Bush with Berlusconi (AP)
That it is, but does he really know who the enemy is? Does he really understand the sources of Islamic radicalism? Does he know why democracy is not being welcomed enthusiastically in Iraq? I appreciate the President’s refreshingly strong stand against terrorism, but I think as a nation we still have not gotten to the heart of the matter.
From AP:
ROME – President Bush is appealing to a new generation of Europeans and Americans to pull together on Iraq and said Saturday that the war against terror “is the challenge of our time.”
The president spoke at a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, one of his strongest allies in Iraq. Yet, Bush’s itinerary in Italy “” and later in France “” represented a fresh reminder of the divisions on this side of the Atlantic.
Bush brushed off big demonstrations in Rome against his visit. “Democracy’s a beautiful thing,” he said. ” I am pleased to be in a country where people are allowed to express their opinion. I believe the world understands the importance of a free Iraq emerging in the Middle East.”
Acknowledging differences among allies over the war, Bush said, “Now the world understands the importance of working with Iraqis” to encourage the development of a free society.