Vital Perspective

Two Kuwaitis Released from Guantanamo Following Emir's Meeting with Bush

Two Kuwaiti detainees at Guantanamo Bay went home this month after a personal plea from the emir of Kuwait to President Bush, an attorney said Thursday. Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, the newly installed ruler, asked Bush for return of all six of his nationals just after Labor Day during an official visit to Washington, said attorney David Cynamon.

On September 14, the Pentagon announced the release of two of them -- Omar Rajab Amin, 31, and Abdullah Kamel al Kundari, 32, who had been held by the U.S. at Guantanamo since their capture in Afghanistan in early 2002.

Bush to Sign U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement Today; Fifth FTA in Region

President Bush will sign the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement today at 13:30, the fifth such extensive trade pact with a Middle Eastern country since he took office, a spokeswoman said Monday. The FTA with Oman is part of an effort by Washington to create a Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) by 2013, building on existing agreements with Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Bahrain.

Bush has said he wants greater trade not just for commercial benefits to U.S. companies but for the political openness he believes could result in one of the world's most restive regions. Critics led by Democratic opponents in Congress have argued the Oman trade pact would erode labor rights both in the U.S. and in other countries.

Bush Dispatches Delegation to Lebanon for Reconstruction Meetings with PM

President Bush announced on Saturday that he is sending a delegation to Lebanon to meet with Lebanese PM Fuad Siniora and discuss ways to help rebuild his nation in the wake of 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Dina Habib Powell, an Egyptian-born former White House official who is now assistant secretary of state for promoting educational and cultural exchange, will lead the five-member delegation.   

The other four delegation members are: Jeffrey Feltman, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon; John Chambers, president and chief executive officer of Cisco Systems; Yousif Ghafari, chairman of GHAFARI Inc.; and Ray Irani, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Occidental Petroleum Corp.   

In a statement, the White House also announced that Chambers, Ghafari and Irani along with Craig Barrett, chairman of Intel Corp., are launching a nationwide effort to encourage private donations for reconstruction needed as a result of the conflict. In coming days, the group will ask Americans to donate money to a fund set up to help the Lebanese people, the White House said.    

Musharraf to Face Bush's Questions on Peace Deal with Pro-Taliban Leaders

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will be hard-pressed at a White House meeting tomorrow to explain a peace deal with tribal leaders that Afghans fear will turn the border region into a safe haven for al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The deal would allow the terrorists to live peacefully if they give up arms and denounce violence.

Afghans complain that the arrangement will lift the pressure on the Taliban and al-Qaeda supporters living on the Pakistan side of the border and free them for waging attacks inside Afghanistan.

The Pakistanis reject the suggestion. "This deal would not only bring peace to our side of the border but can also be replicated in Afghanistan if it succeeds," says Pakistani FM Khurshid Kasuri.

President Bush says he understands what Gen. Musharraf is attempting to do but that the U.S. will be watching developments very carefully. "What [Gen. Musharraf] is doing is entering agreements with governors in the regions of the country, in the hopes that there would be an economic vitality, there will be alternatives to violence and terror," Bush told ABC News in a recent interview. "We have made it clear that he should not provide an environment that enables people to go from his country into Afghanistan."

The Bush-Musharraf meeting is to be followed by a separate session with Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday. The following day, the three leaders are to meet together at the White House.

Bush Meets Abbas; Haniyeh Rejects Quartet's Conditions for Palestinian Aid

Today, President Bush met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas... it's a meeting that members of Hamas will never enjoy. The meeting, in which Bush praised Abbas as "a man of peace who believes in a two-state solution" with an "inspiring vision", could not stand in greater contrast to the statement by Palestinian PM Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas. Haniyeh rejected conditions set by the Quartet for resuming direct financial aid to the Palestinian Authority.

"Conditions are being imposed on the Palestinian people. They want us to condemn the resistance and that we recognize agreements," Haniyeh told hundreds of Palestinians rallying in support of his Hamas-led government. "We are sticking by the national reconciliation document which does not recognize the legality of the occupation and reaffirms the legality of the resistance."

