The Emirates Palace hotel, site of President Bush's address today on freedom. Photos by Mark Silva and updated with speech
by Mark Silva
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – President Bush, standing in the heart of the oil-rich and monarchic Gulf states with a direct appeal for freedom and democracy, called on Arab allies to stand with the United States against the perceived threat posed by Iran.
"Today, your aspirations are threatened by violent extremists,'' Bush told an invited audience in the theater of the most opulent hotel in the world. "These extremists have hijacked the noble religion of Islam… They hate freedom, and they hate democracy.
"“Iran is today the world’s leading state sponsor of terror,'' Bush told his audience. "It sends millions of dollars to extremists around the world, while its own people suffer… at home.’’
Iran finances the militant Islamic organization of Hamas, the Palestine Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, Shia militants in Iraq, the president said. "It seeks to intimidate its neighbors with ballistic missiles and bellicose rhetoric…. Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere.
Bush was delivering his signature speech of his Middle East tour today -- pressing a message of democracy and economic advancement. And he could have not chosen a more opulent public setting for this address aimed at an audience of Arab leaders in an oil-enriched region: The Emirates Palace Hotel, where Bush is staying, a $3-billion edifice erected by the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“I am honored by the opportunity to stand on Arab soil and speak to the people of this region,'' Bush said in the opening of his address. And then the president spoke directly of the threat which Iran poses to this region and the world.
The White House says the 302-room hotel is the costliest hotel ever built, with much of the interior décor marble and gold. A senior administration official says this is a fitting place to talk about democracy and economic developmen.
The White House also maintains that the president’s address here represents his most significant public statement in the region – the apex of an eight-day tour of the Middle East in which Bush is not only promoting his vision of a lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, but also exhorting Arab leaders to support continuing pressure against Iran so long as it is developing nuclear power.
Host: Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The president was delivering an appeal that reached far beyond this gilded room.
"Today, I would like to speak directly to the people of the Middle East,'' Bush said.
"To the Palestinian people, the dignity and sovereignty which is your right is within your reach… To the people of Israel, you know that peace and reconciliation with your neighbors is the best path to longterm stability... To the people of Iraq, you have made your choice for democracy and you have stood firm in the face of… murder.
"“To the people of Iran, you are rich in culture and talent, you have the right to live under a government that listens to your wishes… unfortunately, your government denies you these opportunities and threatens the peace and security of your neighbors….
"When the day comes… you will have no better friend than the United States…
"To the leaders of the Middle East who are fighting terrorists across the region,'' he said. "Show the Iraqis that you support them… The best way to defeat the extremists in your midst is by opening your society...
"Finally, to the people of the Middle East, we hear your cries for justice.. The United States will stand with you.’’
“My friends, the future of liberty stands before you,'' Bush said. "It is your right, it is your dream, and it is your destiny.''
Bush received a standing, but decidely polite ovation here.
Bush faced a welcoming reception, and a ceremonial sword dance, at his first stop in the region: The trading post and Gulf port of Bahrain, which serves as home for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. A government minister in an interview there said Bahrain fully supports Bush’s push for peace in the Middle East, and also supports sanctions against Iran – while advising the U.S. to avert “saber-rattling’’ in its public pronouncements about Iran.
The ruler of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who met and dined with Bush, called the American’s initiative in the Middle East “a historical opportunity’’ for “the realization of your vision for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, side-by-side with Israel, at a time such a vision being demanded by word’s conscience…. We are hopeful that these aspirations will be realized.’’
The atrium of the world's costliest hotel, Abu Dhabi
But as Bush presses deeper into the Gulf region, starting here in the U.A.E and moving on to Saudi Arabia, he will face greater resistance to the U.S. stance on Iran – with the Bush administration acknowledging that it has a lot of explaining to do here about its insistence that Iran poses a peril to the region, after the release of a National Intelligence Estimate which concluded that Iran had shelved its development of nuclear weaponry four years ago.
The president also arrived here on the heels of an averted confrontation between U.S. Naval vessels and Iranian speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, the U.S. said that one of the Iranian boats threatened the U.S. ships by radio, but now the Defense Department acknowledges that the source of the radio transmission threatening an explosion is not certain.
Bush had breakfast with U.S. sailors in Bahrain, but did not mention the Hormuz incident, according to his spokeswoman. Yet “all of the people in the military remember what happened has in the past,’’ said Press Secretary Dana Perino, alluding to the attack on the U.S.S. Cole.
