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.

[Howlin]

I'm worried about YOUR SON and President Bush. I want them both out of there soon!

[Howlin]

If you want to see what a difference democracy can make, remember back to the night that the first missle hit in Kuwait; it was launched from less than 100 miles away, from a hovel and hit a Starbucks.

[Lauratealeaf]

Your son is still in my prayers. My husband talked to one of his counterparts in Iraq today and he told him that the morale is still high.

[fightinJAG]

Excellent point, Howlin.

[ohioWfan]

I just sent Eric a package today complete with Ramen noodles, Country Time lemonade mix (water gets boring), homemade cookies, and a letter telling him how VERY proud we all are of him.

He's driving the same route that the convoy was on when the American soldier was killed last week......and he's driving what he calls 'a bomb'....a fuel truck.

You're right, Howlin. It's a dangerous place, and they ALL need to come home.

(btw, he DID get to shake hands with his Commander in Chief in West Virginia last October, and was absolutely thrilled!)

May the Lord protect our President, and the brave men and women serving our country in the cause of freedom!

[fightinJAG]

((prayers for Eric, all our troops, and our Commander in Chief))

[ohioWfan]

Well, Eric's morale is definitely high. The problem is that he keeps volunteering to do extra things.......which has earned him a medal!

(He has even gone into downtown Baghdad with the 3rd ID!)

[mystery-ak]

I don't know how far Mike is, but I hope he gets a chance to see Bush.....LOL...I just sent Mike a package too....more socks and underwear, laundry detergent,clothes pins,baby powder,foot powder.etc...it weighed a ton!

[ohioWfan]

One of the Postal workers where I send Eric's packages from always reacts to how much they weigh. I just about have to tell her every time, "Yes, I really want to send this, even though it weighs a lot..." It's pretty funny.

Eric hasn't asked for more socks and underwear yet.........should I be worried?? :o)

[mystery-ak]

I don't know....Mike washes all his clothes in a large tub...his whites are no longer white..LOL..and he's wearing them out with all the scrubbing.

[Inspectorette]

Eric hasn't asked for more socks and underwear yet.........should I be worried?? :o)

Nah - don't worry: he's just turning them inside out ;-)

[Lauratealeaf]

(He has even gone into downtown Baghdad with the 3rd ID!)

Wow! A medal already! Congratulations to you all! You must be so proud!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Oh my, the stories he'll have for you. God bless that man of yours.

[Lauratealeaf]

I don't know....Mike washes all his clothes in a large tub...his whites are no longer white..LOL..and he's wearing them out with all the scrubbing.

When my husband returned from Somalia I banned all of his clothing from the house because it was so dirty. I eventually had to throw it away. We had been told that the ground over in Somalia was so full of bacteria that it could cause people to get sick so I took it seriously.

[mystery-ak]

That's what I told Mike....throw it away and I'll send new.....he's not bringing any of it into my house....I'll have all new undies for him when he gets home.

[Consort]

Dick Cheney live on C-SPAN2.

[desertcry]

This will drive daschle and his monkies to the wall.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

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

I've been thinking the same thing. You know that he desperately wants to thank the guys in Iraq-especially the 3ID . His visit would be a great morale booster ,but,the SS will probably nix the clandestine journey.

[homeschool mama]

What a true and absolute blessing for not only our wonderful Military but the President as well. I can just imagine the emotion he will experience, being with those who fight for our precious freedom.

[bybybill]

If GWB wants to go to Iraq, the SS won`t be able to stop him. Love to be a fly on the wall at the DNC if he does go.