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George W Bush lands in the Middle East on January 9 - how do you rate his contribution to the region?
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Tuesday, 08 January 2008
Each week Arabian Business invites you to have your say on a popular issue.
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USER COMMENTS (20 COMMENTS)
Bush visit
Posted by David J C, Tulle, France on 17 January 2008 at 16:12 UAE time
Why, please tell me, is it that when America is so apparently hated in the region, and the American leadership appears to have little liking for the Arab people, that the first thing they do when they (Banks and Investment Companies), run out of cash, thanks to their greed with sub-prime loans, is that they come running to the Arab nations for cash - Citicorp and Merrill Lynch being the latest to beg for a bale out?
Surely this was not Bush oiling the wheels of commerce, was it? If so, he may not be welcome in the region, but someone in America will thank him for going there!
Posted by David J C, Tulle, France on 17 January 2008 at 16:12 UAE time
Why, please tell me, is it that when America is so apparently hated in the region, and the American leadership appears to have little liking for the Arab people, that the first thing they do when they (Banks and Investment Companies), run out of cash, thanks to their greed with sub-prime loans, is that they come running to the Arab nations for cash - Citicorp and Merrill Lynch being the latest to beg for a bale out?
Surely this was not Bush oiling the wheels of commerce, was it? If so, he may not be welcome in the region, but someone in America will thank him for going there!
Bush Welcome
Posted by David J C, Tulle, France on 16 January 2008 at 13:10 UAE time
Having read all these comments, the man is mighty popular-pity his entourage did not tell him accordingly and he might have given the region a wide berth.
Posted by David J C, Tulle, France on 16 January 2008 at 13:10 UAE time
Having read all these comments, the man is mighty popular-pity his entourage did not tell him accordingly and he might have given the region a wide berth.
What a waste
Posted by Daniyal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 15 January 2008 at 09:21 UAE time
After several holidays in December, many businesses could not afford to lose another working day so soon in the new year. To give a day off for Mr Bush was such a waste. There are also several comments on his success in Afghanistan and Iraq. Absolutely ridiculous! Even after six years, Kabul is rocked by blasts regularly, OBL is still at large, there are thousands of taliban/al qaeda militants in Afghanistan's neighboring countries and the region is a lot less safer than it was before Mr Bush came to power.
Posted by Daniyal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 15 January 2008 at 09:21 UAE time
After several holidays in December, many businesses could not afford to lose another working day so soon in the new year. To give a day off for Mr Bush was such a waste. There are also several comments on his success in Afghanistan and Iraq. Absolutely ridiculous! Even after six years, Kabul is rocked by blasts regularly, OBL is still at large, there are thousands of taliban/al qaeda militants in Afghanistan's neighboring countries and the region is a lot less safer than it was before Mr Bush came to power.
Dubai Ambushed by Bush's Visit
Posted by Shailesh Patel, Dubai, U.A.E on 14 January 2008 at 21:56 UAE time
I think to bring such a city as Dubai to a standstill for any person is absolute madness. I am not sure how much benefit UAE is going to get by Mr Bush's visit except for academic reasons. I think that Mr Bush's visit to the whole of the Middle East is more at garnering support to ruin one more country "IRAN" as most of the other countries have sucked by the super power. I hope better sense prevails and the leaders of UAE do not get sucked into this unnecessary visit of the US President.
Posted by Shailesh Patel, Dubai, U.A.E on 14 January 2008 at 21:56 UAE time
I think to bring such a city as Dubai to a standstill for any person is absolute madness. I am not sure how much benefit UAE is going to get by Mr Bush's visit except for academic reasons. I think that Mr Bush's visit to the whole of the Middle East is more at garnering support to ruin one more country "IRAN" as most of the other countries have sucked by the super power. I hope better sense prevails and the leaders of UAE do not get sucked into this unnecessary visit of the US President.
Take a step back for a moment
Posted by Ian, Dubai, UAE on 14 January 2008 at 16:37 UAE time
Interesting comments, but predictable. Let's face it, you only have to look at the name of the person posting a comment to know in advance what sentiments it will contain! Nasir Khan's comment regarding 'blind, unthinking patriotism' certainly is evidence of this. How 'blind' is your opinion Nasir? (no answer required, just quiet thought). Agreed, the Middle East is a mess. Was George Bush right to head into Afghanistan. Too right he was. What about Iraq? I'm not sure about that and have wrestled with the question. Saddams removal I believe is a good thing, but there's a long way for the Iraqi people to go before the advantages are realised. This lead time is being impacted on by fundamentalists and assistance from outside Iraq. Oh yes, they all want a piece of it and are prepared to sacrifice their own brothers in the cause of Yankee-bashing. The whole thing is such an enormous tangle of issues that to stand blindly in support of any one side is unrealistic. Come on, do you really believe that it is so black and white. Regardless of my feelings about some of the decisions that George Bush has made, it's always a tough call for him. Meanwhile the rest of us sit and go with whatever 'flow' we have always gone with. Isn't it really about time that we started to think of the other person's point of view with an impartial mind? I'm sure the world would be a much better place. Having served in the British Army in KSA, Iraq and Kuwait I am sure if I can be a little more impartial then so can most other people, assuming they have been reared and educated to have a more 'global' outlook.
