Bush calls Nancy Pelosi's Syria visit 'counterproductive'
U.S. House Speaker greeted by Syrian Foreign Minister Moallem ahead of meeting with President Assad.
By The Associated PressPresident George W. Bush voiced displeasure on Tuesday with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria, calling it counterproductive and saying it sends mixed signals to the government of President Bashar Assad.
Pelosi arrived in Syria on Tuesday afternoon, leading a Congressional delegation on the last leg of a Middle Eastern trip.
"We have made it clear to high-ranking officials, whether they be Republicans or Democrats, that going to Syria sends mixed signals," Bush said to reporters at the White House.
"A lot of people have gone to see President Assad... and yet we haven't seen action. He hasn't responded," Bush told reporters at a Rose Garden news conference.
He said Assad had not reined in violent elements of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah as sought by the international community and had acted to destabilize the democratically elected government of Lebanon.
"Sending delegations doesn't work. It's simply been counterproductive," Bush said.
"So the position of this administration is that the best way to meet with a leader like Assad or people from Syria is in the larger context of trying to get the global community to help change his behavior," he said.
Pelosi, who was met at Damascus airport by Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, is the highest-ranking American politician to visit Syria since relations began to deteriorate in 2003. She is scheduled to meet with Assad on Wednesday.
Earlier Tuesday, media in the Palestinian territories boycotted a meeting Tuesday between Pelosi and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas as part of a wider protest against the Palestinian government's inability to free a kidnapped BBC journalist.
Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, is on a Mideast tour with a delegation of lawmakers, including the first Muslim member of Congress, Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota.
But her meeting with Abbas coincided with the strike journalists called in solidarity with 44-year-old Alan Johnston of the British Broadcasting Corp., who was kidnapped in the Gaza Strip on March 12.
Johnston is the longest-held reporter ever abducted in Gaza. There has been no word on his whereabouts or condition, and no demands have been issued.
"We are very concerned for the fate of our colleague," said Naim Tubasi, head of the Palestinian journalists union.
Eleven journalists have been kidnapped in Gaza over the past three years.
All were released unharmed, most within days of capture. Kidnappers, who usually take hostages to settle scores or demand jobs, are rarely punished, however, which journalists say has encouraged the practice.
Many suspect that members of a powerful Gaza clan took Johnston. But efforts to free him have made little progress.
Pelosi's trip includes stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria.
On Monday, Pelosi shrugged off White House criticism of her coming trip to Damascus, saying she had great hope for reviving relations with Syria and changing its behavior.
Speaking hours after arriving in Lebanon, Pelosi indicated President George W. Bush's administration was singling out her trip to Syria, but ignoring that of other members of Congress.
"It's interesting because three of our colleagues, who are all Republicans, were in Syria yesterday and I didn't hear the White House speaking out about that," Pelosi said, referring to the Sunday meeting of congressmen Frank Wolf, Joe Pitts and Robert Aderholt with Assad in Damascus.
"I think that it was an excellent idea for them to go," said Pelosi, who is due to meet the Syrian leadership on Wednesday. "And I think it's an excellent idea for us to go as well."
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Monday stressed that the Bush administration objects to all visits to Syria.
"We ask that people not go on these trips," Perino said in Washington. "We discourage it. Full stop."
The United States has poor relations with Syria, accusing it of interfering in Iraq and Lebanon and sponsoring terrorists - charges that Damascus denies.
Perino last week described Pelosi's visit to Syria as a really bad idea.
Later Monday, the U.S. State Department disclosed that the Bush administration briefed Pelosi for her trip while publicly criticizing her decision.
Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the briefing did not represent an endorsement of the visit and denied that she carried any message from the Bush government.
"No messages in the sense that this was a trip that was encouraged by the executive branch of the government," McCormack said.
Last year a bipartisan commission known as the Iraq Study Group recommended that the United States launch a new diplomatic initiative with Syria and Iran.
The Bush administration has rejected this but did participate in a March 10 international conference in Baghdad that also included representatives from Iran and Syria.
Perino said the Bush administration believes Syria knows what it needs to do and it sends the wrong message to have high-level U.S. officials going there to have photo opportunities that Assad then exploits.
But Pelosi said she thinks it's a good idea to establish facts, to hopefully build the confidence between the U.S. and Syria.
"We have no illusions, but we have great hope," she said.
In Damascus, a state-run newspaper welcomed Pelosi's visit on Monday, saying that through dialogue a lot of misunderstandings (with the United States) could be removed.
Pelosi, who is leading a congressional delegation on a fact-finding tour of the Middle East, said she would speak to the Syrians about Iraq, their role in the fight against terrorism, their support for militant groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas - whose exiled leaders live in Damascus - as well their role in Lebanon.
Washington has accused Damascus of not doing enough to stop militants from crossing the Syrian-Iraqi border to join the Iraqi insurgency.
