Spring Break
Bush visits Middle East
Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: Opinion
In an attempt to unite and not divide the Middle East, President George W. Bush visited the Arab world last week to speak with its leaders. The move was a step toward strengthening diplomatic ties with U.S. allies and enemies. However, the WC wonders, what took so long?
The U.S. has been at war with Iraq since 2003 and has had relationships with Middle Eastern countries for decades, yet Bush has not made the effort to meet with them in person. Instead, he sends Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other staff members to represent the U.S.
In 1972, former President Richard Nixon made a historic trip to China that helped improve U.S. relations with the country. Nixon shook hands with Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party, and laid the foundation for what would become a great business relationship.
By making his eight-day trip, Bush sends the message that the U.S. is serious about bringing change to an area in desperate need of a makeover. By going himself and not sending one of his pundits, it sends the message the U.S. is willing to listen and come to an agreement.
Unfortunately, the timing of the expedition may have come too late, but the WC believes it is better late than never to discuss foreign diplomacy. The reputation Bush has created from his non-popular War in Iraq may have caused irreconcilable damages, but that does not mean the U.S. should cut off talks with the Middle East.
To restore order in the Arab world, communication has to be open and consistent between both parties. Therefore, in January 2009 the next president, whoever it may be, needs to continue to increase relations.
There is no reason why the next leader of the free world should treat the Middle East like the friend nobody likes. Although it may be difficult to sit down with leaders like Bashar al-Assad (Syria) and Hosni Mubarak (Egypt), it needs to happen more than once every eight years.
Nixon paved the way in 1972 when he smashed down the "Great Wall" between the U.S. and China. By visiting the Middle East now, hopefully Bush can weaken the wall that stands today.
The U.S. has been at war with Iraq since 2003 and has had relationships with Middle Eastern countries for decades, yet Bush has not made the effort to meet with them in person. Instead, he sends Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other staff members to represent the U.S.
In 1972, former President Richard Nixon made a historic trip to China that helped improve U.S. relations with the country. Nixon shook hands with Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party, and laid the foundation for what would become a great business relationship.
By making his eight-day trip, Bush sends the message that the U.S. is serious about bringing change to an area in desperate need of a makeover. By going himself and not sending one of his pundits, it sends the message the U.S. is willing to listen and come to an agreement.
Unfortunately, the timing of the expedition may have come too late, but the WC believes it is better late than never to discuss foreign diplomacy. The reputation Bush has created from his non-popular War in Iraq may have caused irreconcilable damages, but that does not mean the U.S. should cut off talks with the Middle East.
To restore order in the Arab world, communication has to be open and consistent between both parties. Therefore, in January 2009 the next president, whoever it may be, needs to continue to increase relations.
There is no reason why the next leader of the free world should treat the Middle East like the friend nobody likes. Although it may be difficult to sit down with leaders like Bashar al-Assad (Syria) and Hosni Mubarak (Egypt), it needs to happen more than once every eight years.
Nixon paved the way in 1972 when he smashed down the "Great Wall" between the U.S. and China. By visiting the Middle East now, hopefully Bush can weaken the wall that stands today.
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