Meanwhile, this good news from New York. Secretary Rice was quoted in al-Hayat as saying that proposed Palestinian unity government is inadequate and falls short on key conditions set by the Quartet in that it doesn't include recognizing Israel's sovereignty, renounce terrorism or accept previous agreements. The Quartet is set to convene tomorrow to discuss the developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bush's UN Speech Focused on More Hopeful World Beyond Terror, Extremism

Earlier today, President Bush addressed the UN General Assembly and spoke about a more hopeful world beyond terror and extremism - where ordinary men and women are free to determine their own destiny, the voices of moderation are empowered, and the extremists are marginalized by the peaceful majority.

Bush said the principles animating this future are in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' statement that the "equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." In the nearly six decades since that document was approved, we have seen the forces of freedom and moderation transform entire continents.

• Some of the changes in the broader Middle East have been dramatic - more than 50 million people have been given a voice in the UN for the first time in decades. Afghanistan's seat in the UN is now held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan. Iraq's seat in the UN is now held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
• Some of the changes in the Middle East are happening gradually, but these changes are real. Algeria has held its first competitive presidential election, and the military remained neutral. The UAE recently announced that half the seats in its Federal National Council will be chosen by elections. Kuwait held elections in which women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time. Citizens have voted in municipal elections in Saudi Arabia, in parliamentary elections in Jordan and Bahrain, and in multiparty presidential elections in Yemen and Egypt.

Obviously, many have argued that these democratic changes are destabilizing the Middle East - but as he has said before, Bush said the stability we thought we saw in the Middle East was a mirage. For decades, millions of men and women in this region have been trapped in oppression and hopelessness. These conditions left a generation disillusioned and made the region a breeding ground for extremism. He called on every civilized nation - including those in the Muslim world - to support those in the region who are offering a more hopeful alternative.

Bush spoke directly to people across the broader Middle East and said clearly: America desires peace.

• To the people of Iraq: We will not abandon you. Nearly 12 million Iraqis braved the car bombers and assassins last December to vote in free elections, and we will not abandon you in your struggle to build a free nation. America and its coalition partners will continue to stand with Iraq's democratic government, help secure the international assistance and investment Iraq needs to create jobs and opportunity, and train Iraqis who have stepped forward to fight the enemies of freedom. In return, Iraq's leaders must make the difficult choices to bring security and prosperity.
• To the people of Afghanistan: We will help you defeat the extremists who want to destroy Afghanistan's young democracy. Since overthrowing the Taliban, Afghanistan has chosen its leaders in free elections and built a democratic government. Today, forces from more than 40 countries - including members of the NATO Alliance - are bravely serving side by side with the people of Afghanistan against the extremists. We will help you defeat these enemies and build a free Afghanistan that will never again oppress you or be a safe haven for terrorists.
• To the people of Lebanon: We see your suffering, and the world is helping you rebuild your country and deal with the armed extremists who are undermining your democracy by acting as a state within a state. Last year, the people of Lebanon inspired the world when they drove Syrian forces from their country and re-established democracy. Since then, they have been tested by the fighting that began with Hezbollah's unprovoked attacks on Israel. The UN has passed a good resolution that has authorized an international force, led by France and Italy, to help restore Lebanese sovereignty over Lebanese soil. For many years, Lebanon was a model of democracy, pluralism, and openness in the region - and it will be again.
• To the people of Iran: The United States respects you and your country. The greatest obstacle to a better future for Iran is that its rulers have chosen to deny the people of Iran liberty and use their nation's resources to fund terrorists, fuel extremism, and pursue nuclear weapons. The UN has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. The world has no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program. We are working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis, and we look to the day when the people of Iran can live in freedom - and America and Iran can be good friends and close partners in the cause of peace.
• To the people of Syria: Your government must choose a better way forward. Syria is home to a great people with a proud tradition of learning and commerce. Today, Syria's rulers have allowed the country to become a crossroad for terrorists, and are turning the country into a tool of Iran, increasing Syria's isolation from the world. Syria's government can stop this growing isolation and create a more hopeful future for its country by ending its support for terror, living in peace with its neighbors, and opening the way to a better life for the Syrian people.

Near the end of the speech, Bush spent a good deal of time focusing on peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He said that by supporting the forces of democracy and moderation, the world can help Israelis and Palestinians build a more hopeful future and achieve peace.