A member of the delegation, Tom Lantos, a Democratic representative from California, said the group had no illusions about their visit to Damascus.
"We are going with the clear intention of making our position crystal clear to the Syrian leadership, basically indicating that it is in their interest to return to a position where they can be part of the positive forces in this region and not be in tight alliance with Ahmedinejad's Iran," Lantos said, referring to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
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U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday. (Reuters) |
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she's just a pathetic poser - the gal needed a pic of her rather nice thighs next to that pig in Damascus so she can claim a "breakthrough" in the ME in the next election.. changes nothing, means nothing, matters not.. so what's all the fuss about ? if Olmert & the syrian mini-Me need to chat - they can always ring each other on the cell or e-mail - i don't see any communication obstacle here that requires Nan's intervention.
the Bush Administration's lackey!
When you run out of something to justify Israel's cruel occupation, resort to Holocaustism. Let the Holocaust victims rest in peace! And remind yourself of the bloody minded political Zionists who sought to gain from the Holocaust!!!!
To #22 Oh my, I think you need to educate yourself on world affairs before you speak such nonense. It is obvious you do not understand what our world is facing .... I see absolutely no sense of Pelosi traveling to Syria other than for her own political reasons. I must agree with our President on this one! It is a waste of tax payers money to say the least. She is your hero ... your statement is almost not worth addressing, but in our wonderful, free country there is freedom of speech.
The only one responsible for people starving in Iraq was that miserable vile pig by the name of Saddam Hussein. This is a perfect example of what is the matter with you people...you always have to blame someone else for your problems...you create them and then you cry and blame others. Grow up and lift yourselves out of the cesspool you live in and clean up and then maybe someone will take you seriously. Forget about Jerusalem and stop voting in terrorists and by george you might become decent enough to have serious talks with. And as for that fraud Abbas, the Holocaust denier, he has to go also.
throw stones and choose to ignore the fact that they live in a glass house, get my drift. Regards. Keep blogging. Ballistic.
Look around you, tell me now, who is really in the pathetic position? You have a ridiculous governing body, Hamas, who is demanding foreign aid, which by the way, is a gift from other countries and not an entitlement. Frankly speaking, Syria is between a rock and a hard place. What with the complicity in assassinating Hariri and 22 others and Pierre Gemayal and their affiliation with Iran. Yeah, you're all in just the greatest imaginable position, politically speaking.
You would'nt feel the same way if you were in Israel and have to face such tyrants in the Middle East. More over do you remember the 'clinton' era - it was the time when terror orgs started mushrooming around the world. Of course Clinton was too 'busy' as we all know. Will the Democrats start a another cycle. Bush started the cleanup. He should be supported not criticzed. He is the 'good' uncle we always wanted not the 'bad' one. The one that has 'moral values' and kicks the neighbourhood 'bullies' out. On the other hand you can use your 'freedom' and chose to live with Islamic fundamentalism, men who whip their own women on the streets, execute on tv, blow up innocent men, women and children, were a women has commtted adultery when she is raped. Freedom does not mean we should be have tea with tyrants and fundamentalists.
make it and acheive by bringinh angry people to the reason and reality and make them positive and a part in the Noble goal without warm killing or unjustice then let it be. The rest of the talk is a propaganda and stories that has behind it unoble aganda and goal. Good luck
Since when did the Democrats become 'rebels'? This is counterproductive to America's national security interests and foreign affairs. It is time the Democrats respect their own government before they lose the confidence of the people. They are also showing bad examples to other countries. This is certainly not democracy. It is rebellion. They should be ashamed of themselves when they are shaking hands with the very people who support Islamist-Jihadist terrorists who murdered 250 America Marines in Beirut, are killing American nation-builders in Iraq and blowing Western interests around the world.
Now, you have gone too far! Tom Lantos is a Holocaust survivor! He lived in Hungary during the terrible time brought about by people who wanted to rid the world of Jews. So stop your wild rantings. He has known more of your type of hatred than most of us ever will. I have enjoyed my short visits in Ramallah in the last few years - from a really first-class dinner to an informal al fresco meal at Henny Penny - but I am sure glad I never ran into you.
i guess it only goes well among his croonies and, israel may be! a mojority of us, here in U.S, just dont care about what this stupid says.
A point which cannot be devided in itself must always be one. Bush or Pelosi are one but the method is different. We want peace and why not peace! We should be peacemakers not only for certain group but the whole World. Any single individual has the right to live in peace. If that is possible why try divisions and distortions. No one can have a life without peace.
I am no fan of Pelosi, but at this time, she has more going for her regarding foreign policy than Bush. Bush's policy of guns and not talking has cost us too many lives all because of his lies. He may be the ignorant Commander in Chief, but it is very apparent he, Rice et al are inept in diplomacy - it is a toss up, which are the Republicans worse at, war or diplomacy. Someone else has to take a stand and right now it is Pelosi. War is easy; peace is not.
