Bush set to get hero's welcome in Qatar

As-Sayliyah ^ | June 4, 2003 | Staff

[fightinJAG]

Bush set to get hero's welcome in Qatar

Wednesday, 04 June , 2003, 17:28

As-Sayliyah(Qatar): US forces were Wednesday preparing a hero's welcome for President George W. Bush at the Qatar base used as the command and control centre for the war on Iraq. "We want the world to see the president with the American troops and coalition troops," US Army Major Joshua Elliot told AFP at As-Saliyah base.

"There will be about 2,500 soldiers and sailors: everybody wants to see the president," Elliot said.

Polished military vehicles, camouflage netting, banners and flags of coalition member countries that fought to oust Saddam Hussein's regime from power will provide the backdrop for Bush's speech at the base early Thursday.

Bush will fly into Qatar's huge Al-Udeid airbase -- 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of capital Doha -- from the Jordanian resort of Aqaba where he met with prime ministers Ariel Sharon of Israel and Palestinian Mahmud Abbas.

The US president's itinerary on arrival in Qatar has been kept under wraps for security reasons, but he was expected to hold talks late Wednesday with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

While the streets of downtown Doha remain quiet and bereft of any US and Qatari flags, US Central Command spokesman Captain Eric Clark promised all the pomp at a "big, honourable ceremony" at As-Saliyah, which hosted some 3,000 US troops during the war on Iraq.

"We're talking about the most powerful man in the world," Clark said. "His visit to this base is a source of pride for all of us. It's a wonderful occasion."

"The soldiers are very excited at the prospect of shaking hands with the president and have him look them in the eye and express thanks for their big efforts during Operation Iraq Freedom."

Bush's visit to gas-rich Qatar was greeted by Wednesday's Arabic-language press as "historic," with one paper devoting a full page to US-Qatari ties.

Following its key role in the US-led war on Iraq and after serving as an airbase for the war on Afghanistan, Qatar has become the new focal point for US military deployment in the region.

It has replaced Saudi Arabia -- whose ties with Washington have been severely tested since the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States -- as headquarters of a US state-of-the-art combined air command centre.

"We like Qatar and Qatar likes us," Major Elliot said of the presence of US forces in the tiny Gulf state.

Doha has come out in favour of US plans to promote democracy in the Arab world and has initiated a number of reforms at home.

It has also shown its ambition to play a prominent role by trying to mediate in regional conflicts and forging political and economic, though not formal diplomatic, ties with Israel.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani met Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom in Paris in May, pledging to seriously consider upgrading relations with Israel if progress was made in the peace process.

Given Bush's kickstart to the roadmap for Middle East peace, Qatar has firmly cemented itself as one of the key US allies in the Arab world.

[evad]

I just wish he would hurry up and get out of that cesspool.

[bybybill]

Got a feeling, GWB is going to Iraq and it scares the hell out of me

[McGavin999]

We have seen the noble side of the Arab face in Qatar and Kuwait. These two tiny countries are far bigger than their neighbors because they took the risk to actually stand beside the people of Iraq when it was not "fashionable" to do so.

I hope that one day, when Iraq is settled and prosperous, they remember who showed the courage to stand up for them.

[Pukin Dog]

Funny, I had the same thought. If Bush pulls into Iraq on a surprise stop it will be great, but the most dangerous thing imaginable. I just want him to get the hell outta there.

[ohioWfan]

Oh, how I wish my son could be there to see him! He is SO proud of his Commander in Chief!

This will be a GLORIOUS occasion!

[fightinJAG]

I agree. Iraq looks like a beautiful place and I know Kuwait is.

I hope they build a nice resort hotel over the ruins of one of Saddam's palaces along the Tigris and that tourists become an important part of the Iraqi economy for decades to come.

[fightinJAG]

We are proud of your son, OWFan!

Please tell him so.

[tet68]

President Bush has been bearding the lion this whole trip.
What he is saying to them (arabs) is , "Ain't skeerd a you'all. I kicked Saddams ass, now who's next?"
This has got to engender grudging respect from many, even if they aren't even aware of it.

Wonder if any actual mud busters will get to see him.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Well, WE'RE proud of your son!!!!!!

[Inspectorette]

oWf, I know I don't check in often to let you know (work has been crazy lately), but your Eric is still in my prayers. I worry about him when I hear bad news out of Iraq. As long as you keep posting, I know he's OK.

I've got a feeling Eric is going to be shaking the hand of his Commander-in-Chief at some point - maybe it won't be until a campaign stop in Ohio in 2004, but I just think it's gonna happen :-)

[prairiebreeze]

I believe our Commander In Chief is proud of him too---and all our brave military.

Prairie

[Arpege92]

This is wonderful! Another "up yours" to the demorats. :-}

[fightinJAG]

Yup, the Rats'll be squeaking about "photo ops" before you know it. Bush should have rowed a boat to Qatar and worn a shirt from GoodWill . . .

[LS]

You have to think, though, that if any Iraqi-terrorist nuts try anything, it will be thwarted quickly, and in such a way as to leave Bush more powerful and respected in that region than ever.

[StriperSniper]

This has got to engender grudging respect from many, even if they aren't even aware of it.

Bump

[ODC-GIRL]

Thanks for the ping. You're right. I always love seeing Dubya with fellow troops. Oh yoohoo, President Bush, can you come and visit us, too?!

[MJY1288]

Thanks for the ping to this great story

It looks like this fellow in Iraq wasn't too for off the mark when he put together this poster

[Howlin]

Me, too!

[Howlin]

OH MY GOSH.....so do I!!!!