be ignored. By action, I mean active support for democratic movements in Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia and the very real threat of attack.
As tyo the comments on why the MSM does what it does, undermine everything Western, then I think ONMMAG has it. They think they have the moral high ground and all negative shit they can dish out is Watergate quality.
chairman of cbcpravda just resigned.
Stephen, Im here, Im here!!!
remember I spoke with you at the Calgary airport a year ago July, you were heading for Ottawa, me to Egypt, you to the money blackhole, me just to a hole.
I want the CBC job so I can sell of all of its assets.
I want to kick the asses before I sell the assets.
keep rex murphy to do voice overs of Rainbow country and the beachcombers with a thick newfie accent.
Anyone who thinks the French can be of any help in this struggle is delusional. Bush is simply giving them enough responsibility to demostrate their uselessness.
Iran will not "fire off a nuke". Such a decision would be crazy and would result in Iran being incinerated. They are mad not crazy. The danger is that they will equip terrorists with dirty bomb technology. They will disavow any responsibilty when the bombs go off and will support Seymour Hersh when he asserts that the technology was exported from Russia.
Jonathan Kay in today's National Post says the west is losing this war. He's right. You can't win a war you're not fighting. The west will not enter this war until it's absolutely clear even to the Chiracs Kellers Mahers Moores Deans and Laytons among us that we have no choice in the matter.
The reality of George Bush's courageous attempt to lead a world where it would not go won't be understood until it's too late.
When reporting this today, Ian Hana-something, said, I guess we will have to wait to see what this means for the CBC. Bev Oda said a person with conservative views will be hired. Can't wait for peter, newman and jvd to start telling the truth, and for all the librano and ndp spokesmen to not get much air time. They can all go over to giggles. With all the crap the cbc and its henchment have done and said, it was a comment made in quebec that did him in. Thank you Quebec.
didja see where the esteemed and dignified Colin Powell weighed in on america's involvement in the ME?
feel free to comment and pillory that bloke's opinions now that he's out of the loopy loop.
also, my Q regarding have any you right wingers criticized dubya, (putting you in the company of Mr Powell) I extend to: (drum roll)
have any you right wingers EVER witnessed any *other* right winger criticize dubya?
what, never? too afraid of being ostracised like some sort of amish community or the moron mormons?
Effing excellent. I'm getting my CV over to Bev Oda immediately. As soon as I've re-written it. With all the PC terms alligned. With an essay of 1000 words on why I should be the next GG of Canada. With a brown envelope full of cash money for the Liebrals.
Oh.. wait a minute, it doesn't work like that any nmore :-)
I read the whole thing a bit different. In short, Europe, belly up to the bar or suffer the consequences. We have made some progress in various ME Countries and if you don't have the resolve now, good luck in the future.
As Blair is going to be stepping down soon it was also notice for the new Prime Minister.
Colin Powell. Didn't really support the mission but didn't have the balls to level with the American public.
He knew Armitage was the leaker but stood by and said nothing as, day after day, the NYT attacked Bush and support for the war- a war Powell was instrumental in starting- waned. He is beneath contempt-and quite frankly about as bright as a schmuck.
For those bitching about the brevity of the speech I would suggest they read Lincoln's Gettysburg address and read up on how it was first recieved in many quarters particularly below the Mason Dixon line.
No one in their right mind including those who opposed Lincoln then and Bush now can point to one statement in either of these speeches that isn't either the right course - democracy and human rights for all - or the honourable position to take - we will support democrats in Iraq, Afghan,and elsewhere in the middle east.
(don't get me wrong Lincoln's speech was far more eloquent/poetic than GWB's, but it was workman-like speeches that laid out the Truman doctrine and the Marshall Plan and they both succeeded in the end.)
If it makes S.A. and Egypt and Pakistan squirm so be it.
2. David Frum's verdict overlooks the intent of GWB - it was not to rally or make statements over near-term issues - but rather to restate the long-term position of America. The bare-knuckle blunt statements the DF wants to hear will be uttered by the very capable John Bolton (GWB's appoint of him was a stroke of genius).
3. On a more sobering paralell - only about 20 to 25% of the casualties in the civil war had occurred at the time of Gettysburg. I suspect we are only at the 5% level in this conflict.
I would like, respectfully, to present another view:
"Ahmadinejad knocks Bush for six"
http://www.damianpenny.com/archived/007595.html
Mark
Ottawa
http://www.kavkazcenter.com/eng/content/2006/09/18/5623.shtml
Maybe off-topic---but THIS is who we're up against!