"Playing" is exactly the correct word.
Theodor said "It is not Pelosi`s place. It is disrespectful of the president`s authority." The Office of President has exactly 1/3 of the authority of the 3 branches of the US gov't. Nancy Pelosi leads the House in a branch that is a co-equal branch of the US gov't. Pelosi has a DUTY under the constitution to provide oversight to the President's foreign relations policies. It is not only her place, it is her constitutional responsibility. Your attitute that Bush leads US foreign affairs as if he were the sole authority, ignores the role and responsibility of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Your opinion runs in direct conflict with the US constitution. Please visit the HCFA website and learn how wrong you are about Bush's sole authority in foreign affairs. And the role of the HCFA to "advise and consent" in all foreign affairs. http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/
The Speaker represents the majority party which represents the majority of Americans. Mr. Bush has what, a 30% approval rating? People here simply don't understand why you can't talk to each other instead of hurling slurs and stones. America's interests are not necessarily the same as Israel's. Get use to it. Talk, make peace, you will not get all you want but stop whining.
See, we agree on one thing, Pelosi is the worst of both worlds.
Who is kidding who here, Pelosi is delivering AIPAC demands and threats to Assad. All she is going to do is REPEAT what Israeli officials have been parroting to ad-nauseam for ages and that is in a nutshell--STOP SUPPORTING PALESTINIAN LIBERATION STRUGGLE, or else--and we know all too well what the or else means--sanctions follow, you are put on a terrorist list written at AIPAC headquarters and followed by a relentless smear campaign airing or published mostly by the controlled Jewish media and everyone knows and have seen this routine and it could end up like Iraq, Palestine or Lebanon, if all these sinister measures don't produce the desired result for the masters at Zion headquarters. I'm sure I could have expressed my views differently to make them more kosher or PC but in a nutshell, we ALL know this is what is going down. Pelosi can score points with the Democratic base, she is defying Bush and score points with AIPAC by delivering ZIONIST DEMANDS. Lantos is along to make sure she follows the script when talking to Assad.
Who else provided a precedent but our own dreaming fools??
"Assad had not reined in violent militant groups ... and acted to destabilize Lebanon". Assad has absolutely nothing to gain by making nice to Bush, but plenty to leverage by being an adversary to arrogant & ignorant neo-con foreign policy. Our "moderate" Arab friends know Rice's hectic travels and photo ops about a non existant peace process are nothing but patronizing. Jesse Jackson went to Damascus and returned with a POW pilot and Reaganites still dont have a clue of how. Pelosi is not making nice to Assad, just putting him on notice that come two years time it may not continue to be in his interests to continue to be devils advocate.
Hi Joe, Yeah this is the same so called American who bragged about his 58 trips to Israel since joining the Congress. Hi interests are not the people of the district he represents and can be seen on tv more times discussing the ME than he can discussing the issues of hi District. One very shallow "Amercan"????.Be nice if he wound up in the AIPAC SPY trials as a defendant.
The hope of the people were that there would be no more wars - full stop - period! The WWII has ended with a powerful demonstration of what one single bomb could do. The evil of all evils had been defeated, the world shrunked, afterwards. If a nuclear bomb was exploded in one part of the planet, radiation fall out would worry people at the opposite end. So many things should be done, in this world, instead of war, and no private organization can cope with the tasks: famine, aids, draught.... Instead... the states have become defensors of the wealthy! And the poor people should be happy with "freedom" of speach and "competitive" enterprise! That is to say the bellies were empty before, and the bellies are empty now, and will be empty in the future. But liberty is for all! GOOD! MF.
"We are going with the clear intention of making our position crystal clear to the Syrian leadership, basically indicating that it is in their interest to return to a position where they can be part of the positive forces in this region and not be in tight alliance with Ahmedinejad's Iran," Lantos said, referring to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." "Positive forces"? As in Israel and America? LMAO I'm telling you folks, Darth Vader would love this character Lantos. He is a bloodsucker who PERSONALLY was behind starving 1 million Iraqi's as he and his AIPAC traitors in Congress worked tirelessly to make sure the sanctions remained after the war ended back in 1992. That's just a small wrap sheet on his long criminal record representing the fine folks at the 12th district in California. He pushed for the current Iraq war and he wants to talk about "positive forces"? I don't know what that is, orwellian speak or Jewish doublespeak, either way, it's pathetic!
My family in Israel lives in Haifa and Jerusalem. Why not show her a place in Israel, which is Haifa, where Jews and Muslims have the best relations. My cousin, a psychologist in Haifa, works with Muslim psychologists and he speaks Arabic. Why not show her these things before she returns to USA. Her visit to Syria may not achieve all or any of the things she expressed before her visit, but there is no denying the things she expressed were excellent and right on the mark.
