Bush Gaza Crisis Response: Let Obama Handle It

[babylonsister]

Bush Gaza Crisis Response: Let Obama Handle It


MATTHEW LEE | January 2, 2009 03:04 PM EST | AP


WASHINGTON — With time running out on the Bush presidency, the administration seemed increasingly ready Friday to let the crisis in Gaza fall to President-elect Barack Obama. Although aides to President George W. Bush insisted they are still working hard to secure a "durable and sustainable" cease-fire _ even as their influence wanes with less than three weeks on office _ they all but ruled out a more direct approach and stood behind Israel, squarely blaming Hamas militants for the latest flare up in Mideast violence.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice briefed Bush on developments in Gaza, where intensifying rocket fire from Palestinian militants has elicited days of punishing air strikes by Israel, and she continued furious telephone diplomacy to arrange a truce. Yet, she said she had no plans to make an emergency visit to the region.

There have been growing calls for Rice to intervene with Israel in person amid rising international concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Her decision to stay away will likely disappoint those calling for a more robust U.S. role, particularly as French President Nicolas Sarkozy intends visit the region next week.

In recent days, U.S. officials had said that a Rice trip to the Middle East, as a first stop on a long-planned visit to China next week, was under consideration. But those officials said Friday that Rice would stay in Washington. They spoke on condition of anonymity because an announcement is not expected before the weekend.


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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/02/bush-gaza-crisis-response_n_154893.html

[47of74]

1. Well, F you too Mr. Bush!

If that's going to be your attitude Mr. President, I have only one thing to say to you;

F you too, Mr Bush!

[gulliver]

2. Bush doing nothing about the I/P conflict? Wha? n/t

[babylonsister]

3. Nope. He's practicin' up on his retirement. Or SOP. nt