And go to the comments page on Damian's site to read my rebuttal of Mark's link above.
Excellent speech. But, I believe the transcription has a typo...I'm pretty sure it's pronounced "nucular".
Just kidding.
It was an excellent speech. Very succint and, I thought, sincere. However, as Bush was addressing the people of nations such as Iran, I couldn't help but think "Great words. But, these people will never be allowed to hear them."
Speech ends with , **looking for a diplomatic solution.**
Ok, we all know that can not happen when Mahud*s idea of *good faith* is its just an infidel stupidity weakness.
So, come on, what sledge hammer surprise is likely to show up as breaking news on CNN early one morning soon? =TG
I'm wondering about the possibilities of GWB's and the Pope's speeches being coordinated. Or at least done in consultation with one another.
The president of Iran was going to be in the United States, and both GWB and the Vatican were well aware of this fact. Bush knew that he could really use a kind of moral dimension that only the Pope could address.
Now, while the Iranian president is in the US, both the Pope and GWB are making official international speeches (the Pope under the guise of an address to his alma mater) that demonstrate the morality of our cause from the point of view of the purpose of government and the point of view of the purpose of religion. The Pope addresses a need for the Western scientific community and the Western religious world to lay aside their antagonism, an antagonism that has caused an unneeded schism in the Western psyche. Now we need all of our forces to be in unity to face a great threat.
Bush speaks for the purpose and direction of America's founding fathers. Our whole philosophical orientation about the human need for freedom and that freedom as a manifestation of the direction of a Creator.
Anyway, it wouldn't be the first time that this kind of coordination has occurred. The CIA has long-standing ties with the Vatican. I've forgotten the name of a priest that is an old friend of the Bush family and consults with them when off-the-record conversations need to take place.
Perhaps we're looking at a play for a certain kind of synergy where the various forces in the West put down their disputes and come together in a united front against a terrible ideological threat to us all.
Did anyone see what Kofi Annan said?
"Terrorism is being used as a pretext to abridge or abrogate human rights, and globalization risks driving richer and poorer peoples apart"he said.
"The events of the last 10 years have not resolved, but sharpened, the three great challenges I spoke of - an unjust world economy, world disorder, and widespread contempt for human rights and the rule of law," Annan said.
"As a result, we face a world whose divisions threaten the very notion of an international community, upon which this institution stands."
Meanwhile he (Annan) contributes in every possible way to these very problems all the while BLAMING the US and other Civilized nations who actually try to do something to correct the problems!
What a POS!
As was stated above, the text at top is not the complete speech. Here's the rest of it:
To the people of Syria: Your land is home to a great people with a proud tradition of learning and commerce. Today your rulers have allowed your country to become a crossroad for terrorism. In your midst, Hamas and Hezbollah are working to destabilize the region, and your government is turning your country into a tool of Iran. This is increasing your country's isolation from the world. Your government must choose a better way forward by ending its support for terror, and living in peace with your neighbors, and opening the way to a better life for you and your families.
To the people of Darfur: You have suffered unspeakable violence, and my nation has called these atrocities what they are -- genocide. For the last two years, America joined with the international community to provide emergency food aid and support for an African Union peacekeeping force. Yet your suffering continues. The world must step forward to provide additional humanitarian aid -- and we must strengthen the African Union force that has done good work, but is not strong enough to protect you. The Security Council has approved a resolution that would transform the African Union force into a blue-helmeted force that is larger and more robust. To increase its strength and effectiveness, NATO nations should provide logistics and other support. The regime in Khartoum is stopping the deployment of this force. If the Sudanese government does not approve this peacekeeping force quickly, the United Nations must act. Your lives and the credibility of the United Nations is at stake. So today I'm announcing that I'm naming a Presidential Special Envoy -- former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios -- to lead America's efforts to resolve the outstanding disputes and help bring peace to your land.
The world must also stand up for peace in the Holy Land. I'm committed to two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side-by-side in peace and security. I'm committed to a Palestinian state that has territorial integrity and will live peacefully with the Jewish state of Israel. This is the vision set forth in the road map -- and helping the parties reach this goal is one of the great objectives of my presidency. The Palestinian people have suffered from decades of corruption and violence and the daily humiliation of occupation. Israeli citizens have endured brutal acts of terrorism and constant fear of attack since the birth of their nation. Many brave men and women have made the commitment to peace. Yet extremists in the region are stirring up hatred and trying to prevent these moderate voices from prevailing.