The democrats are ignoramuses and the majority of Jews keep voting for them. When will they learn.
Pelosi and Clickfool.... what a TEAM !!!!!!!! I will be glad when somebody can see that we have a President who understands the enemy
Yeah, she should run, maybe she will be running down the streets of Syria with a million angry Syrians after her. If they ask for ransom, tell them, don't call us will call you back. And oh, by the way, it will cost you to let her go and ship her by Fed Xpress, we ain't paying!!!!
The only person being disrespectful to the position of The President of the United States of America is George W Bush. Doesn't matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat, nobody in their right mind would begrudge anyone who could possibly persuade Syria to help out in Iraq. Nor would they mind if Syria then turned their backs on Iran. The fact she is number three in the hierarchy might just make the difference, the fact she is not a republican might make all the difference. Personally enough of our young people have died in Iraq already, I want them home.
I love the poor english it just makes the messsage even more clowny! Thanks. Since you don't understand those crazy "Americans" I don't think you qualified to say much. If you want real humor, look at your brothers fighting each other to death. maybe they will exterminate themselves so we don't have to go to a nasty war. Jokes are over buddy, reality is blood in streets!
about the grandstanding. But, I would rather not take her so seriously.
Maybe the Syrians will keep Pelosi, do USA a favor. Your comment on Bush lying, give me a break, answer this; what president using flowery words has not lied? Everyone has "their" opinion of everything. You can always make your side sound good no matter who it is. The beauty of english language, we can tell someone to go to hell and make it seem like you can't wait to go! Remember clinton lying, he made his own truth of convenience? remember Uncle Jimmy, what was he doing in the White House at all? and on and on, blah, blah, blah...Can you find anyone competent anymore? Oh, maybe you? Hee, hee, hee. I love american humor. You mention of Katrina, how is it no one has told the Christians were there with 18 wheelers of food and water thanks? Besides it did not matter who was sitting in the white house when katrina happened, the whole USA is not ready for disaster because americans didn't think anything could happen to them, well, we got our eyes opened didn't we. You and me brother.
At this point in time, I am NOT a big fan of either one, Congress or the Pres. But, I also believe very strongly if anyone is ti visit Syria or Iran and "talk" in order to establish Diplomatic relations it should comprise certain individuals who have a working knwledge of the ME. It should also be a formal gathering. And I made a comment about the last bunch who visited also. I think it has a lotto do with the fact that Syria supports "state condoned assassinations" and Hezbollah. Hard for me to forgive the Marines being blown up while sleeping in their barracks. Very hard. As for the Administration, they just drag their feet over the Israeli/Pal issue as every other administration has done.
Nancy Pelosi was elected from a district in San Francisco, the sister city of Haifa, Israel, from a district consisting of Chinatown, Japantown, Little Italy and the Wharf. She was supported by many women libbers and liberals. She lives in a city of the USA that has been goood to the Jews. They made society there when they could not back in the eastern states. Both Dems and Republicans have liberals and conservatives. San Francisco has always taken care of its homeless people. Some people and cities have more heart. I see she is getting a warm reception from the women in Syria, much like the women in S.F. Maybe that will be her influence, on the women in the middle east. They need good examples to work, study and achieve. Please don't underestimate the good she can do and has done.
Yeah, sewer water
They will probably railroader Pelosi out of town. How much money can I buy you with Assad, smile, smile, will that be in 100 dollars bills or I can get it Euro! Our only hope is that they keep over on their fence. USA will have Syria pay to give her back, so kidnapping won't work on this one!
The Cuba government is anti-US but the Cuban 'Street" loves the US and we love them. Arab governments are anti-US ( except for $$$$handouts) and the Arab Street hates us even more with passion no less - especially as they get none of the money. Prognosis: No hope and the US must do what it must do. Cuban Prognosis: One day Cuba and the US will have diplomatic relations, travel, tourism, etc. And you can add Venezuela after Chavez. Never with Arabs.
Bush is o.k. you know why? clinton was worse. Why? clinton wanted red chinese money so he gave them our military secrets for cash. Also he gave 3 million to North Korea to build a nuclear reactor. That's right, do you see that written anywhere? I don't think so. Then Uncle Billy Bob clinton, adulterer that he is and was scandal. He is a shame and he makes his wife a shame.
Pelosi had to go have a talk with her allies informing them and reassuring them that she will push hard for her country to loose in Iraq as well as in the entire world. Don't worry Al-Qaeda, Pelosi and her party will weaken and destroy the USA on your behalf. Just send money to fund their campaign.
