US President George Bush’s recent visits to Israel, timed to coincide with that country’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and to the World Economic Forum, held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, were meant to consolidate the Middle East peace process. At least, that’s what White House spokespersons tell us. Instead, it served to expose his partisanship like never before.
Whereas the US president’s pro-Israel bias is well-known, during previous visits to this region, he has sought to maintain a flimsy façade of being an honest broker. In the past, he has used diplomatic-speak to persuade major players that he wants the best for all concerned and is sincere about getting the peace process back on track.
On this occasion, he didn’t even bother to keep up the pretence. With only little more than six months left in office, it seems he’s decided to reward his Christian Zionist base with a vivid display of his true colors.
His speech, last Thursday, before the Israeli Knesset will arguably go down in history as the most sycophantic ever delivered by a US president to an allied nation. More than praise, the president’s words were adoring, even worshipful.
He thrust the state of Israel on a pinnacle of democracy, liberty, justice and respect for human rights. He assured its people that Americans would stand by them no matter what, condemned their enemies as anti-Semitic lovers of violence and labeled US politicians who would talk with Hamas or Hezbollah as naïve appeasers. He regretted that former Israeli President Ariel Sharon — dubbed ‘the Butcher of Beirut’ throughout the Arab world — was unable to join in the celebrations. Most crucially, he told Israeli lawmakers that Jews are the ‘chosen people’ to whom Israel was promised and assured them that Americans would make certain it remained theirs in perpetuity.
Bush saw fit to ignore the Palestinians during the Israel leg of his trip. They were barely mentioned in his speeches and, this time, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was ignored although they did meet up a few days later in Sharm El-Sheikh, the venue for the World Economic Forum.
By all accounts, it wasn’t a particularly happy reunion. Indeed, Abbas appeared despondent promising to quit his post if the peace process does not significantly advance within six months. He admitted he was unhappy with Bush’s speech before the Knesset and said he asks only that America maintains a modicum of neutrality and respects the legitimate rights of Palestinians.
Bush assured him of his absolute commitment to a Palestinian state, saying “It breaks my heart to see the vast potential of the Palestinian people really wasted. They’re good, smart, capable people that, when given a chance, will build a thriving homeland.” If Abbas wasn’t completely convinced he can be forgiven.
Just days earlier Bush had condemned the United Nation for passing resolutions against Israel in solidarity with Palestinian rights and reassured Israel, routinely criticized for its military excesses, that every nation has a right to defend itself. “No nation should ever be forced to negotiate with killers pledged to its destruction,” he told Israeli lawmakers. Bush may have been feted in Israel, especially by right-wing politicians, who could hardly believe their luck at discovering an ally who is more committed to Zionism than even they are, but it was a very different story in Egypt. Once again, Bush chucked diplomatic-speak and chose, instead, to sternly lecture Arab delegates on democratic political reform, religious tolerance, and treatment of political prisoners, with his harshest comments. He forgot that Hamas was fairly and freely elected before being labeled “terrorist.” He forgot that his own soldiers in Baghdad have been using the Holy Qu’ran as target practice, and when it comes to political prisoners still being held in his Guantanamo gulag without trial he’s developed convenient amnesia.
Bush also called for the “pushing back” of countries he termed “spoilers” such as Iran and Syria and asked all countries in the region to confront Hamas “which is attempting to undermine efforts at peace with acts of terror and violence.”
And incredibly he sung the praises of those marvelous examples of democracy and freedom in action — Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, delegates had a hard time suppressing their laughter too. Lastly he warned oil producing countries to diversify their economies before their precious resource runs out and told them “nations like mine are aggressively developing alternatives.” Interestingly, this comment came on the heels of his visit to Saudi Arabia where he had appealed unsuccessfully for increased oil production in order to bring down prices.
Needless to say, instead of standing ovations he received sparse polite applause while some delegates chose to walk out. By all accounts the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was disappointed at the lack of progress toward a Palestinian state.
One thing is certain: Bush hasn’t won any new friends or positively influenced anybody in this part of the world with the exception of Israelis still basking in the warm glow of his unconditional adoration.
Stunned Arab delegates were left with this parting thought from Bush. “Israel will be celebrating its 120th anniversary as one of the world’s greatest democracies — a secure and flourishing homeland for the Jewish people...” So there you are. Like it or lump it that’s his bottom line. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it!