Posted by Ian, Dubai, UAE on 14 January 2008 at 16:37 UAE time
Interesting comments, but predictable. Let's face it, you only have to look at the name of the person posting a comment to know in advance what sentiments it will contain! Nasir Khan's comment regarding 'blind, unthinking patriotism' certainly is evidence of this. How 'blind' is your opinion Nasir? (no answer required, just quiet thought). Agreed, the Middle East is a mess. Was George Bush right to head into Afghanistan. Too right he was. What about Iraq? I'm not sure about that and have wrestled with the question. Saddams removal I believe is a good thing, but there's a long way for the Iraqi people to go before the advantages are realised. This lead time is being impacted on by fundamentalists and assistance from outside Iraq. Oh yes, they all want a piece of it and are prepared to sacrifice their own brothers in the cause of Yankee-bashing. The whole thing is such an enormous tangle of issues that to stand blindly in support of any one side is unrealistic. Come on, do you really believe that it is so black and white. Regardless of my feelings about some of the decisions that George Bush has made, it's always a tough call for him. Meanwhile the rest of us sit and go with whatever 'flow' we have always gone with. Isn't it really about time that we started to think of the other person's point of view with an impartial mind? I'm sure the world would be a much better place. Having served in the British Army in KSA, Iraq and Kuwait I am sure if I can be a little more impartial then so can most other people, assuming they have been reared and educated to have a more 'global' outlook.
Why a holiday and not crowds cheering in the streets
Posted by Fred Smith, London, UK on 14 January 2008 at 15:28 UAE time
Makes you wonder where democracy has gone.
Bush arrives and a national holiday is called as the government cannot guarantee his safety. What happened to his popularity so that crowds can greet him on the streets? In the name of US democracy the UAE people have been told to stay at home until Bush leaves the country! What a joke.
Posted by Fred Smith, London, UK on 14 January 2008 at 15:28 UAE time
Makes you wonder where democracy has gone.
Bush arrives and a national holiday is called as the government cannot guarantee his safety. What happened to his popularity so that crowds can greet him on the streets? In the name of US democracy the UAE people have been told to stay at home until Bush leaves the country! What a joke.
SHOW ALL COMMENTS
Bush Visit
Posted by Anne, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 14 January 2008 at 14:36 UAE time
When a recent poll in the US puts his popularity at an all time low (i.e. less than 32%), can somebody explain to me why he's made such a fuss of here? Let's face it; if the American people know he's useless (even on the domestic level) why have we lost manhours and business to welcome someone who has done nothing but wreaked havoc for the Middle East?
Posted by Anne, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 14 January 2008 at 14:36 UAE time
When a recent poll in the US puts his popularity at an all time low (i.e. less than 32%), can somebody explain to me why he's made such a fuss of here? Let's face it; if the American people know he's useless (even on the domestic level) why have we lost manhours and business to welcome someone who has done nothing but wreaked havoc for the Middle East?
George W Bush's contribution to the region? Say what?!?
Posted by Jayant, mct, Oman on 14 January 2008 at 13:06 UAE time
Well, he's given you a holiday on account of his visit so I suppose that counts as a contribution. Other than that it's hard to say that GWB has contributed to anything anywhere in the world let alone the region. Perhaps that is a little unfair - I would have to say that the removal of the Taliban from power was a contribution as was the removal of Saddam (on paper at least). There's no denying that Saddam deserved all he got but the the shortsighted notion that all you had to do was remove him and everything would be hunkydory has got the US mired in a real mess in Iraq and has done no favours for the Iraqi people so long as there is no stability or security within the country. Of course, the motives for the removal of both are highly suspect. In the final analysis, Bush has done far more damage as opposed to any positive contribution. Go away Bush and please don't darken our doorsteps again.
Posted by Jayant, mct, Oman on 14 January 2008 at 13:06 UAE time
Well, he's given you a holiday on account of his visit so I suppose that counts as a contribution. Other than that it's hard to say that GWB has contributed to anything anywhere in the world let alone the region. Perhaps that is a little unfair - I would have to say that the removal of the Taliban from power was a contribution as was the removal of Saddam (on paper at least). There's no denying that Saddam deserved all he got but the the shortsighted notion that all you had to do was remove him and everything would be hunkydory has got the US mired in a real mess in Iraq and has done no favours for the Iraqi people so long as there is no stability or security within the country. Of course, the motives for the removal of both are highly suspect. In the final analysis, Bush has done far more damage as opposed to any positive contribution. Go away Bush and please don't darken our doorsteps again.
