Reuters
Bush hits at 'axis of evil' in farewell conference
President George W. Bush said yesterday that North Korea and Iran, part of what he once branded an "axis of evil," remained dangerous but the biggest threat facing his successor Barack Obama was another terrorist attack on America.
At a farewell news conference in which he tried to burnish a troubled foreign policy legacy, Mr Bush denied that US treatment of terrorism suspects at Guantanamo, criticised by human rights groups, had damaged America's moral standing in the world.
He insisted his failed bid to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians in his final year in office had not been completely in vain, despite the latest crisis in the Gaza Strip, which he blamed squarely on the Islamist group Hamas.
Mr Bush, speaking at the White House eight days before handing over to Mr Obama, staunchly defended his record but was at times uncharacteristically reflective.
He admitted having regrets that weapons of mass destruction had not been found in Iraq after the US-led 2003 invasion. Presence of such weapons was the prime justification for overthrowing President Saddam Hussein.
But Mr Bush held the line against North Korea and Iran, whose nuclear standoffs with the West have been major challenges for his administration. "North Korea's still a problem," he said when asked about the threats Mr Obama will face. "So they're still dangerous and Iran is still dangerous."
"In order to advance our relations with North Korea, the North Korean government must honour the commitments it made to allow for strong verification measures to be in place to ensure that they do not develop a highly enriched uranium programme," Mr Bush said.
Six-party talks with North Korea over dismantling its nuclear arms programs have stalled and little movement is expected before a new US administration. Mr Obama has promised his administration will have direct talks with America's foes, in contrast to Mr Bush's strategy of diplomatic isolation.
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Chris Portelli
Jan 13th 2009, 20:31
@ J. Cassola
I agree with as far as Iraq is concerned.
For peace in the middle east, Israel should abide with abide with 1967 UN resolution and end occupation
@ Ray Xuereb -Balzan
Mr. Bush is above law. Jungle laws- power rules
J. Cassola
Jan 13th 2009, 19:30
Well Mr Bush has made many foolish things. He can now retire and spend his free time thinking about his mistakes. Maybe he should write a book to explain his motivations.
However, Saddam Hussein was certianly no great loss! Few people will miss that murderer. Mr Bush did the right thing for the wrong reason. But cowboy tactics don't work well in the middle east and peace will only return after the US leaves Iraq to the Iraqis.
On the Gaza issue that's a different story. I think Israel have every right to defend their patch of grass (or sand). Bush is right, Hamas are really to blame on this one. They knew it from the start that they would have triggered a lot of bloodshed. But they still went on provoking a dormant Pit-Bull Terrier! And guess what: They were bitten!
I think Palestinians are a masochistic lot. They love inflicting pain onto themselves. These people love to cry. They are in the reality show business. Their objective is to attract the world's commiseration.It would serve them more good to stop provoking others and start building their country. It's high time to mature!
Paul Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 17:10
I am not wearing shoes right now, would a slipper do a proper farewell?
D Ellul
Jan 13th 2009, 14:55
Mr Bush, please go away.
Ray Xuereb -Balzan
Jan 13th 2009, 14:42
He admitted having regrets that weapons of mass destruction had not been found in Iraq after the US-led 2003 invasion. Presence of such weapons was the prime justification for overthrowing President Saddam Hussein.
How many Millions were relocated and killed in Iraq?
Having Mr. Bush admitting that should lead to trial for committing crimes of crime of war
l borg
Jan 13th 2009, 11:47
TO MR BUSH
CALLING NORTH KOREA AND IRAN EVIL?
IIT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE AND ITS PALESTNIAN PEPOLE THAT ARE BEING MURDERERDWITH USA WEAPONS IN GAZA
GOD WILL DEFEAT YOU THE USA AND ISRAEL MR BUSH