These terrorists target the innocent, and they kill by the thousands. And they would, if they gain the weapons they seek, kill by the millions and not be finished. The greatest threat of our age is nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, and the dictators who aid them. The evil is in plain sight. The danger only increases with denial. Great responsibilities fall once again to the great democracies. We will face these threats with open eyes, and we will defeat them. I support defeating the terrorists.
The third pillar of security is our commitment to the global expansion of democracy, and the hope and progress it brings, as the alternative to instability and to hatred and terror. We cannot rely exclusively on military power to assure our long-term security. Lasting peace is gained as justice and democracy advance.
Arab scholars speak of a freedom deficit that has separated whole nations from the progress of our time. The essentials of social and material progress -- limited government, equal justice under law, religious and economic liberty, political participation, free press, and respect for the rights of women -- have been scarce across the region. Yet that has begun to change. In an arc of reform from Morocco to Jordan to Qatar, we are seeing elections and new protections for women and the stirring of political pluralism. Many governments are realizing that theocracy and dictatorship do not lead to national greatness; they end in national ruin. They are finding, as others will find, that national progress and dignity are achieved when governments are just and people are free.
Most of what we see in the Arab government-owned press talks of murdering Jews and Christians.
As recent history has shown, we cannot turn a blind eye to oppression just because the oppression is not in our own backyard. No longer should we think tyranny is benign because it is temporarily convenient. Tyranny is never benign to its victims, and our great democracies should oppose tyranny wherever it is found. (Applause.)
I agree, tyranny must be opposed.
The forward strategy of freedom must also apply to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It's a difficult period in a part of the world that has known many. Yet, our commitment remains firm. We seek justice and dignity. We seek a viable, independent state for the Palestinian people, who have been betrayed by others for too long. (Applause.) We seek security and recognition for the state of Israel, which has lived in the shadow of random death for too long. (Applause.) These are worthy goals in themselves, and by reaching them we will also remove an occasion and excuse for hatred and violence in the broader Middle East.
Creating a new terrorist state called "Palestine" right on the doors of Israel back at its 1967 is a far cray from the removal of random death that Israel suffers. It will increase terrorism, allow it a better success rate with Israel at its suicidal borders, and serve as a prize for terrorism. Are these the principles you believe in President Bush? You say you committ yourself to democracy, yet you support the establishment of a dictatorship, a terrorist state. After all, you want all Jews to be moved out of those places that will serve as a "Palestinian" state. What kind of democracy is that?
Achieving peace in the Holy Land is not just a matter of the shape of a border. As we work on the details of peace, we must look to the heart of the matter, which is the need for a viable Palestinian democracy. Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate opposition, who tolerate and profit from corruption and maintain their ties to terrorist groups. These are the methods of the old elites, who time and again had put their own self-interest above the interest of the people they claim to serve. The long-suffering Palestinian people deserve better. They deserve true leaders, capable of creating and governing a Palestinian state.
Fine, they deserve better leaders, even though most of them support terrorism, Arafat and destroying Israel. We can continue to believe that better leaders are wanted by them, but that is nothing but a story. They want to continue terrorism. In addition, we should not be talking about any support for a state as long as they have a terrorist regime.
Even after the setbacks and frustrations of recent months, goodwill and hard effort can bring about a Palestinian state and a secure Israel. Those who would lead a new Palestine should adopt peaceful means to achieve the rights of their people and create the reformed institutions of a stable democracy.
They are not a people. They do not want rights. This is all propaganda they spew, concerning what they are fighting for. They did it in 1993, they did it in 1950. All they want is the destruction of Israel - a state IN PLACE OF ISRAEL. Bush talks of "goodwill." Is he referring to the prisoners Israel releases which has increased terror with former inmates taking up arms? Or gestures such as giving security to the PA "police" which recentely was why 2 soldiers were killed.
Israel should freeze settlement construction, dismantle unauthorized outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people, and not prejudice final negotiations with the placements of walls and fences.
Give me a break. Daily HUMILIATION OF THE PALESTINIAN "PEOPLE"? What is this guy talking about?
Arab states should end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, and establish normal relations with Israel.
Once they do this, then you can ask Israel to do something. History has shown that whatever Israel does is not equalled by the other side who used it to rearm and regroup.
Leaders in Europe should withdraw all favor and support from any Palestinian ruler who fails his people and betrays their cause. And Europe's leaders -- and all leaders -- should strongly oppose anti-Semitism, which poisons public debates over the future of the Middle East. (Applause.)
Why does the US continue to fund the Palestinian Authority terrorist regime?
good points... i would only add that jews have not suffered random deaths. these were contrived, thought out, organized and paid for by arafat and his cronies with european and american money and training.
Is is just me, or have Bush's speeches gotten a lot better since David Frum left?
Thanks for the transcript.
I thought the speech remarkably well delivered.
but you know... i have to agree with the sentiments of those who are applauding the presidents style. his speech was good. if you remove the ridiculous state dept folly of democratizing arabia the other 2 points are legitimate and he will subdue some of the eurotrash criticism with the perceptions he will leave behind on this trip.
A very useful website. Thanks!
Well .. a few more 2000 pound bombs (like the two dropped in Iraq today - along with multiple 1000 pound bombs from airplanes) should help to solve that problem.