This struggle is unfolding in the Palestinian territories. Earlier this year, the Palestinian people voted in a free election. The leaders of Hamas campaigned on a platform of ending corruption and improving the lives of the Palestinian people, and they prevailed. The world is waiting to see whether the Hamas government will follow through on its promises, or pursue an extremist agenda. And the world has sent a clear message to the leaders of Hamas: Serve the interests of the Palestinian people. Abandon terror, recognize Israel's right to exist, honor agreements, and work for peace.
President Abbas is committed to peace, and to his people's aspirations for a state of their own. Prime Minister Olmert is committed to peace, and has said he intends to meet with President Abbas to make real progress on the outstanding issues between them. I believe peace can be achieved, and that a democratic Palestinian state is possible. I hear from leaders in the region who want to help. I've directed Secretary of State Rice to lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region, to help the Palestinians reform their security services, and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences. Prime Minister Blair has indicated that his country will work with partners in Europe to help strengthen the governing institutions of the Palestinian administration. We welcome his initiative. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan and Egypt have made clear they're willing to contribute the diplomatic and financial assistance necessary to help these efforts succeed. I'm optimistic that by supporting the forces of democracy and moderation, we can help Israelis and Palestinians build a more hopeful future and achieve the peace in a Holy Land we all want.
Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed -- it must be chosen. From Beirut to Baghdad, people are making the choice for freedom. And the nations gathered in this chamber must make a choice, as well: Will we support the moderates and reformers who are working for change across the Middle East -- or will we yield the future to the terrorists and extremists? America has made its choice: We will stand with the moderates and reformers.
Recently a courageous group of Arab and Muslim intellectuals wrote me a letter. In it, they said this: "The shore of reform is the only one on which any lights appear, even though the journey demands courage and patience and perseverance." The United Nations was created to make that journey possible. Together we must support the dreams of good and decent people who are working to transform a troubled region -- and by doing so, we will advance the high ideals on which this institution was founded.
Thank you for your time. God bless.
aw george, what, still no mention of cia 'operation merlin' that consisted of giving iran easily noticeably flawed but complete blueprints for a Fission Bomb?
but wait, they donts needs blueprints, jes wads up the plutonium like a ball of primary school plasticine and BAM!!!
the bush white house in its whacked out view of things shares a huge responsibility for moving iran's nuke capablities forward. its the drawings people, the friggin drawings. the ingredients you can pick up hither and thither. the drawings, the friggin RECIPE is what tells you its going to work first time every time. and THAT is what the cia under bush gave iran.
all part of a conspiracy to drum up an excuse to invade them too, golly, just as the military intevetion in iraq is no longer required. whut a coincidence.
Mark Of Ottawa
I greatly admire you and so I must warn you someone is on the net posting in your name- and auditioning for a job with the MotherCorp.
This person claims Ahmadaboutjihadi bested Bush today at the U.N.
I doubt it but no link to speech provided- and not readily available on net. Of course I could be wrong.
But perhaps you're right my friend. If so it must have been quite a speech. And I will certainly sleep more soundly tonight.
Oh my, praise Allah, who would have thought it was possible:
1. Israel is not going to be wiped off the face of the earth?
2. Muslims now acknowledge that the Holocaust did happen?
3. Ahmad wasn't one of the 1979- crash the U.S.Embassy- thugs?
4. Those of us who don't want to join a religion started by a polygamist who, at age 54 married a six year old(but not to worry didn't consummate the marriage until she was 9) have nothing to fear?
5. The full charter of human rights has been restored (created) in Iran, including that most basic of all rights- freedom of conscience? Apostasy is no longer a crime. Wow!
6. Iran hasn't equipped terrorists in Iraq with IED's?
7. Iran didn't supply the Hezzies with the rockets they fired into Israel from Lebanon?
8. We've exploited them by buying their oil?
9. Jews aren't pigs and monkeys?
10. It's no longer death to America?
11. Islam will no longer be spead by the sword?
Pray Mark ( or Mark impersonator) do tell me more.
The principles of this world beyond terror can be found in the very first sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document declares that the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom and justice and peace in the world.
There's a great article in the September 2006 issue of Harper's Magazine detailing the human rights abuses either perpetrated or abetted by the US government against "detainees" in Guantanamo and various CIA "black sites" around the world. Worth a read.
Why slag Syria after the US helped them get Ahar tortured?
