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Snags bedevil Bush’s Mideast plans

Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:54 AM
Filed Under:

By John Yang, NBC News' White House Correspondent 

After meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, President Bush made a bold prediction Thursday about a solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict: "I believe it's possible – not only possible, I  believe it's going to happen – that there be a signed peace treaty by the time I leave office. That's what I believe."

It is a goal that has been so elusive for so many of Bush's predecessors for so long, most recently when the President Clinton-hosted Camp David summit in 2000 collapsed without agreement.


VIDEO: Bush says 'Now is the time' for Mideast peace

And as if to remind Bush of the obstacles to Middle East peace, the president's morning was full of snags.

As their news conference began in the West Bank, the two leaders couldn't even hear each other's translated remarks.

"I'm not getting it," the president said as Abbas spoke in Arabic.

Navigates checkpoints
Even reaching the meeting was difficult. Heavy fog prevented Bush’s helicopter from making the less than 10-mile flight from Jerusalem, forcing his motorcade to drive through the Israeli checkpoints that anger and frustrate Palestinians by limiting their movements every day.

VIDEO: Bush predicts Mideast peace

Bush said he understood both the need for the checkpoints to protect Israelis from attacks and the disruption they bring to ordinary law-abiding Palestinians.

"My motorcade of 45 cars was able to make it though without being stopped," he said. "I'm not sure that's what happens with the average person."

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Comments

Like most of ideas that Bush has, this also requires that illegal acts must be made legal retroactively!

another 'bait and switch' maneuver!

Bob Egan Santa Maria (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

The U.S. Presidential elections now on-going will elect for President someone which will pull us out of the Middle East, and no longer support Israel's fragile situation in the area. We again will be a isolationist country, which will allow the world's hatred for Israel to express itself throughout the region. Then the prophecy of the bible will be fulfilled , so the soon coming King will deliver His people as stated. Are you ready? Bush nor any other U.S. President will be able to fix this , Only God through His Son can fulfill His promises.

Lucian H. Caddo Mills, Tx. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

Bush is just cleaning up an eight year mess left by the playboy Slick Willie. If Clinton had done his job we would not have been at war. All you liberals know where you can go.

Rick (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:51 PM)

Nerve, audacity, cojones..this man has it all.  He is so out of touch with reality.  Why not a 12 month goal in Iraq? (though we want less) Why not a goal to help all those in financial trouble with their mortgages?

His only real goal is to build up his blind trust and that of Cheney..do you realize what their oil stocks will be worth when they are out of office?

Philip S. Goldin Miami, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:53 PM)

We are so censored in America.  Read the same articles in al-jazera's web pages and be prepared for enlightenment.

doctaj (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:54 PM)

I guess only the 'negative' type get space here.  Bush is not the 'devil' that everyone sees.  He is a decent man in a difficult position.  Because of him, we have a chance for stablizing the situation.  If the nay-sayers get their way, we WILL be taken advantage of.  I hope the area(the Palestinians) take him at his word and they try to do something with this; AND I hope the Israelies try to understand.

Brian Edson, Ft Worth, TX (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:54 PM)

I think its going to take a wise man to see areas both sides can agree on and build from there.  Its going to take some one that can listen to both sides and strike a balance both can live with.  Its going to take some one both sides can trust to pull this off.  

Well we all agree Bush is one of the dumbest people on earth that wears rose colored contacts.  Every business he ever ran failed.  Strike 1

Bush has never been able to compromise on anything its always got to be his way.  Even his own party hates him now.  Strike 2

Bush told us that the government wouldn't spy on us and it would take a warranty for him to do so.  All the while he was spying (w/o a warrant) on us while he was lying to us.  The man is a liar, he knew who leaked the Flame name he did nothing, but pardon Libby so he would rat out Bush.  His own party doesn't trust and neither do the vast majority of the US.  Strike 3

I think its a good thing he's over there let all hope he stays over there for the rest of his horrific term and let us rebuild the country the nearly destroyed with his lies and blunders.

Fernando, Los Angels, CA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:55 PM)

What a bunch of idiots commenting in here, no wonder America is viewed with disdain, for the ignorance of it's citizens, here's a President trying to do something good and the Left Wingers are howling, why dont you go and live in the Former Soviet Union? I bet you couldnt bash Putin and live! Total Idiots, just like my American staff!Bush was elected twice!

Keith Milliner (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:56 PM)

Keep up the good work Mr. President.

