Posted on 05/17/2005 9:15:38 PM PDT by Red Sea Swimmer
WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) - U.S. first lady Laura Bush will travel this week to the Middle East to press for expanding women's rights amid a furor in the Muslim world over a retracted magazine report that the Koran was desecrated by U.S. interrogators.
Her visit to Jordan, Israel and Egypt, announced on Tuesday by the White House, was to be part of President George W. Bush's push for democracy in the region and for restarting the stalled "road map" peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.
"The trip is an opportunity for Mrs. Bush to reinforce our commitment to promoting freedom and supporting women and girls across the Middle East," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
But the first lady, who has won favorable reviews in her overseas forays, could face some of the anti-American sentiment that swept the region following the Newsweek report about Koran abuse at Guantanamo.
Sixteen people died in Afghanistan and protests raged in Pakistan, Indonesia and Gaza.
Newsweek retracted the report on Monday, but McClellan said it has caused lasting damage the United States' image.
The first lady's spokeswoman, Susan Whitson, said Laura Bush would depart on Thursday for Jordan.
She speaks on Saturday to the World Economic Forum in Dead Sea, Jordan, and will meet with Queen Rania, who has backed reforms improving women's rights.
On Sunday in Israel, the first lady will meet with the wife of Israeli President Moshe Katsav, and in Cairo on Monday, with the wife of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
The United States has pressed its allies in the Middle East for greater political and economic reforms, including on the question of women's rights, saying a lack of freedom had fostered Islamic militancy.
The White House also announced on Tuesday that President Bush will meet on May 26 at the White House with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
A truce between Israel and the Palestinians has been shaky and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he will not hold talks on Palestinian statehood until Abbas cracks down on militants as required by a U.S.-led peace "road map." (Additional reporting by Steve Holland)
The trust building must continue !
God send His serving angels to protect and surround her with safety!
Agreed.
I would not be the least surprised if the Newsweek puke had gotten an advanced tip off of her plans, and decided to spring the cult book in the pooper trick.
Gotta get some shut eye. nighty nite all.
I hate it when the President and First Lady travel overseas. They just got back from Russia. I worry about them when they leave. I will just have to say an extra prayer I guess.
errr....Wow.
It's very good news isn't it ?
She has certainly blossomed in her role as First Lady.
I'm torn about her going. On the one hand I'm worried about her safety in the Middle East; on the other hand I know she will do a beautiful job of representing our country.
I'm with you. I wish she would just stay home......and make jokes!! :)
Kewl - I leave for the same area tomorrow night! I will keep an eye out for her!
Thank you for your service, God speed!
Mahmoud Abbas aka Abu Mazen; co-founder with Arafat of Fatah, financier of the 1972 Olympic Village slaughter of the Israeli team, etc., etc., etc.
I always appreciated the fact that the President didn't come near Arafat, and didn't allow him in the White House.
But Mahmoud Abbas/Abu Mazen is no better.
I'm deeply distressed and angry that the President and his administration are breaking every rule we have against dealing with terrorists to appease the Palestinians and a bunch of Arabist pukes in the State Department.
Meanwhile, the vicious rhetoric of genocide against Jews and against Americans continues to roll from the PA propaganda machine, and Hamas terrorists still draw breath.
I think we need to raise holy hell about this.
Laura, if you must go we thank you but please...stay safe.
I always worry when the pres goes overseas. Hope Laura is well-received. Hamid Karzai desperately wants her to visit Afghanistan, but after the Newsweek fiasco I suppose it's not in the cards. For now.
I take it you are serving in the Military, If so, Thanks for your service to our Nation, and God Bless You and Stay Safe.<p.mike
Agreed, in Jesus' Name
I am also torn on the idea of the first lady traveling, although I think she's been quite an asset to President Bush in his second term. I certainly worry when either of them travel.
When President Bush made the surprise visit to Baghdad on Thanksgiving I was elated, and loved watching it over and over on TV when he came out and the troops saw who their special guest was and the roar went up, but I sure was glad when he came home safely.
Look, I don't like Abbas either, but he is the only one who has done anything over there to curb the violence.
I don't trust him, but he has made some moves that have surprised me a bit. I'm sure the President is going to try and encourage him to continue.
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