    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 5, 2008]
    [Pages 19-20]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    January 5, 2008

        Good morning. On Tuesday, I will board Air Force One and depart for
    a trip to the Middle East. This is a region of great strategic
    importance to the United States, and I'm looking forward to my visit.
        My first stops will be in the Holy Land, where I'll meet with
    Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian
    President Abbas. I will encourage both leaders
    to move forward with the peace negotiations they began last November in
    Annapolis. This is difficult work. It will require tough decisions on
    complex questions, but I am optimistic about the prospects. And I will
    make clear that America is deeply committed to helping both parties
    realize the historic vision we share: two democratic states, Israel and
    Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
        During the second part of my trip, I will visit five of America's
    key allies in the Arab world: Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates,
    Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. I will thank the leaders of these countries for
    their friendship. I will urge them to strongly support negotiations
    between the Israelis and Palestinians. I will discuss the importance of
    countering the aggressive ambitions of Iran. And I will assure them that
    America's commitment to the security of our friends in the region is
    strong and enduring.
        I know it is not always obvious why events in the nations of the
    Middle East should matter to the American people. But in the 21st
    century, developments there have a direct impact on our lives here. As
    we saw on September the 11th, 2001, dangers that arise on the other side
    of the world can bring death and destruction to our own streets. Since
    then, extremists have assassinated democratic leaders from Afghanistan
    to Lebanon to Pakistan. They have murdered innocent people from Saudi
    Arabia to Jordan and Iraq. They are seeking new weapons and new
    operatives so they can attack America again, overthrow governments in
    the Middle East, and impose their hateful vision on millions.
        On my trip, I will consult closely with our partners in the war
    against these extremists. I will reaffirm our pledge to use every
    necessary tool of intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, finance, and
    military power to bring our common enemies to justice. The terrorists
    and extremists will not let down their guard, and we must not let down
    ours.
        At its core, the battle unfolding in the Middle East is more than a
    clash of arms, it is an ideological struggle. On one side are the forces
    of terror and death; on the other are tens of millions of ordinary
    people who want a free and peaceful life for

    [[Page 20]]

    their children. The future of the Middle East depends on the outcome of
    this struggle, and so does the security of the United States. We know
    that societies growing in tolerance and hope are less likely to become
    sources of radicalism and violence. So America will stay engaged in the
    region. We will support democrats and reformers from Beirut and Baghdad
    to Damascus and Tehran. We will stand with all those working to build a
    future of liberty and justice and peace.
        Prevailing in this struggle will not be easy, but we know from
    history that it can be done. After World War II, many said that
    advancing freedom in Europe and East Asia would be impossible. Yet
    America invested the time and resources to help nations make the
    transition from dictatorship to democracy. There were trying moments
    along the way, and progress did not arrive overnight. But with patience
    and resolve, we have seen an extraordinary return on our investment:
    vital regions of the world that live in stability and prosperity and
    peace with America.
        I believe a similar transformation can take place in the Middle
    East. At this decisive moment in their history, the people of the Middle
    East can have confidence in the power of liberty to overcome tyranny and
    terror. And all who step forward in freedom's cause can count on a
    friend in the United States. I look forward to sharing this message in
    the region.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:45 a.m. on January 4 in the
    Roosevelt Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January
    5. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on January 4, but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.