Bush and his supporters
Posted by Nasir Khan, Sydney, Australia on 14 January 2008 at 08:10 UAE time
Regarding the comment by Mr. Berry... unfortunately i'ts this sort of blind, unthinking patriotism (supporting the US regardless of right or wrong) that helps to give the US the bad name it has around the world these days. Please look at what the US is actually doing, there won't be much blessing left for America if your country continues to go around waging war across the world in the name of 'freedom' (for itself) while taking freedom away from millions of non-Americans.
Posted by Nasir Khan, Sydney, Australia on 14 January 2008 at 08:10 UAE time
Regarding the comment by Mr. Berry... unfortunately i'ts this sort of blind, unthinking patriotism (supporting the US regardless of right or wrong) that helps to give the US the bad name it has around the world these days. Please look at what the US is actually doing, there won't be much blessing left for America if your country continues to go around waging war across the world in the name of 'freedom' (for itself) while taking freedom away from millions of non-Americans.
Yet another loss to Gulf
Posted by Anonymous, Muscat, Oman on 13 January 2008 at 18:52 UAE time
Due to the Bush visit, there is another loss to UAE country of 1 man day from every one of the millions of people who live here. How much is that worth? Will Bush pay it back?
Posted by Anonymous, Muscat, Oman on 13 January 2008 at 18:52 UAE time
Due to the Bush visit, there is another loss to UAE country of 1 man day from every one of the millions of people who live here. How much is that worth? Will Bush pay it back?
UNDERSTANDING BUSH!
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 13 January 2008 at 15:34 UAE time
Mr. Bush is the President of a country, and we must try to understand his compulsions also. I am an ordinary citizen, but were I heading a corporation or a country, and the institution was subjected to a covert attack, I would be professionally and personally obliged to restructure the group and realign their operating parameters.
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 13 January 2008 at 15:34 UAE time
Mr. Bush is the President of a country, and we must try to understand his compulsions also. I am an ordinary citizen, but were I heading a corporation or a country, and the institution was subjected to a covert attack, I would be professionally and personally obliged to restructure the group and realign their operating parameters.
Bush's visit - an opportunity, that's a laugh !
Posted by Sheraz Hussain, Dubai, UAE on 13 January 2008 at 09:46 UAE time
Rajendra Aneja, claims in his statement that Bush's visit to the ME is an opportunity, he also claims that the perception that we have of America is wrong !. Let me start by asking Rajendra, "which planet have you been living on". You really don't know much about American Politics and neocon activities do you ?. When you do have the time from whatever that you do, do look up a site "http://whatreallyhappened.com", this will open your eyes to what America is up to all over the world.
Posted by Sheraz Hussain, Dubai, UAE on 13 January 2008 at 09:46 UAE time
Rajendra Aneja, claims in his statement that Bush's visit to the ME is an opportunity, he also claims that the perception that we have of America is wrong !. Let me start by asking Rajendra, "which planet have you been living on". You really don't know much about American Politics and neocon activities do you ?. When you do have the time from whatever that you do, do look up a site "http://whatreallyhappened.com", this will open your eyes to what America is up to all over the world.
President Bush
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 12 January 2008 at 20:28 UAE time
I agree wholeheartedly with the open letter in the Gulf News to President Bush.
If your agenda were sincere there would not be the masses of refugees from Palestine and Iraq trying to find a haven from chaotic homelands.
Let the people be - see to your own country and leave the Arabs to attend to theirs.
Your contribution will only bring more suffering, sanctions and killings, not peace.
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 12 January 2008 at 20:28 UAE time
I agree wholeheartedly with the open letter in the Gulf News to President Bush.
If your agenda were sincere there would not be the masses of refugees from Palestine and Iraq trying to find a haven from chaotic homelands.
Let the people be - see to your own country and leave the Arabs to attend to theirs.
Your contribution will only bring more suffering, sanctions and killings, not peace.
G.W. Bush Middle East Fiasco
Posted by Michael Contaratos, Nicosia, Cyprus on 10 January 2008 at 15:53 UAE time
George W. Bush and all the clowns around him, based their Middle East policies on LIES. With their lies they conned the American people into a war in Iraq his father could have ended so long ago.
It's sad but one has to realize that to be a leader of the world's most powerful country, does require somebody with an i.q. a bit higher than that of a peacock. I appologize to peacocks! I didn't mean to insult them.