Ron K. Tampa, FL (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:56 PM)

Mikey wrote:
Bush is the lamest duck we've ever had.  I can't stand him.  He's too stupid to have trouble sleeping at night.  What a putz.  He "wants to end the occupation of Arab land" yet he invaded Iraq.  I can't believe anyone voted for him in 2000, and I'm appalled at those who voted for him in 2004 (he technically won neither election).
Well Mikey from Half A**ed Bay, You obviously in your blind hatred of Bush along with alot of other ignorant posts on this website have seemed to forgotten that YOUR sleeping well at night - since we're keeping the terrorists busy over there instead of them being over here at your house. By the way, I'm sick of you libs saying he didn't win the elections - sorry poor losers, if the Gored one won his OWN STATE no one would even be looking at Florida and Kerry was just a pathetic (still is) loser.
Looks like your the putz Mikey....

Martin, Nashville, Tn. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:57 PM)

You democrats all sound like you want the occupation to continue.

I hope your Al Quaeda friends read your posts.

Hello No (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:59 PM)

This forum is a great opportunity to share views and thoughts abouth the Middle East peace process. Unfortunately most of the comments are no more than personal vicious attacks against a sitting President of the United States.

Why can't there be dialogue and honest disagreement on the issues?

Peter Iannelli, Hamilton, MA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:00 PM)

Honestly, first of all, Christian rhetoric is redundant.  Of course Jerusalem will not be released by the Israelites. NOT because it was given by GOD, but taken by guns.  To expect peace in this area in anyone's lifetime is a serious misconception.  We're not working between two political factions, but three.  Although Hamas is typically not recognized it is still a driving political force in that region.  People for the love of your God, keep him out of worldly political matters.  Armageddon gone' come when he wills it, not when you want it.

M. Mack, College Station, Tx. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:03 PM)

As long as Israelis allow the zionists to control their country there will be no peace. The government of Israel does not serve it's people. It does not recognize international law or human decency. They murdered Jesus for teaching that their laws were immoral and their government was corrupt. They worship property and they want what the Palestinians have. They abandoned their homeland for creature comforts and demand that the world recognize GOD's will is for us to serve them.

gman, houston, tx (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:04 PM)

George W. Bush lives in a bubble, in complete denial.
This man has no credibility with the vast majority of Americans and the international community. Peace in the Middle East after what he has done in Iraq and Guantanamo?

Rodolfo Aybar, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:05 PM)

1. Historically, “peace” has been promised to the masses by way of ….
2. War
3. Now do you know why Bush is in the Mideast discussing “peace”…
4. War
5. If Bush said there will be a peace agreement by the end of the year, then by the end of the year we will be in a
6. Bigger War
7. Bush went into Iraq to establish a base of operations (using any excuse there was)
8. Now are you “getting it”?

Mary Casey; Las Cruces OK (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:05 PM)

What the h*** did he need 45 cars for?????

trouble400, north dakota (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:06 PM)

Sounds like most commenters hope President Bush fails so they can gloat.  Bush has demonstrated that the U.S. can punish leaders (Hussein) and protect them (Karzai).  The world now has good reasons to listen to the U.S. - that is why it might be different this time.  Let's hope it works!

David, Iowa City, Iowa (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:06 PM)

If our esteemed village idiot can broker a Middle East peace agreement before leaving office, he is truly "Nicolae Carpathia", (The Antichrist in the best selling nine-book "LEFT BEHIND" series)who prophetically will broker a "false" (as in deceptive)peace agreement as a segue into the Tribulation....can anyone spell R-A-P-T-U-R-E???

Michael, Anaheim Hill, CA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:07 PM)

Showing the true class and sheer ignorance of the far left. Iraq is working. Afghanastan is working. Terrorists are on the run. My only hope is History books would rememeber all the idiots who put this administration through heck! You guys are pathetic.

Jason Fontaine (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:07 PM)

Dear President Bush~ I voted for you in 2000 and 2004, but am deeply dissapointed by the push of your Administration to avail the Israelis of the land promised them by JHVH.

You have lost a certain measure of faith because Iraq isn't working out as you had vainly imagined, but to place your faith in men and their politics is simply~ unwise.
Worse, the forced Israeli abdication of Yerusalem and it's Temple grounds will haunt you when your faith returns and the U.S. ever-after.

While the "peace" was foretold long ago, it is surprising to me that you are behind it. May Hashem forgive you.

DRS

DRS, Nebraska USA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:08 PM)

Of course Hamas has failed. They won a Democratic Election, and almost immediately the US along with the Western World cut off all aid and support. Not surprising though, as Iraq is already on their 3rd Government after their Democratic Election.

