Bush: U.S. Ready to Help Iran After Quake

Yahoo! News ^ | Fri, Dec 26, 2003 | Caren Bohan

[F14 Pilot]

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - President Bush expressed sympathy for Iran on Friday after an earthquake there killed more than 20,000 people and offered support for a country he has deemed part of an "axis of evil."

Laura and I heard this morning of the earthquake centered in the city of Bam, Iran," Bush said in a statement from his ranch, where he will spend the New Year's holiday with his wife, Laura, and other family members.

"We are greatly saddened by the loss of life, injuries and widespread damage to this ancient city," he said. "I extend my condolences to all those touched by this tragedy."

"The thoughts of all Americans are with the victims and their families at this time, and we stand ready to help the people of Iran," Bush added.

In addition to the 20,000 believed to be dead, tens of thousands of people were injured in the quake, which destroyed much of city of Bam. The historic city is a popular tourist spot some 600 miles southeast of the capital, Tehran.

A Bush spokesman said Washington would be offering humanitarian aid to Iran but it was unclear how that offer would be extended since the United States has no official ties with Tehran.

A U.S. official said the State Department would be spelling out an aid package soon.

The United States has had tense relations with Iran for more than two decades. Washington broke diplomatic relations with Iran in 1979 after militant students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

In January 2002, Bush said Iran, pre-war Iraq and North Korea (news - web sites) made up an "axis of evil." Washington has accused Iran's government of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The United States joins the United Nations, the European Union and other countries such as Russia which are also promising help to the Iranian quake victims.

"This is a terrible tragedy and we all come together behind the Iranian people at a time like this to assist those who have been injured and those families who have been impacted," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.

[tkathy]

If this happened to Israelis, or any non-Muslims, would any Muslims countries offer help? Muslims only care about other Muslims, it seems.

[F14 Pilot]

You'd better get a life somewhere else.
Bye Bye Kid.

[jmax]

You say everyone here is either a "KID" or "demoRAT". You say you're an F14 pilot????

Obviously you're the kid and democrat. Got a feeling the closest you've come to an F14 is seeing one on JAG.

Give it a break. It's past your bedtime, anyway. But, maybe not.....guess your mom lets you stay up late tonight since the yellow school bus won't be coming around on Saturday morning.

[F14 Pilot]

Another Kid?

[DoctorZIn]

I thought you were interested in a reasoned discussion.

For you to say that I "don't understand, and ...don't wish to understand" is ridiculous.

You are the one that made proposition that all Muslims think alike. It is therefore your responsibility to provide evidence to support your contention, if you really believe this.
I have given you several reasons why this position is untenable. I am still waiting for a response.
I will be happy to continue this dialog. But you want to continue it, let avoid personal attacks and stick to reasoned arguments.

[Capitalist Eric]

You'd better get a life somewhere else. Bye Bye Kid.

(((rolling eyes)))

The comedic entertainment to be derived by baiting a buffoon diminishes after a time, when the buffoon doesn't get it...

And of course, you still don't get it.

I do pity you- you're just a little too pathetic, a little too immature, and a little too desperate to win...

Good night, wannabe Tom-driver.

[jmax]

Another Kid?

Maybe I am, sonny. Left click on my name and check out my profile to see if I am. Then, get your butt to bed.

[McGavin999]

Seems like you have a little bit of a problem with history mister. I suggest you do some reading before you make a complete fool of yourself.

[Capitalist Eric]

For you to say that I "don't understand, and ...don't wish to understand" is ridiculous. I have given you several reasons why this position is untenable. I am still waiting for a response.

No, you have explained why you disagree, because you think as a CHRISTIAN. Which means you STILL don't get it. So this is my LAST attempt... After this response, I'm going to sleep. If you don't believe me, than do the research yourself. I have neither the time nor inclination to educate you on something I already know, and you refuse to believe...

So let me repeat this, so that you might get it.

The Koran is THE WORD OF GOD.

It is NOT subject to "interpretation."

The bible is a lot of stories, parables to illustrate ideas and rules, and demonstrate what happens when those rules are not followed.

The KORAN IS NOT PARABLES, BUT THE WORD OF GOD.

This is why Muslims dare not openly criticize terrorism. Because the terrorists are following the explicit directions of the Koran, to kill the non-believers wherever they are found. To speak out against such actions is to speak out against the Koran itself, which is to speak out against GOD.

Islam is about converting or killing non-believers. GET IT???

[F14 Pilot]

Thanks~!

[Capitalist Eric]

Seems like you have a little bit of a problem with history mister. I suggest you do some reading before you make a complete fool of yourself.

Pffft.

Idle threats bore me. And frankly, so do you.

[McGavin999]

Oh really, and are you going to call me a youngster as well? I've been on this site every day for 5 years, I don't recall ever seeing you before. Oh wait, yes I do, I seem to remember you jumping in and slamming some other group a while back.

Yeah, that's right, you like to insult people and start fights. Typical DU strategy.

[serurier]

I support President,but I think Iran maybe still Hatred U.S.A.,choose?

[DoctorZIn]

I am not making my argument as a Christian.
It is simple logic.

While there certainly are Muslims who believe as you describe, not all do. I know this from my studies of Islam and personal experience. That is my point. I am not an apologist for Islam. I am just making the point that the millions of Muslims in Iran who want a secular democracy to replace their current government deserve our support. They do not deserve your incessant attacks.

[Capitalist Eric]

I've been on this site every day for 5 years, I don't recall ever seeing you before.

And I should care...............???

I seem to remember you jumping in and slamming some other group a while back.

As I said before, I don't tolerate fools. What's your point?

[McGavin999]

Amazing. I just did a search of your posts. I've never seen so much hatred spewed in my entire life. What are you, one of those Ayran Nation types.

Well, here's a bit of triva for you did you know that Iran is the Persian word for Ayran? Yep, that's the root of the Aryan nation.

[DoctorZIn]

...I support President,but I think Iran maybe still Hatred U.S.A.,choose?...

?????

[McGavin999]

As I said before, I don't tolerate fools. What's your point?

Oh I just love dialoging with you intellectual types.

[DoctorZIn]

And I was hoping to have a real discussion with these guys.

I love a good debate.

But childish attacks are boring.