Sixty years of Western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe -- because in the long run, stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment, and violence ready for export. And with the spread of weapons that can bring catastrophic harm to our country and to our friends, it would be reckless to accept the status quo. (Applause.)
Therefore, the United States has adopted a new policy, a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East. This strategy requires the same persistence and energy and idealism we have shown before. And it will yield the same results. As in Europe, as in Asia, as in every region of the world, the advance of freedom leads to peace. (Applause.)
We can all look forward to US pressure to ensure that Israel observes human rights in the Occupied Territories and that Egypt releases members of the Islamic opposition from jail and lets them run for parliament.
I notice Human Rights Watch has some recommendations for both Egypt and Israel.
On the other hand, cynics might see this as yet another Bush speech that says a lot but has absolutely zero, zip, nada results in action or programs. I say let the cynics bark, Bush's phone calls demanding action on human rights to Mubarak and Sharon will give them the lie.
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