Doug Somers Franklin, WI (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:08 PM)

I think what he meant to say was "Now that I am smoking crack, I can see through the smoky haze that there will be peace between Israel and Palestine in 12 months."  Now if only he would get into his 45-car motorcade and drive away into the sunset.  Forever.

Roxie, DC (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:08 PM)

It's amazing how Pres. Bush proclaims that Israel should end the occupation of Arab lands.  What in the world does he think is going on in Iraq?

As for his comment about Israel being the rightful land of the Israelites and the land of Palestine being the rightful land of the Palestinians.  I'm not sure he's caught up with his history.  It is my understanding that the land is two of the same.  He's just made the case for the perpetuation of this conflict.

Brian, Edmond, OK (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:09 PM)

Poor misguided soul believed that once Arafat was gone there would be peace, milk and honey in the land. So, he ignored the problem and thousands died in Israle and Palestine during his first term. He believed in guns now he thinks he can wish it into existance.  We elected him twice... how sad...

Almost Over, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:09 PM)

Dear Uri Fensz, of the Ukraine~ thank you for your kind words. Please pray for us.

DRS

DRS, Nebraska USA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:11 PM)

No surpises here. Just more of the same insanity from the same idiot.

Thomas Dunn, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:11 PM)

He is just being Bush ! Out of touch with the real world.

Herb Lund Plant City Fl, (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:13 PM)

Return to Texas? No thanks, we don't want him. Hopefully we can seal our northern Texas border to keep him out!

Mike, CC TX (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:15 PM)

Those who voted for Bush must share the blame for all of the death and destruction in Iraq.
Rudy, McCain, & Thompson would all carry on the conflict in Iraq.

Aileen Bailey, Clearwater, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:19 PM)

I bet Bush was shocked when his plane landed in Israel.  I'm sure he thought a trip to the "Mid-East" was going to end up in North Carolina or Virginia somewhere.

william (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:20 PM)

I know some plumbers and electricians that would make a better President of the United States than the last several and especially the present one. Time we stopped electing "experienced" politicians (liars) in this government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  I have trully enjoyed reading these blogs. As for our present situation, one can only laugh or cry so--Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Poor Richard everywhere in america (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:22 PM)

Kelly, this is the United States of America. Free speech is protected. Find out where you are.

Almost Over, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:24 PM)

Bush is a joke around the world. He's ill attempt to bring peace is like going to a party 7 years late and all the guest have even forgotten who you are. Look why would anyone around the world believd a President who's been a proven liar for 7 years.  We are in a recesssion yet Bush still liars and talks like we're in the Clinton years of plenty.  Most of the World Leaders are already taking advantage of the US weak, lying and corrupt Bush Administration.  Can you blame them.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:26 PM)

Bravo to President Bush for visiting this troubled part of the world! Hatred runs deep for him among many and as a man he has proven to have guts. I admire that. We should not overlook this seemingly insignificant fact. It’s unfortunate that many Americans exhibit such extreme hatred for him. It’s appropriate to question, or argue policies but the office of the Presidency deserves respect. Always! Most importantly is this: America carries a big stick. How we carry out our foreign policies can be debated but we should all be happy knowing that our voices are heard. We should replace hatred in our President with rejoice in the democratic process. God Bless America!

Patton (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:26 PM)

Kelly in Kennewick, WA advises the rest of us to "shut up and try being the president for the day."

My GOD, the ignorance.  I WILL NOT call Mr. Bush "President."  Not now, or for the rest of my life.  He has never acted as a true president of a democratic nation should, and ANYTHING he does on a day to day basis from now until January 20, 2009 is just one more tick on a tally of dangerous moves, on behalf of a country full of innocent pawns in his egotistical, childlike gameplaying in the Oval Office.  He has offended the highest position in this country with every ignorant word uttered off of his little tongue.

Only an act of God can solve the problems he's created for the United States--and indeed, the rest of this world.

Leslie C (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:30 PM)

Bush.. not just the WORST President ever, but the WORST American of all time.

How can a man who forged an illegal War, now try to forge a legacy of Peace.  What a maroon.

Bush is a mass murderer.  THAT'S his Legacy.  Always will be.

