Iraq

Those photo's.

There is nothing, nothing I could add to the general outrage voiced worldwide about this abuse. Anyone with any sense could see it coming a mile away, was only a matter of when and where, and how it would be uncovered.



I also expect no accountability for this, nobody will resign, no changes in the arrogance. No consequences apart from a few low soldiers being dismissed.



Talk about flip-flops the Republicans keep accusing Kerry of, Bush just made a whopping one and it looks like nobody noticed...

First, he agreed with Sharon on Israel clearing out of the West Bank, and nixed the right to return for Palestinian refugees... and basically said the large settlements could remain. No discussion with the Palestinians, just... boom! Sharon then got fired down by his own party... which was a black eye for Bush who had supported him unconditionally. Then these pictures of abuse surface, and all of a sudden Bush is the voice of reason (perhaps the counsel of King Abdullah of Jordan helped change his mind - haha, ahem)

I remain committed to the vision I laid out here in the Rose Garden on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, and to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent.



I support the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to withdraw settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. This bold plan can make a real contribution to peace, particularly if reform-minded Palestinians will step forward and lead toward the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.



As I have previously stated, all final status issues must be negotiated between the parties in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. And the United States will not prejudice the outcome of those negotiations. The road map is the -- is the best path to realizing the two-state vision. That is why the road map is the plan endorsed by the Palestinians, Israel, the United Nations, the European Union, Russia, the United States and many other nations. That's why my administration is committed to making it a reality.



Today, the King had some suggestions about how to -- how to explain our position to the Palestinians.



And I appreciated your advice, Your Majesty.



He advised that I make sure the Palestinians understand my desire for a just peace, my desire for there to be a prosperous country, my desire that the Palestinian people have a chance to realize their hopes and aspirations.



I told His Majesty I will shortly send Mr. Qureia, the Palestinian Prime Minister, a letter that will explain my views. And we will expand dialogue between the United States and Palestinians.



I want to appreciate your wise counsel, Your Majesty.