In the president’s meeting with Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander of the Fifth Fleet, Bush didn’t say too much about the episode, she said, but Cosgriff offered his account of it and “the vice admiral said they take it deadly seriously.’’
The one difficulty of an assignment like this is having to leave before there is a chance to ask folks such as the ones below what they thought of the president's address.
The president was staying here for the night. But off we went -- though your designated pooler wil be returning here for the evening, to cover the president on through Dubai and then to Saudi Arabia.
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Comments
Wow what a beautiful place...I need to get out more!
Posted by: lochnessmonster | January 13, 2008 7:39 AM
Puhleeze!
Don't you mean, "Bush: Advancing American Hegemony in the oil-rich Gulf?"
Posted by: agapi | January 13, 2008 9:10 AM
It's too bad Sibel Edmonds has been gagged under the States Secrets Privilege- I'm sure she'd enjoy commenting on this article. But she did risk prison in order to tell the London Sunday Times a part of her story- For sale: West’s deadly nuclear secrets
I can't imagine why American newspapers seem to be showing such a lack of interest.
Posted by: WeCanChangeTheWorld | January 13, 2008 9:27 AM
its about time he said something that made sense. its true but we will have a long hard time with these people in trying to convince them that iran is a danger to them. till isreal gives them there dirt we have no creditability in the area look it all falls on the isreal does not everyone see that
Posted by: southside fan | January 13, 2008 9:33 AM
"“To the people of Iran, you are rich in culture and talent, you have the right to live under a government that listens to your wishes… unfortunately, your government denies you these opportunities and threatens the peace and security of your neighbors…......
And to the people of America,.....DITTO!!!!
WHAT a MAMMOTH hypocrite on a GLOBAL/UNIVERSAL scale.
siri
Posted by: siri | January 13, 2008 9:37 AM
Can't the Trib hire a photographer... or at least use a good freelancer?
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 9:51 AM
I have spent lot of time in UAE does not take long to catch on --- only one issue and one problem in middle-east - just one
getting a homeland for Palestine - that's why we have tension and terrorism - Bush does not get it -- going on about how bad other Arab countries like Iran are to an Arab audience buys US nothing in mid-east - they are family - maybe bad family but still family.
Iran and UAE best of friends and best to use that behind the stage.
He should focus on one thing in his public speeches if any chance to make progress as a world leader -- how do we get Palestine a home. That's what everyone cares about. Blood is thicker than water especially in the Gulf. Seems like George always has to be tough guy - My view likely right now to encourage more aggressive terorist activity -
What a setback
Posted by: John Stevens | January 13, 2008 10:05 AM
MJ,
I like the Silva travelogue snapshots from inside the Presidential "bubble" and I prefer them to staged/posed, scrubbed, and edited photos -- they give background that we wouldn't have otherwise.
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | January 13, 2008 10:26 AM
Here we go again.............liberty,democracy, blah...blah...blah.
Enough already!!!!
Posted by: catherine | January 13, 2008 10:33 AM
"“To the people of Iran, you are rich in culture and talent, you have the right to live under a government that listens to your wishes… unfortunately, your government denies you these opportunities and threatens the peace and security of your neighbors…......
And to the people of America,.....DITTO!!!!
WHAT a MAMMOTH hypocrite on a GLOBAL/UNIVERSAL scale.
siri
Oh give me a break! If you tried to state this opinion in a newspaper or public forum in Iran (or many other countries), you would be arrested; if not worse.
Additionally, we (America) may not like our current leadership, but that will soon change next year. Then, the conservatives can complain for four or eight years about the lame leadership. The point is, we can make changes in America (even if we have to wait); the people in many other countries cannot.
Yes, America- even Illinois and Cook County- may have some really bas leaders right now, but hopefully enough people can see what is happening and "vote the bums out".
You are lucky to live in a country with such freedom. If you do not like it, find a candidate who supports your opinion and get them elected or move to another country. You are free to do so.
Posted by: Natasha | January 13, 2008 11:09 AM
Here we go again. How do you know George Bush is lying? His lips are moving! Remember what George Bush once said, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, er, we won't get fooled again." He really did say that! LOL Hey, I didn't vote for him!
Posted by: Jim | January 13, 2008 11:14 AM
My god, this reads like something out of the Onion! Hilarious and scary at the same time. W is either incredibly stupid or thinks the American people are.