• Bush declared that President Abbas is committed to peace and to his people's aspirations for a state of their own and PM Olmert is also committed to peace and has said he intends to meet with President Abbas to make real progress on the outstanding issues between them.
• Bush continues to wait for Hamas to implement their platform of ending corruption and improving the lives of the Palestinian peole. The world has sent a clear message to the leaders of Hamas: Serve the interests of the Palestinian people, abandon terror, recognize Israel, honor agreements, and work for peace.
• Bush has directed Secretary Rice to lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region, help the Palestinians reform their security services, and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences. British PM Tony Blair has indicated that Britain will work with partners in Europe to help strengthen the governing institutions of an effective Palestinian administration. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt have made clear they are willing to contribute the diplomatic and financial assistance necessary to help these efforts succeed.

WH Readout on Meeting with Malaysian PM Ignores Differing Positions on Iran

Here's a readout from Bush's meeting with Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi from Dennis Wilder, Senior Director for East Asian Affairs at the National Security Council:

MR. WILDER: Good afternoon. The President met with Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi this afternoon for about 50 minutes. They engaged in a broad-ranging discussion of both the bilateral relationship between the United States and Malaysia, and a variety of international issues.

Prime Minister Abdullah is an excellent friend of the President, and as a democracy with a Muslim majority in its population, Malaysia has a great deal to offer as a sounding board for the President of the United States in his outreach to the Muslim world. One of the interesting topics that they discussed today was the common roots of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and their belief that there is much that these religions can learn from each other. As you may know, Abdullah Badawi of Malaysia is a leader in the moderate Islamic world and has a concept called Civilization Islam which advocates the practice of tolerance and affirmation of all religious faiths in his nation.

The two leaders decided -- agreed that U.S.-Malaysian relations are in very good shape, and that one of the most important priorities we have is movement forward on the free trade agreement negotiations. They noted that both of their trade teams are prepared and will move to the next round of talks in late October.

They also discussed the situations in Darfur, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine. Prime Minister Abdullah noted that Malaysia is willing to send troops -- peacekeeping troops to Lebanon. President Bush thanked Prime Minister Abdullah for all Malaysia has done to further world peace and security through its contributions to peacekeeping operations and its efforts against terrorism, both in Malaysia and around the world.

The leaders, as they have on several occasions, discussed relations between the peoples of different faith, as I said, and President Bush complimented Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi for his work in promoting tolerance and unity.

They both look forward to seeing each other again at the APEC meetings in Hanoi in November, and President Bush noted that he is very much looking forward to that opportunity as it will be the first time he visits Vietnam.

This statement from the podium at the White House is a little concerning. Badawi's government has said Iran's activities are in line with international law and regulations, particularly the NPT, and may work to establish stronger economic ties with Iran. While the primary goal of the administration this week is showcasing the democracy initiative (as a senior administration official said last week, Malaysia "is a very good demonstration of how Islam and democracy are fully compatible concepts," we must question the utility of calling Badawi an "excellent friend" and "moderate" who contributes to "world peace and security."

Energy Secretary Outlines Plan for Nuclear Energy Security to IAEA Diplomats

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman is in Vienna today where he just wrapped up remarks to the IAEA on the U.S. vision for creating a world where nuclear technology is used safely and peacefully. This vision is embodied in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, announced by President Bush earlier this year.

SEC. BODMAN: Thank you Director-General ElBaradei. Congratulations to Mr. Abdul Samad Minty on your election as President of this, the 50th IAEA General Conference. President George W. Bush sends a letter wishing us a productive conference.

Let me draw from his message:

"My Administration has announced a bold new proposal called the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. We will work with countries to meet their growing energy needs, dispose of waste safely, advance nonproliferation, and keep nuclear technology out of the hands of terrorist networks and terrorist states.

"We will encourage reliable access to nuclear fuel for countries that agree to forego uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities. Together, we can ensure that cheap, safe, and clean nuclear energy and its benefits are enjoyed by all who are in compliance with their nonproliferation obligations."

Let me take this opportunity to highlight some of our recent nonproliferation successes.

