Bush urges Abbas to show 'political courage'

[barb162]

Bush urges Abbas to show 'political courage'
29 Aug 2005 21:34:28 GMT

Source: Reuters


By Adam Entous

EL MIRAGE, Ariz., Aug 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush stepped up pressure on the Palestinians one day after a suicide bomb attack, urging President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday to show the "political courage" to rein in militants.

Bush called Israel's withdrawal from Gaza the first step toward creating a democracy for the Palestinians. "It took political courage to make that decision," Bush said of the withdrawal of Jewish settlers.

"And now it's going to take political courage by the Palestinians and ... Abbas to step up, reject violence, reject terrorism and build a democracy," he added during a speech in El Mirage, Arizona.

Bush's comments marked an escalation in U.S. pressure on Abbas to begin taking action against militants in response to Israel's withdrawal.

snip
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N29470819.htm

[Brightmore]

1. I found this interesting...

A senior Bush administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issues, said the White House believes that Abbas already has the means to restrain the groups responsible for attacks on Israel.

[newyorican]

2. White House believed...

Iraq had WMD also. Not so interesting.

[barb162]

4. Abbas: his lack of action against Palestinian terrorists

speaks louder than words. If he doesn't want Israeli incursions, then why doesn't he take action against Palestinian militants and terrorists. Should we conclude he really does want incursions? Should we conclude Abbas has no interest in a peaceful two state solution?

[barb162]

3. And this should be way out in the open, shouldn't it.

Does Abbas seems more and more like Arafat every day?