Address to the AIPAC Policy
Conference
(May 18, 2004)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Finally, AIPAC
elected a President I can kiss. (Laughter and applause.)
I'm honored to be here at AIPAC, thank you for such
a warm welcome. It's good to be with so many friends -- friends of mine
and friends of Israel. (Applause.) For more than 50 years, the
United States and Israel have been steadfast allies. AIPAC is one of the reasons why. (Applause.) You've worked tirelessly to strengthen
the ties that bind our nations -- our shared values, our strong commitment
to freedom. (Applause.)
By defending the freedom and prosperity and security
of Israel, you're also serving the cause of America. (Applause.) Our
nation is stronger and safer because we have a true and dependable ally
in Israel. (Applause.) I appreciate -- (applause) -- I'm just getting
warmed up. (Laughter and applause.)
I want to thank Amy for her leadership. (Applause.)
I appreciate you taking time to serve a cause that -- in which you believe
deeply. I want to thank Bernice for her willingness to serve, as well.
(Applause.) I've known Howard for a long time. He's effective. (Laughter
and applause.) I want to thank the AIPAC board -- AIPAC board members
for their friendship and leadership. I'm honored to be in the presence
of my friend, the Ambassador from Israel, Danny
Ayalon. I appreciate you being here, Danny. (Applause.)
Ehud Olmert is with us. Ehud, it's good to see you again. Thank you, sir. (Applause.)
I remember the first time we visited in 1998. I had just been re-elected
as the Governor of Texas. I
went to Israel, and Ehud welcomed me and three other governors to,
I guess, your office. You were the Mayor, if I'm not mistaken, at that
point in time. And you were focused on filling potholes and emptying
the garbage of the people -- (laughter.) But we struck up a good relationship
then, and it's great to see you again.
I appreciate the other ministers who are here, some
of whom I have met before, some of whom I have had not the honor of
meeting. I know I met Tommy before. Appreciate you all being here. Welcome to America. Thank you,
Tommy. (Applause.)
I'd like to also recognize many people this morning
who are learning to participate in democracy. I'm told there are over
850 students here from 50 states. (Applause.) Make sure the Texas students
behave well. (Laughter.) Your mothers are watching. (Laughter.) I know
there are buses outside waiting to take you to Capitol Hill. I'm told
-- Howard told me there's over 500 meetings scheduled with members of
the Senate and the House. That is good news. I'm sure you're going to
pass this message on to them: A free, prosperous and secure Israel is
in this nation's national interest. (Applause.)
AIPAC is doing important work. I hope you know that.
In Washington and beyond, AIPAC is calling attention to the great security
challenges of our time. You're educating Congress and the American people
on the growing dangers of proliferation. You've spoken out on the threat
posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. You've always understood
and warned against the evil ambition of terrorism and their networks.
In a dangerous new century, your work is more vital than ever. I thank
you for doing your part in the cause of freedom. (Applause.)
Our nation, and the nation of Israel, have much in
common. We're both relatively young nations, born of struggle and sacrifice.
We're both founded by immigrants escaping religious persecution in other
lands. We have both built vibrant democracies, built on the rule of
law and market economies. And we're both countries founded on certain
basic beliefs: that God watches over the affairs of men, and values
every life. (Applause.)
These ties have made us natural allies, and these ties
will never be broken. (Applause.) In the past, however, there was one
great difference in the experience of our two nations: The United States,
through most of our history, has been protected by vast oceans to our
east and west, and blessed with friendly neighbors to our north and
south. Israel has faced a different situation as a small country in
a tough neighborhood. The Israeli people have always had enemies at
their borders and terrorists close at hand. Again and again, Israel
has defended itself with skill and heroism. And as a result of the courage
of the Israeli people, Israel has earned the respect of the American
people. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, 2001, Americans saw that we
are no longer protected by geography from the dangers of the world.
We experienced the horror of being attacked in our homeland, on our
streets, and in places of work. And from that experience came an even
stronger determination, a fierce determination to defeat terrorism and
to eliminate the threat it poses to free people everywhere. (Applause.)
Not all terrorist networks answer to the same orders
and same leaders, but all terrorists burn with the same hatred. They
hate all who reject their grim vision of tyranny. They hate people who
love freedom. They kill without mercy. They kill without shame. And
they count their victories in the death of the innocent.
We saw the nature of this enemy again in recent days
when terrorists in Iraq beheaded
an American citizen, Nicholas Berg. The message that accompanied the
videotape of this brutal slaying promised more such atrocities. Here's
what the killer said, "We will send you coffin after coffin, box
after box, slaughtered in this way." The faces of the terrorists
were cloaked, but we have seen their kind before.
Followers of the terrorist ideology executed an elderly
man in a wheelchair, Leon
Klinghoffer, and pushed his body off the side of a ship into the
sea. They kidnapped the journalist, Daniel Pearl, and cut his throat,
because he was a Jew. This enemy has left blood on the streets of Jakarta
and Jerusalem, Casablanca and Riyadh, Mombasa and Istanbul, Bali, Baghdad
and Madrid. They have declared war on the civilized world -- and war
is what they got. (Applause.)
