Bush Reaches Out to Palestinians After Vote

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush said on Sunday that the United States stands ready to help the new Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, as he faces up to critical post-election challenges combating militants and carrying out reform.

Congressional aides said Bush is considering a proposal to boost U.S. aid to the Palestinians this year by $200 million -- a more than twofold increase -- to help Abbas prepare for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.

The U.S. money is expected to be tied to Palestinian efforts in stopping violence and carrying out reforms.
...
"The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their aspirations," he added.
Bush held up the "largely free and fair" Palestinian presidential election as "further proof" that people in the Middle East want democracy.
...
Condoleezza Rice, Bush's nominee to replace Powell, is expected to visit Europe soon after her Senate confirmation to help coordinate Middle East peace efforts, officials said.
She is also considering making a trip early in the year to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in the region, said sources close to the discussions.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=S5NBZNM2JEWZKCRBAE0CFFA?type=politicsNews&storyID=7274445&pageNumber=1

[Just Me]

1. His cabal has the trademark, patent and copyright on "secrecy".

They just don't know when,..,...to shut the fuck up.

[raifield]

2. Amazing opportunist spin there...

Bush held up the "largely free and fair" Palestinian presidential election as "further proof" that people in the Middle East want democracy.

Palestinian election as Iraq invasion justification? Sorry, I'm simply not buying it. I want to know what the original proof was if this is 'further proof'. The fact that election offices are being destroyed in Iraq tends to be further proof that you can't build a democracy at gunpoint, but hey, what do I know?

[madrchsod]

4. free and fair

not "largely". from what i have read from the world reports there were problems but nothing that unusual for the area and times. of course the people of the middle east would like to chose their government,that`s why they are killing us to get us the fuck out of iraq. no government in the world cares what bush says-

[madrchsod]

3. let me see.... now who was there....could have been

JIMMY CARTER? were there others? maybe-JOHN KERRY?..and who was there from the government of the united states? anyone know?..

[whirlygigspin]

5. and once again,

You can get correct exit polls in occupied territories but you can't get them right in the USA?

-think about it.

[rodeodance]

6. yes, I hread all the cable news report on the exit polls today.

[YvonneCa]

7. SMILE!!!!!

:-) :) :) :-)

[comradebillyboy]

8. free and fair by repuke standards

one candidate. woo hoo

any non approved candidates are dead or in prision

the israeli's now have a compliant stooge, and abbas can now start fattening up his swiss bank accounts

as usual the pals are fucked

[LynnTheDem]

9. Gaza soap factory worker: "Americans elected a moron".

Gaza soap factory worker Manar an-Najar told Reuters:

"We don't need the Americans' intervention. We know who to elect. Not like them -- they elected a moron."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=638&e=2&u=/nm/20050105/en_nm/people_palestinians_gere_dc

Forget "reaching out" to them, bush. They, like the rest of the entire world, had your number long ago.

[Name removed]

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