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Ed Obama's speech to the Muslim world

Pard: "Obama talked about Iran being bound by the non-proliferation treaty, Bush ditto."

Quotes are from the speeches, bolding is mine.

Obama:
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

Bush:
We must stand with the good and decent people of Iran and Syria, who deserve so much better than the life they have today. Every peaceful nation in the region has an interest in stopping these nations from supporting terrorism. And every peaceful nation in the region has an interest in opposing Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. To allow the world's leading sponsor of terror to gain the world's deadliest weapon would be an unforgivable betrayal of future generations. For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. (Applause.)

Bush doesn't mention the word treaty and that is the only paragraph with the word, nuclear, in it.

I think it's pretty clear Bush is demanding while Obama speaks in terms of mutual respect here. This content is not the same.
 
Pard: "Obama talked about how Israel is not going away, obviously Bush had the same view"

Quotes are from the speeches, bolding is mine.

Obama:
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied....

...On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they've endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations -- large and small -- that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

Bush:
We must stand with the Palestinian people, who have suffered for decades and earned the right to be a homeland of their own -- have a homeland of their own. I strongly support a two-state solution -- a democratic Palestine based on law and justice that will live with peace and security alongside a democrat Israel. I believe that the Palestinian people will build a thriving democracy in which entrepreneurs pursue their dreams, and families own their homes in lively communities, and young people grow up with hope in the future.

Last year at Annapolis, we made a hopeful beginning toward a peace negotiation that will outline what this nation of Palestine will look like -- a contiguous state where Palestinians live in prosperity and dignity. A peace agreement is in the Palestinians' interests, it is in Israel's interests, it is in Arab states' interests, and it is in the world's interests. And I firmly believe that with leadership and courage, we can reach that peace agreement this year. (Applause.)

This is a demanding task. It requires action on all sides. Palestinians must fight terror and continue to build the institutions of a free and peaceful society. Israel must make tough sacrifices for peace and ease the restrictions on the Palestinians.

I think Obama's words were more honest. It's hard to take Bush seriously in these statements given he did nothing but support Israel until the end of his term when they appeared to be making a last ditch effort at addressing the peace process. Bush repeated over and over throughout his Presidency that the terrorism in Palestine must stop but he never with sincerity addressed the oppression of the Palestinians which breeds the response. This was a big change stating Israel has been wrong. It made many headlines. You cannot say the content here was the same.

It's a little subtle but to say, "earned the right", to people who are convinced their land was taken away is very undiplomatic.


Pard: "Obama talked about a two state solution, Bush too"

Yes, but as I noted above, they said it in very different ways. Bush talked about a pie in the sky solution. Obama talked about insisting the Palestinians get a fair shake.
 
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Pard: "And if anyone thinks him saying that the Israeli settlements were illegal was an improvement, here are past presidents saying about the same thing:
http://www.cmep.org/documents/settlements.htm ☑

Except maybe the tone which was more friendly, and except maybe about Guantanamo and torture, the content wasn't really that much different. "


Quotes are from Obama's speech and Bush's are from Pard's link, bolding is mine.

Obama:
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. (Applause.)

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Bush:
"Israel has got responsibilities. Israel must deal with the settlements. Israel must make sure there is a contiguous territory that the Palestinians can call home."

“Consistent with the Mitchell plan, Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories must stop, and the occupation must end through withdrawal to secure and recognized boundaries, consistent with United Nations Resolutions 242 and 338.”

The comments from others in Bush's administration in Pard's link were as strong as Obama's. Bush's are a bit weaker. But on this one the biggest difference is unknown. Time will tell. It's unfair to judge Obama as taking better actions than Bush when he has yet to take them. Obama could be just as ineffective as the last 8 administrations on the settlement issue. I can't say until we see what happens.



I see huge differences in those speeches. A few are clearly of different content, like stronger condemnation of Israel, not just saying the settlements had to stop. Obama said what should have been said years ago, the oppression of the Palestinians has contributed to the ongoing terrorism, it hasn't ended it.

Obama addressed the problem of the haves and have nots regarding nuclear weapons. He didn't just say Iran can't have one. Pretty much the people in that part of the world know full well there is a double standard in that Israel has nuclear weapons. The people are supposed to trust Israel won't use them against the surrounding countries. The people don't believe that. I imagine they view Israel's nuclear weapons as just as big a threat as we view Iran getting them.