Freedom-loving people did not seek this conflict. It
has come to us by the choices of violent men, hateful men. See, we seek
peace. We long for peace. Israel longs for peace. America longs for
peace. Yet, there can be no peace without defending our security. (Applause.)
There is only one path to peace and safety. America will use every resource
we have to fight and defeat these enemies of freedom. (Applause.)
The lesson of September the 11th is clear and must
never be forgotten. Emerging terrorist threats must be confronted before
they can reach our country and harm our people. Every terrorist is at
war with civilization, and every group or nation that aids them is equally
responsible for the murders that the terrorists commit. (Applause.)
So America has led a relentless global campaign against
terrorists and their supporters. We're chasing them down one by one
in caves, and in shadows where they try to hide. (Applause.) We have
uncovered -- we have uncovered terrorist cells on several continents.
We've prevented a number of terrorist attacks. We've removed the Taliban
regime, which sheltered the plotters of September the 11th. (Applause.)
We have stopped shipments -- we have stopped shipments of chemical precursors
and nuclear-related -- weapons-related components bound for states that
sponsor terror. By speaking clearly, and by meaning what we say, countries
like Libya have gotten the message and have renounced their weapons
programs. (Applause.)
And for the sake of peace and security, we ended the
regime of Saddam Hussein.
(Applause.) That regime cast a shadow, a dark shadow of aggression over
the Middle East for decades. They invaded both Iran and Kuwait. The
regime built and used weapons of mass destruction against its neighbors,
and its own people. The regime sponsored terror; it paid rewards of
up to $25,000 to the families of Palestinian homicide bombers. That
regime filled mass graves with innocent men, innocent women, and innocent
children. That regime defied the demands of the free world, and America,
for more than a decade. And America is more secure, and the world is
better off, because that regime is no more. (Applause.)
America is on the offensive, and we will stay on the
offensive until the terrorists are stopped and our people are safe.
(Applause.) I will use every asset at our disposal to do our most important
job, which is to protect the American people. (Applause.) And that includes
the United States military. We have come to know the skill and the courage
of the men and women of the United States military. (Applause.) They
have fulfilled every mission their country has given to them. They and
their families have endured long deployments and uncertainty. Our men
and women in uniform have fought in mountain passes and desert sands
in the remotest part of the world. They've lost brave friends and comrades,
who will always be remembered and honored by a grateful nation. (Applause.)
They have done all this to defend our country and to
advance the cause of freedom and peace. And their loved ones, and those
who wear our uniform, must know that America is very grateful to their
service. (Applause.)
The peace we seek depends on defeating the violent.
Yet, we also have a larger mission in the world. In the long-term, we
must end terrorist violence at its source by undermining the terrorist
ideology of hatred and fear. Terrorists find influence and recruits
in societies where bitterness and resentment are common, and hope and
opportunity are rare. The world's best hope for lasting security and
stability across the Middle East is the establishment of just and free
societies.
And so across that vital region, America is standing
for the expansion of human liberty. This historic task is not easy in
a part of the world that has known so much oppression and stagnation
and violence. It's hard work. Yet, we must be strong in our firm belief
that every human heart desires to be free. We must be strong in our
belief that free societies are hopeful societies and peaceful societies.
(Applause.)
We have made progress that few would have predicted
or expected just three years ago. In Afghanistan, our coalition is working
with President Karzai to help the people of Afghanistan build a modern,
peaceful and democratic government. In January, Afghans approved a new
constitution that protects the rights of all Afghan citizens, including
women. (Applause.) Through weeks of negotiation and compromise, they
agreed upon a fundamental law that respects tradition and establishes
a foundation of modern political rights, including free speech, due
process, and a vote for every citizen. We're making progress.
In Iraq, Saddam's brutal dictatorship is gone, and
in its place an Iraqi democracy is emerging. Iraqi leaders have signed
a transitional administrative law that will guarantee basic freedoms.
Iraq now has an independent judiciary, a free market, a new currency,
more than 200 newspapers in circulation, and schools free of hateful
propaganda. (Applause.)
It's hard work in Iraq. Our efforts are approaching
a crucial moment. On June 30th, our coalition will transfer its authority
to a sovereign Iraqi government. With the assistance of the United Nations
and our coalition, Iraqi citizens are currently making important decisions
about the nature and scope of the interim government. In time, Iraq
will be a free and democratic nation, at the heart of the Middle East.
This will send a message, a powerful message, from Damascus to Tehran,
that democracy can bring hope to lives in every culture. (Applause.)
And this advance of freedom will bring greater security to America and
to the world. These are historic times, it's an historic opportunity.
(Applause.)
Yet, as June 30th approaches, the enemies of freedom
grow even more desperate to prevent a rise of democracy in Iraq. That's
what you're seeing on your TV screens: desperation by a hateful few,
people who cannot stand the thought of free societies in their midst.