Posted by: x-wizard | January 13, 2008 11:30 AM
It seems that Bush wants to get us into another war in the middle east. Iranian leadership may be bad people who threaten their neighbors and Isreal but that does not mean another preemptive strike and another war,
Posted by: Alan Schwartz | January 13, 2008 11:36 AM
MJ,
Don't be hatin.'
Mark Silva is a better than most shutterbug.
Posted by: Doug Zook | January 13, 2008 11:40 AM
Bush at a silver and gold palace in the heart of oil country. What better place for him to show the world what he values most.
Posted by: JLE | January 13, 2008 11:44 AM
Let the fear mongerin' begin!! God, I hate this president! He is the most unless piece of junk on earth! Impeach yourself already!
http://www.nwburbs.net
Posted by: Rob | January 13, 2008 12:11 PM
Kenny B:
This is way off subject, but good photography is not about being "staged/posed, scrubbed, and edited" but about --
1) Getting a decent exposure and/or knowing how to post-process a bad exposure.
2) Getting shots that are relevant, that illustrate the story or somehow add to the story.
These shots fail on both counts.
Nothing personal, but Silva ain't exactly Weegee.
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 12:37 PM
Which one of the Republican candidates wants to continue the GW Bush legacy, continuing the positive contributions he has made to our country? They never really discuss it....
Posted by: Smirky McFlightsuit | January 13, 2008 12:47 PM
Oh come on, give it up dubyah! I wish he would just sit in the oval office for the remainder of his term and just pick his nose. The sad thing is 51% of the general public is going to guy into this, again...
Posted by: Jaybo | January 13, 2008 1:00 PM
MJ,
I was sayin' I like the Silva travelogue -- which is perfect for a blog. It's got a "You are There" sorta appeal. Not the highly polished/edited/staged crap the AP, for one, distributes for mass consumption.
'nuff said.
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | January 13, 2008 1:03 PM
Mark I ALWAYS enjoy the photos from your get-a-ways. They do add a backdrop you ordinarily don't get from reading "today, in (country) the president _____ ." They are informal sight seeing photographs not bent on telling any story, just give you some idea of the stay- what you saw. They offer an impromptu look into the world of people who do your job as you do it. It's not glamorousness, your not out to impress us as a tour guide. You offer us a chance to see what you see. That counts for something in my book.
Posted by: i like them | January 13, 2008 1:25 PM
I guess a man-made continent built by Dubai isn't relevant to a discussion of UAE oil-funded opulence since my comment doesn't seem to be getting posted.
Posted by: Da' Buffalo In The Midst | January 13, 2008 1:47 PM
I have spent lot of time in UAE does not take long to catch on --- only one issue and one problem in middle-east - just one
getting a homeland for Palestine - that's why we have tension and terrorism - Bush does not get it -- going on about how bad other Arab countries like Iran are to an Arab audience buys US nothing in mid-east - they are family - maybe bad family but still family.
Iran and UAE best of friends and best to use that behind the stage.
He should focus on one thing in his public speeches if any chance to make progress as a world leader -- how do we get Palestine a home. That's what everyone cares about. Blood is thicker than water especially in the Gulf. Seems like George always has to be tough guy - My view likely right now to encourage more aggressive terorist activity -
What a setback
Posted by: John Stevens | January 13, 2008 1:50 PM
Well OK, i guess there's something to be said for the tourist's crude snapshot.
As for Bush's remarks:
"They hate freedom, and they hate democracy" could just as well be said about the House of Saud. Furthermore, nobody fans the flames of jihadism more than the powers-that-be in Saudi Arabia. It suits them to funnel the anger of their population away from themselves and towards the West.
And Bush is correct in pointing out the self evident danger to the region and the world posed by Iran. Unfortunately after the last seven years he's just the boy who cried "wolf".
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 1:55 PM
Kenny B,
Dont pay too much mind to MJ.
I used to have a GF named MJ and I never could seem to please her either...
The Smirk
Posted by: Smirky McFlightsuit | January 13, 2008 2:32 PM
As for Bush's remarks:
"They hate freedom, and they hate democracy" could just as well be said about the House of Saud. Furthermore, nobody fans the flames of jihadism more than the powers-that-be in Saudi Arabia. "It suits them to funnel the anger of their population away from themselves and towards the West."
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 1:55 PM
All true. What a mess!!!
Posted by: Bush Family Value$ | January 13, 2008 2:38 PM
Dear photo critic,
Your correspondent snapped shots on the run through a hotel en route to a speech and posted them from his laptop during the speech, and didnt have much time for Photoshop. So sorry you have nothing better to do than criticize one's efforts to share the scene with one's readers.