Hey Mario, babe, what goodwill, did I miss something? Honey, Pelosi is for star quality, you don't know Americans well, do you? See her smile, see her wave, I am wearing my ultimate cool clothes for you to see, aren't I a great diplomat? Maybe syrians will keep her, she boss them too, and if they kidnap her they will probably release her because they couldn't stand her either, "get her outta here!" Probably would pay USA to take her back, if not beg us to!
New groupies in charge in the USA and it stinks, corrupt, out for gain to themselves, sloughful, liars, two-faced, deceit, moneychangers under the table. Pelosi is playing what is called, "Look at me, I am the movie star of this week!" See me smile, and shake hands, don't I, I, I, I, look goooood! Maybe the PA, hamas, or hezbollah will keep her, we can hope, can't we. Oh, if they do, don't call us will call you for negiotations!
Well, I guess that all the Americans who own guns legally and are licensed to have them need to read that as well. But, I will be sure to investigate further the Supreme Court case of Miller.
Hate to break it to you...but democracy without guns and bombs is a messy business. Pelosi has a right to do what she wants, especially since Bush has little support, even among Jews. She is not playing to Syria, she is playing to her electorate.
Why wouldn't I, as an Independent, point out how stupid both sides can be? I'm not sure if you understand, but I am not the gung ho Dem or Repub type. I leave that to others. I prefer to do my own thinking. Makes for a more pleasurable political experience. Similar, in fact, to Fred Thompson or Joe Lieberman.
been treated badly, so needed to "stick together", then event like holocaust in europe made jews immgrated to ME and found out they are unwelcomed in Middle east, insisting they have the "right of return"...the UN blessed them the "right of return" without agreement from arabs nations. With support from axis of superpower 1940s, independence were declared..arabs doest approved so they attacked israel, arab lost then another and again. Full with confidents israel thought of a bigger state but was met with resistances by locals. Arabs finally accepts the formation of israel but again with shadowy ambitions, it now tries to be like.."ok very good but its very good, sure, and lets see things more specifically. Lets all good and honest people look into it together"
Congratulations, Clickfool. In Northern Ireland, you *appear* to have solved an internal national conflict. A wholly different matter was Great Britain vs. Nazi Germany, as is now the case of Israel vs. terrorist Arab/Muslim entities. Learn from Neville. You do not appease terrorists.
Everything pro-USA these days is aggresive towards the arabs! The chap is missing the good will! THE ARGUMENTS to convince the Democrats HAVE TO BE CONSTRUCTED, YET! THE IDIOT! Ciao, MF.
had already gone to Syria and whatnot, however, you did NOT hear that hewen cry Bush put out today about it either! He's confused! Iraq Study Group said it was needed. Because of the lies already told, Senators and House members from both parties need to get whatever is being sold to them from the administration from the horses mouth! Yup, they do.
Same old cliches, same old phony trites. Don't you ever get bored?
Talk is good , let them talk rather than killing each other, we are human on this earth and we all going to die , so lets try to live in peace and quite acussign each other
I don't care if she was elected dog catcher and is the millionth in line to the president. It is not Pelosi's place. It is disrespectful of the president's authority. She is meddling and sending terrorists a message of disunity.
So the president of US says no but US house speaker says "u shut up cause lousy", then both argue about do's and dont's without ends. Whos the boss? Mr.Ronald Madonna or Mr.Kentuckyfryingchicks? Though it is entertaining to watch, but i still prefer something like Egypt 2006 or Jordan 2006.
Just a Democratic majority of a very satisfactory size.
I am not big on telling governments what they should do. They need to listen and engage in a dialogue with Syria.
"Appeasement will not pacify a terrorist; it will only delay him and postpone the confrontation." Try talking to "terrorists". We did this in Northern Ireland and now the bombs have stopped going off, there's relative peace and the province is booming economically.
I don't quite agree with that I'm afraid. Nancy Pelosi is an elected official of the House. She is leader of the biggest party within the House. Admittedly she is not quite as important as jane Fonda was in Barberella, but when it comes to the politics of the United States of America, third in line to the presidency means that what she is doing is very important indeed. She may just be the difference between a time of peace or a time of war.
I would suggest that you read the Constitution, because many of your posts seem to suggest that you never have. I carry a copy with me - it's very short and can be carried in a pocket - and constant refreshment is good for the mind.
Gee, your knickers must really be in a twist. As for your snippy retort to me, the subject was - and continues to be - PELOSI's trip to Syria. In fact, three Republican Congressman were in Syria the DAY BEFORE Pelosi went there. How much have you heard about that? And Republicans visiting there does not necessarily mean that they support, in any way, Bush's position. Many Republicans with long, long records of conservatism dislike and distrust the current administration as much as progressives do. That you and I pretty much agree on matters related to Israel does not mean that we need to agree on all other political matters. And I ask - as I have repeatedly on these sites - just what did Bush ever do about the Israel/Palestinian issue until lately when he has lost almost all public support and is faced with a Congress that, at last, will take seriously its Constitutional duty for oversight.
