[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

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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.