and let's not forget that the photo taken of Bush with the Sheik was at the Texas White House - the Sheik was very unsteady on his feet and may well have fallen flat on his face had not the President held onto to him = that would not have been a good thing
I have never heard the reason for the hand-holding before. It is entirely in keeping with the generous spirit of President Bush....also not to make a big deal of it when he was mocked for it. We will miss this honorable man in the White House. None of the candidates left can hold a candle to him.