But that's only a downside to those who want war.
She's no different than Jane Fonda going to North Vietnam. She's sticking her tongue out at President Bush, and making a fool of herself while she does it. When nothing worthwhile comes of her meetings (i.e. the kidnapped soldiers are still NOT released) the Democrats will just lose even more credibility. Democrats are loved by terrorist regimes because they are sooooo dreamy in their expectations. Dream on Pelosi. Dream on.
Lynn, read the US supreme court case miller. It says that Americans DON'T have a right to own weapons unless they are a part of a recognized militia. THAT'S what the 2nd amendment says, not all the propaganda you have absorbed from the NRA. Look at http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=307&invol=174 and scroll down to "In the absence of any evidence to show..." and read what the only USSC ruling on the 2nd amendment is. Read the whole thing. It's very informative
Another ridiculous person who believed "Jaw Jaw is better than War War" was Neville "Peace for our time" Chamberlain. Silly Englishman. Appeasement will not pacify a terrorist; it will only delay him and postpone the confrontation.
Listening to Bush at this point is short-sighted. Israel needs to plan for the Post-Bush period. Nancy Pelosi is one of the power-players that has a good chance of emerging as a dominant policy setter in the Post-Bush era. Israel should engage Pelosi and stop pretending that Bush will rule forever. Israel needs to be ahead of US politics before 2009.
If the Democrats take the white house in 2008 (likely) then Israel has much to be concerned about.This is just an example of how things are going to run in the future.We will miss Bush.
is that treasonous Waxman kissing Syrian...rings, and will Nancy strike a pose by a katusha rocket? Just wondering out loud.
"President George W. Bush voiced displeasure on Tuesday with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria, saying it sends mixed signals to the government of President Bashar Assad." Good ole Nancy - one of those ridiculous people who think that "Jaw Jaw is better than War War".
Especially if Pelosi manages to change Syria's stance in Iraq, towards a position where meaningful negotiations could occur with Israel, and of course a Syrian movement away from Iran. That would prove what many already suspect that Bush is an idiot. Talking to America as I did last night there is widespread support for Pelosi, it is almost as if America has decided to completely ignore Bush as irrelevant and do what is right.
Yes he is productive. He is the only one that sticks to his guns against terrorisim and terroist sponsored nations.
stupid!
I have voted Dem and Repub as I always vote for the best candidate for the job. All back Israel because we are allies. That does not mean US will not be an ally of a future Palestinian state....actually a terrorist free Palestinian state or Syria will be an economic ally to the US and will prosper. Peace is the way.
"Pelosi says she can get water from a stone," Yeah but can she get it from a "Wailing Wall." Regards
How counterproductive! This might make it harder to start another war. Despite the hopeless situation, Bush still dreams of a joint war with Israel taking down Syria while he inflicts regime change on Iran with a little 'shock and awe." Watching the Bush Junta now days is like watching the movie "Downfall." The "Leader" is totally out of touch with reality, existing in a bubble, and listening only to sycophants. Everyone knows he's nuts, but no one dare tell him, or admit it to anyone else.
is about as smart and intelligent as saying Saddam was my hero. They both are delusional.
Boring? Leftist? Jackass? which of those? Or maybe you meant the horrible foul Bill of Rights? LMAO!!!! which is the foulest? LEFTIST!!!!!!!!
Who conducts foreign policy? The white house or U.S. House Speaker? This confuses everyone in the ME. Most importantly Pelosi's visit to Syria, presents Assad with the best PR that he could,nt even buy. He will use Pelosi & her visit to show the region that he is not isolated by the U.S. and on the contrary is respected and sought after as a legitimate partner in peace. Pelosi wants to deliver messages to assad (from the U.S. and from Israel) and try and change his behaviour. As I said the House Speaker does not conduct foreign policy the white house does,& Israel can deliver its own message thru its own channels. Unless I am missing something here, I believe that Syria will be the winner in this visit and Pelosi will come across as naive and out of her depth.
Pelosi and the Democrat faction she heads look forward to every USA set back for it's political utility. They practically salivate over US casualties. It is disgusting. To listen to her and her part's spokesmen one would think it is a soap opera they are discussing , not the fate of western civilization
Folks, ya need to get real. The absolute ignorance of the USA is a matter of being politically correct - appointing women into positions of power - and then they come to the Mid-East looking to make gains. Madeleine Albriet, Condelizza Rice, Nancy Pelosi! The Mid-East leaders will smile outwardly - inwardly they will be laughing "what's this woman doing in my face?" Until there is a woman leader of a muslim country, and women don't have to hide their face behind veils, burkas, and can go out of the house alone - unescorted, women will continue to command NO respect!!! Add Hillary Clinton, in the picture should she become president! Bottom Line: Israel should definately look out for themselves (especially since American Jews don't necessarily line up with Israel in their thinking!)