Laura Bush (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:31 PM)

History will show that this idiot did more damage to America and the world, than any other president we had. I am truly bewildered... where is the outrage? Just the farce about Iran having nukes, WW3, etc, etc coming out of his truly 1st grade mouth, should have all of the USA up in arms...but most of us are to dumb or just dont care. We want to go to movies, buy iPods and eat.....as long as we have that, who cares about the rest of the world. only 12 more months from this criminal......

TA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:32 PM)

You neh-sayers may one day have to eat your words.  Nothing is impossible.  Not even peace in the Middle East.  If President Bush can bring about a peace treaty, let him.  If he does, we all win.  If he doesn't, let someone else step up to the plate and try.

Laura R., Austin, Tx (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:33 PM)

Thanks to Uri Fensz of the Ukraine for putting things into perspective. Indeed,America and Great Britain are perhaps the last hope for a free world.

I believe that future historians will speak of George W. Bush and Tony Blair in the same breath with FDR and Winston Churchill as leaders of Western Civilization who recognized threats to the free world and rose to meet them.

James F. Selfridge Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:35 PM)

Peace between Israel and Palastine in 12 months? You have finally learned to tell a funny joke Mr. President! eheheh!

Norman Allen, Austin, TX (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:35 PM)

It seems many are of the belief that America deserves something better than a President Bush...I wonder why? Now everyone off to Walmarts...there's a sale on Fruit Loops...

Mike, Detroit, MI (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:38 PM)

I'm not pleased with everything President Bush has done or not done, but if you criticize & do not recognize the unique challenges he has faced in his presidency then you are beyond help.  Only two or three things need to happen to carve him a place among the elite.  Democracy in Iraq, capture of Osama, & a peace treaty in the middle east.  This man
has never waivered even in the face of formidable opposition.  People that don't have this quality and don't understand it call him a moron, idiot, etc.
Clinton's great contribution.....calling right wrong
and wrong right.  May God have mercy on our country.  

Monty, Sioux City, IA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:41 PM)

The Emperors New Cloths. It sounds like everyone he met really loved bush's new set of cloths and told him so.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:43 PM)

Bush is a farce.  Talking out of both sides of his mouth again.  Want to end the Jewish occupation of Arab land?  Simple!  Stop feeding them 5 Billion dollars every year and all the advanced weapons they can use, All for free!  The American subsidy to, and arming of Israel is the proximate cause of most of the misery in the middle east, and that's why we are paying a price in Iraq and elsewhere right now!  No one in the middle east is confused on this point and that's why the Bush farce will end in failure.

Pete, Roseburg OR (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:45 PM)

It is unfortunate to read the negative comments about our president and our country. Sounds like a Bush Bash!  It appears as though this was staged and perpetrated by our media.  Who's side are they on ?   US media comes across much worse than Al Jazerra.  Biased, hate filled angry, discouraging, motivated politicaly, can't wait to get my power back.  This type media reporting is sower,risky and apparent. It is anti American and provocative to suicde bombers.

Sal Bucca, Hamilton,NJ (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:49 PM)

IF there is any agreement between the West Bank Palestinians and Israel, it will: 1. not include Gaza, the home of many Palestinians, making it a partial settlement, at best, and 2. it will be because the Israeli's and West Bank Palestinians are tired of war and ready for an agreement, much like the Egyptians and Jordanians. That, and I am sure we will financially "induce" both sides to come to an agreement. It will have NOTHING to do with Bush's "efforts," which are years overdue, to broker a peace agreement between these parties. He's been, and remains, part of the problem and any solution that may be reached will be despite any current efforts and his refusal to engage long before now.

Fred S., Northville, MI (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:55 PM)

I wonder how christians are going to feel if their uber churchy president manages to void "prophecy" by getting Israel to give back Jerusalem.  Personaly I think we should not help any terrorist country.  Israel, Iran, Iraq, Palastine, any country that uses their religion as a nice excuse to kill people should be avoided.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:55 PM)

"The ability to understand a question from all sides meant one was totally unfit for action.  Fanatical enthusiasm was the mark of the real man."  Thucydides, on the eve of decline of Athenian power.

Steve, Louisville, KY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:55 PM)

George II is the evidence that this country needs to run away and hide from any and all political dynasties.  What ever happened to "of, for and by the people..." all we get with this moron and his ilk is of, for and by BIG BUSINESS.  End the madness, end all wars, indict the warmongers, allow all freedom loving people worldwide to live in harmony.  "Land of the free, home of the brave"?  Since when?  Does this win me an all expenses paid trip to Guantanamo, with the watersports package?  Viva Fidel, viva Hugo!

John Doe II, Everwett, Wash. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:56 PM)



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