I googled “bush”, “bowed” and “saudi” and got this:
Bush did NOT bow before the Saudi king in this; he bent over so the king could place a necklace around his neck the way I’ve done when I’ve gone to Hawaii and had a lei placed around my neck.
Bush kissed him on the cheek, NOT the hand - which is merely a sign of loving respect - and NOT fealty. He has also (not in this vid) held the king’s hand - but again, Arab men hold one anothers’ hands as a sign of friendship.
Based on what I saw in that vid, the “bow” claim is a lie.
I just watched the video again; Bush doesn’t even KISS the king’s cheek - rather the king kisses HIM after hanging the medallion around Bush’s neck.
Bush gives a nod (which I’ve seen him give to people on the White House lawn) to the king, and then gives an identical nod to another person outside the camera frame.
Obama bowed. Bush performed the proper gestures of respect in the Arab culture to a fellow “king” or national leader.
You were correct and I was wrong. I think I got my info from LGF, I’ll check back with them.
That would seem to be some sort of Medal awarded President Bush by Saudi Arabia, and since there has been no outrage in the press previously I think we can assume it was memory dumped because it was probably for his efforts towards peace in the region as well as the war on terror.
Thank you. I was amazed when I read Mr Newt had said this had happened as I did not remember it and I am sure there would have been a lot of commentary form the time if it had. The hand holding received some discussion as I recall. Wonder why Newt said what he did?