Through close cooperation between Russia and the U.S., we have strengthened the security for hundreds of metric tons of weapons- usable materials in Russia and we are on track to finish that work by the end of 2008. We have down-blended more than 250 metric tons of Russian highly enriched uranium and sold it as commercial fuel. And we continue with plans to eliminate surplus U.S. and Russian plutonium.

To build on these efforts, the United States and Russia recently announced a new Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. This initiative provides the means to prevent terrorists and their sponsors from acquiring nuclear weapons, the most serious threat facing the world today.

Sr. Administration Officials Discuss UN General Assembly Plans for Bush, Rice

This afternoon we got glimpse into President Bush's and Secretary Rice's plans for the opening of the 61st UN General Assembly next week. As most people are aware, Bush will address the General Assembly on September 19 and is expected to focus on events in the Middle East, on Darfur and the democracy agenda.

A senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity in a conference call earlier today said that among other meetings before his speech not relevant to our focus, Bush "will have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister of Malaysia. This is important, aside from the substance of what they will discuss, I think, to demonstrate Malaysia is a democratic country with a moderate form of Islamic government, and the idea is here -- that is, Malaysia is a very good demonstration of how Islam and democracy are fully compatible concepts."

The speech itself on September 19 "will lay out his positive vision for the Middle East and the bright democratic future that we see for the Middle East in contradistinction to some who have an almost backward-looking vision for that region." Immediately following the speech Bush will meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

Rice will have a much more extended trip to New York. The day before Bush's speech, Rice will attend the Iraq compact conference hosted by Secretary-General Kofi Annan. On the 19th, she will accompany Bush to meetings with French President Jacques Chirac on a series of issues related to the Middle East, namely Lebanon, Iran, Sudan-Darfur and, of course, Israel-Palestinian issues. There will also be a meeting with Annan before his speech, and a dinner with the foreign ministers of the P-5 plus Germany and Italy afterwards.

The day after the speech when Bush heads back to Washington, Rice will attend an important Quartet meeting on the Middle East peace process. The following day she'll meet with NATO foreign ministers to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in preparation for the NATO summit in November. On Friday she's scheduled for another P-5 meeting as well as a meeting of foreign ministers and political directors from the G-8. At some point in the week she'll meet with Talabani as well.

Following Attack on U.S. Embassy, Administration Thanks Syria for Assistance

The U.S. expressed gratitude to the Syrian government on Tuesday for going after men who attacked the U.S. Embassy in Damascus and said it hopes Syria will join the war on terror. "Syrian officials came to the aid of the Americans, the U.S. government is grateful for the assistance the Syrians provided in going after the attackers," White House spokesman Tony Snow said. "We are hoping they will become an ally and make the choice of fighting against terrorists."

Four gunmen attacked attacked the Embassy but failed to harm any American diplomats before all four were killed, a Syrian official said. Secretary Rice said it was too early to say who might have been behind a failed suicide attack earlier in the day. Syrian state television said the attackers had tried to detonate a car bomb in front of the Embassy but had failed.

Syrian security forces sealed off the Rawda area after heavy gunfire erupted. Ambulances and fire-fighting units rushed to the scene, sirens wailing. The district also houses security installations and the homes of top government officials.

There was no word on the identity of the attackers, but Syrian forces have clashed with Islamic extremists several times in recent months, often during raids to arrest them. In June, four gunmen and a guard were killed when Syrian security forces said they had foiled an attack by Islamic extremists near the premises of state-run television in Damascus.

UPDATE 09/12 @ 12:25: Via MediaLine, we have an audio report from a leading Syrian journalist on what happened in the attack and its background.

UPDATE 09/12 @ 12:27: Stratfor has the following analysis: The attack was most likely carried out by an al Qaeda-linked cell in Lebanon. Al Qaeda has steadily increased its presence in the Levant in the past several months. Syrian security forces have engaged in shootouts with alleged jihadists in the capital city since the February 14 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri. Though these shootouts were largely political in nature, designed to facilitate a dialogue between Washington and Damascus, jihadists have a real incentive to stage attacks in the Levant and target the regime that has offered cooperation to U.S. forces in Iraq against al Qaeda. In the wake of the Lebanon war, a strong need arose in al Qaeda to challenge it's Shiite rival, Hezbollah, for regional fame.