The President lauded some democratic reforms among Arab nations. He urged the Arab leaders to show support for the fragile Iraqi government, open their societies and provide backing, and possible funding, to help make an Israeli-Palestinian agreement stick.

“Leaders on both sides still have many tough decisions ahead, and they will need to back these decisions with real commitments,” Bush said, “but the time has come for a holy land where Palestinians and Israelis live together in peace.”

He called on the Palestinians to reject extremists, although he did not specifically mention the Islamic radical group Hamas, which has gained control of the Gaza Strip.

“The dignity and sovereignty that is your right is within your reach,” Bush said in a direct appeal to the Palestinians.

On Iran, Bush is privately trying to allay the concerns of Persian Gulf allies nervous about Iran’s military might and spreading influence. Gulf allies are jittery after the January 6 confrontation between US and Iranian naval vessels off their shores, but seek assurance that Bush doesn’t want war. Any attack on Iran could bring retaliation against military bases on Arab soil or choke the lucrative oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran’s actions threaten the security of nations everywhere,” Bush said, calling on the Iranian government to make itself more accountable to its citizens.

“So the US is strengthening our long-standing security commitments with our friends in the Gulf, and rallying friends around the world to confront this danger before it is too late.”

... contd.