Israel on alert for Bush visit

reporter

] Although Bush did not mention anyone by name, the Obama campaign took his comments personally, accusing Bush of making a “false political attack." Bush told the Israeli Knesset that the alliance between Israel and the United States is “unbreakable” and that “America stands with you” in breaking up terrorist networks, denying sanctuary to extremists and opposing Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. “Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before," Bush said. “As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is — the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history." Obama issued a statement in response: “It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence to launch a false political attack. George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the president’s extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel," the Illinois Democrat said. Obama has campaigned on a promise to renew American diplomacy. He has criticized the Bush administration for refusing to talk to “leaders we don’t like." According to Obama’s campaign Web site, “Not talking doesn’t make us look tough — it makes us look arrogant, it denies us opportunities to make progress, and it makes it harder for America to rally international support for our leadership."" The Web site adds, “Obama is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe. He will do the careful preparation necessary, but will signal that America is ready to come to the table, and that he is willing to lead." [url=http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200805/POL20080515f.html:
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