...Shiite. In our government, the president is the one that issues foreign policy, not the Congress. So, contrary to her belief, she has not been elected Her Majesty Queen of The United States of America. Whatever nonsense she says and agrees to, will simply be discarded by the policy makers. Say good night, Nancy.
hate the usa. liberals want to elect one of their own.
Lynn, your foul language is not going to change this world. It only shows that you are out of logical, intelligent ideas.
and turn over safety to the young al-Assad. i feel all warm and fuzzy knowing bashar is spending his every waking moment looking after all our interests. certainly better than baker-bush?
hit the fan and US voters threw out every bum that could be heaved. Pelosi tried for treason?? Bush should be tried for lying, over and over again to the american people. Look at Afghanistan and Iraq and Lebanon!! Time for the americans to take back their gov't and bring our men and women home. Whatever Pelosi and the REPUBLICANS that accompanied her can do is a okay. Our administration is INCOMPETENT in case you haven't noticed. They couldn't even take care of our Katrina victims cause Bush appointed Brown, who was into horses. A complete disgrace!! The next Congress will be MORE Democratic not less and we will have a Dem president; I hope Biden. Regards.
'I think that US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has alot of nerve making nice,nice to Syria. They support Hezbolla to the max. They are on President Bush`s axis of evil...' I'm confused. Weren't you going to give us reasons why Syria is bad?
The Right to Bear Arms gives most Americans access to guns. Read the Bill of Rights.
HOWARD!!!!!!!!! and then RUDD!!!!!!
Not to burst your small bubble, but the Republican Senators beat her there by a few weeks. Didn't you know that?
One does need a sense of humor in these times of tribulation. Gave me a chuckle just to write it. I was there too. Not as young as you might think. :) LOL! Adopted a Vietnamese child out of a refugee camp in Thailand. Have a biological son. 9 grandchildren. My guest room has been used quite frequently for young servicemen and women on leave. Saves them some cash if they need a place to crash. Some of them have served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am expecting one of them in July, stationed in Baghdad. I do know how ugly it can get for all of us. But,in 1867 the very things you describe happened. NYC was set on fire, riots over the war and the draft, the Army of the Republic shot and killed a whole lot of people. Gangs ran Tammeny Hall and the Gov. It took the Army three days to get it under control. My point is this, not much changes, just different people doing the same things. :)
It is such a relief to finally see an intelligent, responsible American representing both U.S. and Israeli interests. No one knows if it will do any good to talk to Syria, but we all know that the alternative -- escalating hostility and provocation -- is only going to lead to more humiliating defeats for Israel like the recent Lebanon War. So I say, Brava, Nancy, kol ha-kavod.
I think she should run for the Presidency some day. We need leaders who know the difference between right and wrong and have the guts to stand up for what they believe in. More power to Pelosi. To all the haters in this forum: You are not better than the terrorists carrying the guns. You use your words to spread hatered and I am not sure if you were given access to guns that you would do any thing different than the terrorists. We humans of this world are lucky that there are leaders like Pelosi who will give real peace not just a chance but also power to actually happen.
to #7 i hope Jesus will forgive you khazers for impersonating jews and claiming the holy land as yours
The ones you should be trying for treason are Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/and all their Neocon Brothers in crime. They have managed to get America 2nd on the list of the worlds most hated and least trusted nations. Guess who is number 1. Iran is on there but not number one. Do the numbers. Treason indeed. Pelosi and others will have to do something to repair the damage that bunch of idiots created. By the way America unlike Israel has a constitution and the speaker is allowed to take fact finding trips.The only mistake was taking that jerk Lantos who is more concerned about Israel than he is about the people of his district in Ca. You have a good day now, ya hear.
Someone should be talking to the Syrians, the Iranians, the North Koreans - preferably G.W. Bush, who purports to be President of the US. We don't need to try to make friends with our friends. But since his ego - or perhaps instructions from G-d - won't let him do that, then the efforts of Pelosi, Ellison, Lantos and company should be supported. I just hope that Pelosi has read Dennis Ross' book. The current Assad may be much like his father.
Short list of Republicans' successes: * Iraq (WMD,etc,etc) * Abandoning Afghanistan and bin Laden * Katrina * Pedophilia with Congressional pages etc. etc. Keep watching Faux News, especially their fantasy segment where they dream of a Republican president and Congress in 2009
If Namcy Pelosi goes to Syria she should be tried for treason. She has no business going to Syria and conducting Foreign Policy.She is a perfect example of a Demoncrat obsessed with power. The Democrats and Liberals think they are doing a good job. When all of the problems they are creating hit the Fan in time for the next election. They all will be at the unemployment office collecting checks because it will be a REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT,VP, AND THEY WILL CONTROLL THE HOUSE AND SENATE. BECAUSE WHEN IT HITS THE FAN IN TIME FOR THE ELECTIONS ALL THE REPUBLICANS WILL HAVE TO SAY IS WE TOLD YOU THIS WOULD HAPPEN.
