Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., January 10, 2008 Shvat 3, 5768 | | Israel Time: 18:25 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

U.S. President George W. Bush and PM Ehud Olmert (right) arriving for a joint press conference following their meeting at Olmert's residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday. (AP) Last update - 11:08 10/01/2008 ANALYSIS: Bush visit gives Olmert a pre-Winograd respite By Yossi Verter, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: George Bush, Uri Lupolianski  When President George W. Bush gets to the door of Air Force 1 on Friday and waves us good-bye, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will look longingly at him, as if to say, "Please stay by my side until January 30, when that Winograd report lands on me!" Those few short moments of joy that Olmert experienced, as the first prime minister in a decade to host an American president in office, will be only a sweet memory next week, as Olmert stands alone to face the countdown to, and the flood of speculation surrounding, the most important moment in his campaign for political survival, when the "tribal council" - the Winograd Committee - releases its report. Meanwhile, Bush's first day here can be summarized as schmaltz at its best, from the tykes that performed at the President's Residence to the prime minister's performance of self-doubt at the joint press conference. Advertisement The flood of compliments Olmert showered on Bush - rather a failure as president who entangled his country in an unnecessary war - left him almost breathless. Even Bush seemed a little amused. He did not know he was all those things. But that embarrassment was nothing compared to the shock on his face when he wandered into the miniature children's festival that Shimon Peres had arranged. When will we be weaned off those "Hava Nagilas?" and "Havenu Shalom Aleichems?" Why does the President's Residence believe that a reception for an American president who comes here an average of once every 15 years must look like a First Fruits festival at a kibbutz kindergarten? Is that the reception he gets in Britain, France or Germany? Constant live updates, excited reports of every traffic jam, every word said or not said? It is doubtful, and we so want to look like those countries. One of the heights of the grotesque broadcasts Wednesday was when Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski met Bush at the King David Hotel. "The president told me," Lupolianski reported proudly, "that he was impressed by the cleanliness of the city." Please. The streets along which the presidential motorcade traveled had been scrubbed until they sparkled. Let us see Bush pop over for a look at one of the streets that is not along the "sterile route." Another defining moment came at the reception at Ben-Gurion International Airport. When it was over, the media reported that Bush had discussed their status in the coalition with ministers Avigdor Lieberman and Eli Yishai. The person most surprised to hear this was Bush's translator - Olmert, who heard not a shred of political-coalition dialogue. If that is the report of a 30-second exchange on a windswept tarmac, it will be interesting to see what is reported Thursday, after the ministers get quality time with the president at dinner at the prime minister's residence, invitations to which also became a reason for our ministers to do battle. Related articles: The Bush visit in numbers Bradley Burston / Mr. Bush, you were born to make peace ANALYSIS: Bush can spur peace talks, but can't solve Gaza issue Bush urges clear outline for a Palestinian state Bookmark to del.icio.us   'Bush go home' Israeli Arab parties join leftist protests against the Bush visit. Peace overture Syria says it isn't seeking a military solution with Israel.   1.   The only thing missing was a cigarette 04:10  |  Michael N 10/01/08   2.   Peace process 04:46  |  Bruce 10/01/08   3.   respite for olmert 04:50  |  marcel 10/01/08   4.   analysis a bore 04:54  |  adam 10/01/08   5.   Oh please, Yossi Verter, the reception for the U.S. President was 05:41  |  Smadar 10/01/08   6.   DOWN with PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION!!!! 07:41  |  Yaakov 10/01/08   7.   What`s it got to do with Winograd? 10:14  |  Esther 10/01/08   8.   Silly negative article - Bush looked like he loved the kids 10:19  |  redmike 10/01/08   9.   The sound of early elections 11:16  |  Natallie Durson 10/01/08   10.   Throw Da Bum Out! 11:48  |  Natan 10/01/08   11.   I`m sure that nice Mr Landau never said that 12:48  |  Rowan Berkeley 10/01/08   12.   The eternal wail 13:54  |  Goldberg 10/01/08   13.   #11- Mr Landau ? 18:09  |  redmike 10/01/08

Today Online Bush: I believe we will reach peace deal by the end of 2008 Responses: 204 Libya thwarts Security Council censure of Shlomi missile strike Responses: 74 Shavit: If they want a state, Palestinians must undergo ideology change Responses: 116 W. Bank Palestinians brace for visit by 'that criminal' Bush Responses: 51 Rosner's Domain What does "change" mean for Israel? How many states between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates? (WTR) New poll: Who is the candidate that will have better policies for Israel? Rosner's Guest: Israel at present is not a light unto the nations Rosner's Mailbox: Anti-Semites within Ron Paul's camp More Headlines 18:21 Bush: Palestinian state is solution to refugee issue 16:18 Israeli envoy to U.S.: All options are on the table regarding Iran 18:10 Manchester United invited to play during Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations 13:56 ANALYSIS: Palestinians believe Bush won't pressure Israel 18:23 Book on Greek-Jewish roots of Sarkozy goes on sale in Greece 14:26 British magazine names Israeli model Bar Refaeli 'Body of 2008' 15:24 Montenegro air base that played role in Israel's birth under threat 14:13 Ministers to present PM list of Palestinians to free for Shalit 15:55 From Amsterdam to Tel Aviv: Israel's 2nd city promotes bicycling Previous Editions Select Day 09 jan 08 jan 07 jan 06 jan 04 jan 03 jan 02 jan 01 jan 31 dec 30 dec 28 dec 27 dec

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