They're targeting brave Iraqis who are leaning toward democracy, such
as Izzedine Salim, who was assassinated in Baghdad yesterday. They're
murdering Iraqi policemen who stand as symbols of order. They're killing
foreign aid workers who are helping to rebuild Iraq. They're attacking
our military. Their goal is to undermine the will of our coalition and
the will of America, and to drive us out before our mission is complete.
They're not going to succeed. They will not shake the will of America.
(Applause.)
My resolve is firm. (Applause.) The resolve of the
American people is solid. Our military is skilled, spirits are high.
They are determined to succeed. We understand the stakes are high for
America and for the world. We will not be intimidated by thugs and assassins.
We will win this essential important victory in the war on terror. (Applause.)
This is an historic moment. The world watches for weakness
in our resolve. They will see no weakness. We will answer every challenge.
U.S. Army soldiers and Iraqi security forces are systematically destroying
the illegal militia in the south of Iraq. (Applause.) Coalition forces
are working with Iraqis in Fallujah to end control by Saddam loyalists
and foreign fighters. (Applause.) We're building up Iraqi security forces
so they can safeguard their own country. We're flexible in our methods,
but our goal is unchanging: Iraq will be free, and Iraq will be a democratic
nation. (Applause.)
Freedom is also at the heart of our approach to bringing
peace between Israel and the Palestinian people. The United States is
strongly committed, and I am strongly committed, to the security of
Israel as a vibrant Jewish state. (Applause.) Israel is a democracy
and a friend, and has every right to defend itself from terror. (Applause.)
For the sake of peace, this country is committed to
helping the Palestinian people establish a democratic and viable state
of their own. (Applause.) Israel needs a truly responsible partner in
achieving peace. (Applause.) The Palestinian people deserve democratic
institutions and responsible leaders. (Applause.) Progress towards this
vision creates responsibilities for Israel, the Palestinian people,
and Arab nations. Before these two states -- before there can be two
states, all parties must renounce violence and fight terror. (Applause.)
Security is the foundation for peace. (Applause.) All
parties must embrace democracy and reform and take the necessary steps
for peace. The unfolding violence in the Gaza Strip is troubling and
underscores the need for all parties to seize every opportunity for
peace. I supported the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to withdraw
military installations and settlements from Gaza and parts of the West
Bank. (Applause.) As I said in my statement on April 14, 2004, the Prime Minister's plan is a bold,
courageous step, that can bring us closer to the goal of two states,
Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security. (Applause.)
The Prime Minister's decision has given the Palestinian
people and the free world a chance to take bold steps of their own toward
peace. First, the Palestinian people must reject corrupt and failed
leaders, and insist on a leadership committed to reform and progress
and peace. (Applause.) Second, they must renounce terror and violence
that frustrate their aspirations and take so many innocent lives. (Applause.)
And, finally, by taking these steps, they will have an opportunity,
a fantastic opportunity to build a modern economy and create the institutions
and habits of liberty. The Palestinian people deserve a better future.
(Applause.) And that future -- and that future can be achieved through
democracy. (Applause.)
Many in this room have worked and waited a lifetime
for peace in the Holy Land. I hear that deep concern for peace. Our
vision is a Middle East where young Israelis and Palestinians can play
and learn and grow without living in the shadow of death. (Applause.)
Our vision is a Middle East where borders are crossed for purposes of
trade and commerce, not crossed for the purposes of murder and war.
(Applause.) This vision is within our grasp if we have the faith and
the courage and the resolve to achieve it. (Applause.)
Perhaps the deepest obstacle to peace is found in the
hearts of men and women. The Jewish people have seen, over the years
and over the centuries, that hate prepares the way for violence. The
refusal to expose and confront intolerance can lead to crimes beyond
imagining. So we have a duty to expose and confront anti-Semitism, wherever
it is found. (Applause.)
Some of you attended a very important event in Berlin
last month, the International Conference on Anti-Semitism. You understand
that anti-Semitism is not a problem of the past; the hatred of Jews
did not die in a Berlin bunker. In its cruder forms, it can be found
in some Arab media, and this government will continue to call upon Arab
governments to end libels and incitements. (Applause.) Such hatred can
also take subtler forms. The demonization of Israel, the most extreme anti-Zionist
rhetoric can be a flimsy cover for anti-Semitism, and contribute
to an atmosphere of fear in which synagogues are desecrated, people
are slandered, folks are threatened. I will continue to call upon our
friends in Europe to renounce and fight any sign of anti-Semitism in
their midst. (Applause.)
We are living through historic times. We are called
to do important work in the world. We will stand together against bigotry
in every land and every language. We will answer violent men with patient,
determined justice. We will expand human freedom and the peace that
freedom brings. And by our resolve, and by our courage, we will prevail.
(Applause.)
I want to thank you -- I want to thank you for your
dedication to the security of America and to the safety of Israel. I
want to thank you for your warm hospitality today. May God bless America.
May God bless Israel. Thank you for coming. Thank you all for your time.
Thank you all. (Applause.)
Sources: The White House |