Some people long for those good old days of their youth. Not me. While I was in high school and in college, Watts in south LA burned along with several other inner cities. The police rioted in Chicago against demonstrators at the Democratic convention. The Ohio National Guard opened fire on students at Kent State U. Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King were murdered, one on TV. Meanwhile, friends from high school were coming home in bodybags from Viet Nam and soldiers and Marines couldn't wear the uniform without be spit on and called "baby killer." They were draftees, mostly. The B of A branch in Santa Barbara was burned (later commemorated by the bank by making the image available to personalize checks). First Johnson and then Nixon decided to overthrow governments (Nixon's was Chile where they killed a bunch of Americans, too). Funny, Bush confidant, Kissinger had the idea to overthrow the Chilean government and accept the Americans killed as a necessary evil.
Al Mathes: if you believe that Pelosi is not in the control of AIPAC, please change your reading habits - she wouldn't have a pee without their approval Try Googling pelosi and palestine
This woman is the biggest joke in the USA! Do us a favor and trade her for the 15 Brits!
America is causing Israel to sink beneath the evil, sick support, given by George Bush's Administration.
what you describe sounds an awful lot like 1867.
but refuss to compromise with terrorist government. At that point Pelosi is converted, puts on a burka, and becomes the third wife of a sheikh in Oman.
We've had 6 years of unbridled, unbalanced and unchecked success in foreign policy under the Bush administration. Israel is at peace. Everybody in the middle east loves the US. Right? North Korea is disarmed and Iran is falling all over themselves to Americanize. Right?
We don't yet have campus riots by students and the National Guard. Cities aren't yet on fire. Today what we have is polite division compared to the late 60s. Bush may act like Nixon, but won't set troops on people. He may have Nixon admirers like Cheney in the administration, but even they must have melowed some. Only 22 monthe left until the long national nightmare is over. The next President's job will be to end the Iraq mess and bring sanity to US foreign policy. Who knows? Maybe the next President will believe that government is supposed to serve the people and be somewhat competent.
I was in Lebanon in 2004 and 2005 respectively. All I heard then from all walks of life and religions was that Rafik Hariri is the biggest crook/thief God had ever bestowed on Lebanon. I dont live there so I dont really know. Then he dies and is the #1 Martyr. That is one TV miracle I watched unfold and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I think that US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has alot of nerve making nice,nice to Syria. They support Hezbolla to the max. They are on President Bush's axis of evil for a reason. And the US House Speaker is trying to finish off the US by making nice to that madman. I know that God is going to judge America for the way its has been treating Israel. And I know that if Hillary Clinton gets elected: Forget it! She will turn America against the Jewish state. And if that happens, God will bring down the curtain on America. What Israel has to do is realize that it does not need America to protect them, It needs Almighty God. And one day Israel will wake up to that.
Saves the day! :) Finally some ratioanle people talking in the region. The middle east will ALWAYS be at war, let us just pray that we can keep it THERE and not in the US. Despite what happened on Sept. 11th, we are doing pretty good, it is, as they say, a manageable level of terrorism and if you live in the country, its just happy times.
Very good! Just one problem. Bush is busy. He will send Cheney!
The USA is as politically divided as I have ever witnessed but at least we're not blowing Nancy Pelosi up with a car bomb. She has every right to be talking to whomever she wishes unless our Constitution changed since I last looked at it. The right to free speech and fulfillment of government's official obligation to provide checks and balances is thank God, still there.
It is easy to stand from affar and make such objective judgements that completely deny any sort of deeper analysis and understanding. The only thing I will bother to comment on is the fact that you paint an image of Rafik al Harriri as a 'hated ruler'. It may be true that certain groups of the population DID not like him as a politician, however, you need to be aware that his legacy has been hijacked and must be dissociated from people's attitudes towards him when he was in office. He was hardly a 'ruler'. He was a leader and a champion of the people. As for a throne being passed down. Any democracy in which multiple parties and strong familial values exist would have dealt with the solution in a similar manner. You stay from affar making ridiculously broad generalizations and enjoy living life in black and white.
She attends a Hezbollah meeting. She is kidnapped. Bush has to save her.
This Saad Hariri is really amazing. He would be no body had his dad not been assasinated. That's why he has to sit next to a large portrait of his dad - just to make sure that people don't forget who he is! A sad story in the Arab world (but the US likes it!). Jordan, Morroco, Syria, and next it will be Egypt where the throne gets handed down to the offspring of hated rulers (not leaders!). As the saying goes: When small men cast a big shadow, it's a sign that the sun is setting!