Posted by: mark silva | January 13, 2008 2:38 PM
I guess since Prez Chimpy is over sea's he thinks people will buy into his BS fearmongering.
Posted by: John E | January 13, 2008 2:47 PM
Mark, I like your pictures.
Don't listen to Juanito...I mean Leo T...I mean anonymous...wait a minute, what does he call himself now?
Oh yeah, "MJ".
Posted by: John E | January 13, 2008 3:08 PM
comment by natasha:
Additionally, we (America) may not like our current leadership, but that will soon change next year. Then, the conservatives can complain for four or eight years about the lame leadership. The point is, we can make changes in America (even if we have to wait); the people in many other countries cannot.
Yes, America- even Illinois and Cook County- may have some really bas leaders right now, but hopefully enough people can see what is happening and "vote the bums out".
natacha, i wish i could share your optimism, ...the actions of the bush administration has changed our reputation... hostile foriegn policy and the crusade to save countries, and impose 'democracy' has been met with resentment and contempt. bushs grand speech at the emerates was met with great criticism from our once ally.
not to mention democracy in our own nation. with partison politics that has paralised our government and it's ability to function with it's mechenisms of oversite. our own govenment is in dysfunction.
with regards to bush, it will take decades to clean up bush's mess, and regain the respect of other nations. bush's is quick to 'label' nations and leaders as evil and try to rally against them. Iran is an Iraq all over again. i firmly believe that Iran can be dealt with diplomaticaly. it starts by 'recognising' the nation, by showing mutual respect.
we create our own monsters, it's called a 'self fulfiling prophesy.
in all, bush's actions will take decades to rectify, and will be viewed in history as a colosal dissaster, we will eventually need to publicly acknowledge this.
Posted by: mitch | January 13, 2008 3:37 PM
I get a laugh out of Bush. I want to hear more about the freedom of the Middle East. Iran has elections. Saudi Arabia has none as do most of our other allies in that region. Furthermore listening to his speech, I would be insulted if I were a Middle East leader listening to Bush tell me how things were supposed to be.
Posted by: LES | January 13, 2008 3:43 PM
My goodness, Silva we're touchy today, aren't we?
Anyway glad you "shared the scene" with us. Now we know that the Middle East has parking lots and guys in long white robes.
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 4:15 PM
I thought the photo critic kinda missed point. Did I forget to mention what a terrible president George Bush is???
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | January 13, 2008 4:22 PM
Bush advancing freedom agenda. I think not!
Posted by: Bush/Cheney/Impeach/Imprison | January 13, 2008 4:43 PM
MJ,
Congrats.
You are now a member of the RNC Gadfly Bruce committee of non-relatavism.
Give yourself a big YAWN.
Posted by: Doug Zook | January 13, 2008 5:33 PM
Like he warned us of WMD's in Iraq. NOT! Can anyone actually believe this idiot anymore? He has absolutely no creditability except for the people of the US who are scared to go out at night. He wants to put US policy and interests in every middle eastern country under the prose of democracy and freedom. What a joke. Like America is free; taxes, Homeland Security, ticky tack senseless laws ect. Do us all a favor Bush. Stay home, it's embarrassing to have you running around the globe representing us!
Posted by: Michele Kenney | January 13, 2008 5:36 PM
"Can anyone actually believe this idiot anymore?"
Posted by: Michele Kenney | January 13, 2008 5:36 PM
You proved my point. This idiot happens to be right about Iran being a threat, but he has lost all credibility... he's the boy who cried "wolf".
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 7:05 PM
Doug Zook,
I assume you meant "non-relevantism"... YAWN.
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 7:16 PM
Bush has been Israel's greatest president.
Posted by: MjB | January 13, 2008 7:20 PM
Actually, the word should be "irrelevancy".
Posted by: MJ | January 13, 2008 7:51 PM
For Bush to even mention, let alone promote his propagandistic "Freedom Agenda" or 'Democracy Agenda', would be like Hitler and Goebbels promoting a 'freedom agenda' and pointing to 'Vichy France' as a sterling example of what the Nazi Empire has been able to achieve.
Bush and Cheney have done more to forward the interests of the global corporatist Empire hiding behind this facade of 'Vichy America' than any regime in history.
Posted by: Alan MacDonald | January 13, 2008 9:36 PM
The windshield cowboy speaks. I wish he would serve out his term hiding in Crawford. What a retard!
Posted by: Huckabee Schmuckabee | January 14, 2008 6:06 AM