And why all the Iran stuff, when Pakistan fits all the criteria for the Iraq war...nukes, WMD's, ties with Al Quaeda/Taliban, recently released all Al quaeda in prison, military dictatorship, and Al Quaeda/Taliban active in the country. They put our guys in more danger than Iran. Plus the US gives them tons of $ and weapons.
An opportunity for the frankest, on-the-table, exchange of the key issues of the West/East divide could have been served by a sit-down round-table live broadcast in continuous stream of discussion/speeches/statements of all present.
An direct exchange between Bush and Ahmadinejad re nuclear proliferation, stated view on right of Israel to exist, and historical evidence of the holocaust.
Sound bites only were presented on live broadcast with the exception of the two speeches. Annan's total statement was not broadcast.
There was nothing new, original outside the usual rhetoric extolling the virtues and benefits of democracy.
And live broadcast cleverly shifted focus to unidentified flying object mystery for space shuttle.
It was a failed meeting -- only the bare minimum optics presented to democratic peoples. A U.N. shadow of its former self never stepping up to mark as usual because of self-interest.
The current rumours circulating is that either Mulroney or Chretien is being considered for U.N. post in lieu of Asian appointee that was a credible option in terms of influence and ethics that may have arisen from that choice.
Chretien at helm of gov't responsible for Adscam. Not even near appropriate. Particularly in regard to heroin crop and developing it into a pharmaceuticals source.
Then Mulroney, where myriad MSM reports indicated has severe health problems and is often bedridden.
At base, my thoughts revolve around citizenship viewing frank, open dialogue in specific international issues in live broadcast.
Reform the U.N. roundtable, or democratic base boycott your IPs and/or cable feed.
Now I'm waiting to see PM Harper whose second to none in speech delivery sit down with Karzai in live broadcast discussing issues back and forth. One hour interview.
You know, you're not deceived if you watch and listen, and you don't have to be deceived when there is nothing to watch and listen to.
MSM are for all intents and purposes are dancing to the tune their sung for the sake of their paycheques. C'est tout.
Raise your right hand if you'd like to see UN round table with ALL LEADERS putting it on the line. Issue by issue in prime time.
correction: their should read they're.
Shocking to realize how long it took for the wide scope of the new Jihadist Islam to fully dawn on me and I am not the slowest kid in the class.
To realize that our enemy is stealthy, vicious, stubbornly persistent, and solidly teamed with Putin and the muscle of Russia, not to mention Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Hezbollah, Muqtada Al-Sadr. and the Muslim Brotherhood [Egypt].
Alarming to realize that PAKISTAN, [ A Nuclear power], has made new agreements with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Musharriff was supposed to be on side with freedom and democracy.
Pakistan: Hello al-Qaeda, goodbye America
By Syed Saleem Shahzad
MIRANSHAH, North Waziristan - With a truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad now in place, the Pakistani government is in effect reverting to its pre-September 11, 2001, position in which it closed its eyes to militant groups allied with al-Qaeda and clearly sided with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
While the truce has generated much attention, a more significant development is an underhand deal between pro-al-Qaeda elements and Pakistan in which key al-Qaeda figures will either . . .
http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HI08Df03.html
Shocking also, that Nat. Dipstick Party leader Jack, wants to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and give up those children and their teachers to the Taliban and create a second Darfur disaster.
Most distressing however is that there is so little time for the Liberals and NDP to learn of this ominous reality and come on side. The MSM is not providing a clear picture for busy Canadians and I don*t know who would spend the $million to put the real story out there before its too late.
= TG
spin spin spin eh there mr gain?
could it be Powell hoped by staying he could sway the bush league jr administration but finally gave up when he kept getting undermined and outmanouvered by the likes of rumsfeld?
did the best he could to steer clear of the present mess working behind the scenes warning of looming disaster?
so the record still stands: right wingers on this blog critical of dubya or witnessing same by another right winger: big fat goose egg nada zero. this is not a good sign. even communist countries get internal criticism some time in 6 long years, but not here.
read the story of the emperor's new clothes oh fawning dubya fans.
Ahmadaboutjihad's speech is here
http://vitalperspective.typepad.com/vital_perspective_clarity/2006/09/ahmadinejad_ran.html
On the whole I prefer John Hinderaker's take " read it and weep " to that of Mark from Ottawa. The end of the speech is alarming to those who know the context.
"I emphatically declare that today's world more than ever before longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity, and above all, longs for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet.
Oh, Almighty God, all men and women are your creatures and you have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirsts for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by you, and make us among his followers and among those who strive for his return and his cause."