King Abdullah exhorts US to take lead in peace process

[Phx_Dem]

Citing the risks of further delay, Jordan's King Abdullah II said Wednesday the United States must take the lead in creating conditions for a permanent peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking to a joint meeting of Congress, Abdullah said that history has shown no progress in Middle East peacemaking is possible without American leadership.

"We look to you to play a historic role," he said, adding that results are needed "not in one year or five years but this year.

"Your responsibility today is paramount, potential to help Palestinians and Israelis find peace is unrivalled. The ground work for a comprehensive, final settlement is already in place.

snip

"The security of all nations and the stability of our global economy are directly affected by the Middle East conflict," he cautioned. "Across oceans, the conflict has estranged societies that should be friends. I meet Muslims thousands of miles away who have a deep, personal response to the suffering of the Palestinian people.

"They want to know how it is that ordinary Palestinians are still without rights and without a country. They ask whether the West really means what is says about equality and respect and universal justice."

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3373787,00.html

[Why Syzygy]

1. This is rather sad.

Does he think Bush or anyone in his administration cares anything for peace?
I think he dialed the wrong number.

[Phx_Dem]

2. It should be said regardless

Obviously the Bush admin is not interested in any meaningful involvement, but Abdullah is right that the US needs to be part of the process.