Posted by Michael Contaratos, Nicosia, Cyprus on 10 January 2008 at 15:53 UAE time
George W. Bush and all the clowns around him, based their Middle East policies on LIES. With their lies they conned the American people into a war in Iraq his father could have ended so long ago.
It's sad but one has to realize that to be a leader of the world's most powerful country, does require somebody with an i.q. a bit higher than that of a peacock. I appologize to peacocks! I didn't mean to insult them.
God Bless America
Posted by William Berry, New York, USA on 9 January 2008 at 21:57 UAE time
Bush being re-elected is indicative of the fact that terrorism is on its way out.
Posted by William Berry, New York, USA on 9 January 2008 at 21:57 UAE time
Bush being re-elected is indicative of the fact that terrorism is on its way out.
Mr. President - You are not welcome
Posted by Ayesha, Dubai, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 15:52 UAE time
Mr. George W. Bush is not only responsible from instability in the M.E but all over the world. A leader like him who has lead the entire world into chaos and destruction on all seven continents should not be welcomed into any country. What he is trying to achieve in last year as the President of the United States should have been done years back. Therefore Mr. President you and your policies are not welcome.
Posted by Ayesha, Dubai, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 15:52 UAE time
Mr. George W. Bush is not only responsible from instability in the M.E but all over the world. A leader like him who has lead the entire world into chaos and destruction on all seven continents should not be welcomed into any country. What he is trying to achieve in last year as the President of the United States should have been done years back. Therefore Mr. President you and your policies are not welcome.
PRESIDENT BUSH'S VISIT: AN OPPORTUNITY!!
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 11:31 UAE time
President Bush clearly has a packed and vibrant agenda for his 8 day visit to the Middle East.
One of his key goals, should be to erase some of the misunderstandings that people here have about the motives of the USA. Many people in the Middle East are under the erroneous impression that the USA wants to dominate/rule the world and that the USA is against Islam and Muslims. This is not the case.
It would make a big difference, as to how UAE is perceived in the Middle East, if President Bush were to clarify these points in his speech in the UAE.
Successive American governments have been trying to bring peace in the Middle East and foster an independent Palestine. They do deserve some appreciation for their endeavors.
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 11:31 UAE time
President Bush clearly has a packed and vibrant agenda for his 8 day visit to the Middle East.
One of his key goals, should be to erase some of the misunderstandings that people here have about the motives of the USA. Many people in the Middle East are under the erroneous impression that the USA wants to dominate/rule the world and that the USA is against Islam and Muslims. This is not the case.
It would make a big difference, as to how UAE is perceived in the Middle East, if President Bush were to clarify these points in his speech in the UAE.
Successive American governments have been trying to bring peace in the Middle East and foster an independent Palestine. They do deserve some appreciation for their endeavors.
President Bush: You are not welcome
Posted by jamal, Dubai, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 09:13 UAE time
If you want do something worthwhile during your presidential period I suggest you go back home right now.
Posted by jamal, Dubai, UAE on 9 January 2008 at 09:13 UAE time
If you want do something worthwhile during your presidential period I suggest you go back home right now.
President Bush visit: Will lead to peace and prosperity but not the truth
Posted by Sanjay, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on 8 January 2008 at 18:01 UAE time
President Bush's visit will strengthen the solidarity of the two nations (Israel and Palestine) and will lead to peace and prosperity and increase international trade between the US and the countries in the Middle East.
This is what we will get to hear. But seriously speaking, I think there will be zero contribution. I don't want to say anymore.
Posted by Sanjay, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on 8 January 2008 at 18:01 UAE time
President Bush's visit will strengthen the solidarity of the two nations (Israel and Palestine) and will lead to peace and prosperity and increase international trade between the US and the countries in the Middle East.
This is what we will get to hear. But seriously speaking, I think there will be zero contribution. I don't want to say anymore.
Mr. Bush you are not welcome
Posted by Hussein Majali, Amman, Jordan on 8 January 2008 at 14:35 UAE time
George W. Bush sees this region as an oil rig and he's trying to suck as much as possible. When he sees that a specific country or leader understands his plans and trying to resist, he gathers his troops and invades. He's a war criminal who should be prosecuted.
We should not welcome him to this region. This region is a victim of Bush's thoughts and hatred to Muslims and Arabs.
Mr. President, you are not welcome.
Posted by Hussein Majali, Amman, Jordan on 8 January 2008 at 14:35 UAE time
George W. Bush sees this region as an oil rig and he's trying to suck as much as possible. When he sees that a specific country or leader understands his plans and trying to resist, he gathers his troops and invades. He's a war criminal who should be prosecuted.
We should not welcome him to this region. This region is a victim of Bush's thoughts and hatred to Muslims and Arabs.
Mr. President, you are not welcome.