Bush's approach to saying we aren't against all Muslims pretty much said, those outsiders can worship in our country and we won't persecute them like you all persecute Christians. Obama stressed the we are all equals.

Maybe you see that content as the same. Now that I have looked at the speeches more closely, no way do they look the same to me.
 
Is this a new tactic to engage in the conversation half a month after it was over?

I see you were being a git by not saying you had a link to the transcript when I asked you for one.

I said I did post links to transcripts. You didn't bother to read the thread and find them.

Why should I comb through 8 pages of posts to find these?
Because that's what people are supposed to do when they comment in threads, they should read what has been said before posting.

Like it has been pointed out to you, just talking about the same topic doesn't mean the same thing was said about it. You are posting reruns here.

He said pretty much the same thing, and he has pretty much the same opinions on these subjects.

But thank you for giving us a check list to compare points with.
Yes, weeks late. :rolleyes:

Pard: "Obama talked about the fight against radical Islam, so did Bush."

Quotes are from the speeches, bolding is mine.

Obama explains why Americans have reacted to the extremists.

Bush tells everyone they should be against the extremists. Obama later goes on to describe the reason everyone should be against the extremists but he puts it in a different context. Bush's comments are clearly one of dictating what people should do. Obama's comments are not the same.

The end result is the same, both presidents are saying America is at war with those extremists, and that the Muslims should help fight against them for their own good.

Pard: "Obama talked about how the US is not at war with Islam, so did Bush"

Whoa! Bush is totally criticizing many Islamic countries there. "We would never do what you do."

Obama describes the truth in a very not condescending way.

The way he says it is irrelevant if the content is the same.

The cycle of discord and mistrust that must end means we need to do that. Obama isn't just telling them to do it.
Big difference. :rolleyes:

There is a huge contrast here in these speeches. It's mind boggling.
Not to me, you have not made your case.

Pard: "Obama talked about Iran being bound by the non-proliferation treaty, Bush ditto."

Bush doesn't mention the word treaty and that is the only paragraph with the word, nuclear, in it.

I think it's pretty clear Bush is demanding while Obama speaks in terms of mutual respect here. This content is not the same.

WRONG
The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/19/bush.transcript/

Pard: "Obama talked about how Israel is not going away, obviously Bush had the same view"

I think Obama's words were more honest.

Is that the best you can come up with?

Pard: "Obama talked about a two state solution, Bush too"

Yes, but as I noted above, they said it in very different ways. Bush talked about a pie in the sky solution. Obama talked about insisting the Palestinians get a fair shake.
Not very convincing argument.

You say they say "it" in different ways, but the "it" is the same.

Pard: "And if anyone thinks him saying that the Israeli settlements were illegal was an improvement, here are past presidents saying about the same thing:
http://www.cmep.org/documents/settlements.htm ☑

Except maybe the tone which was more friendly, and except maybe about Guantanamo and torture, the content wasn't really that much different. "


Quotes are from Obama's speech and Bush's are from Pard's link, bolding is mine.

The comments from others in Bush's administration in Pard's link were as strong as Obama's. Bush's are a bit weaker.

So what, he did say it nonetheless.

I see huge differences in those speeches.
Clearly, you have not made your case. You see differences but cannot share them with others who don't share your viewpoint.

Your responses so far have all been quite subjective. I don't share your subjectivity, so it was your job to communicate your views with me objectively, and you have failed.

Nothing in what you wrote above is convincing. It's all a matter of whether you trust Obama more than Bush, and trust is subjective to you, and only you. I'm not an American, so I don't care one way or the other, although I agree Obama seems to be the the more intelligent and secular of the two. But all in all, I never particularly distrusted or trusted Bush anymore than I distrust or trust Obama.

It seems it's all about the way you like to be stroked (figure of speech, of course).
 
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Is it necessary to add this whiny crap or do you think you could just discuss the issues?

The first comments you posted were on June 6th

I haven't had time to read the 5 pages of comments yet

And then June 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 13th.

It seems you had plenty of time to acquaint yourself with what had been said and posted in the thread.
 
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Pard, apparently you have an inflated view of the importance I give to your posts amid a 9 page discussion. But don't mind reality, carry on with your delusion.
 
...

He said pretty much the same thing, and he has pretty much the same opinions on these subjects.
This blanket denial doesn't leave much to discuss.

Oh wait, that's what I predicted your response would be if I wasted my time responding to your claims. :rolleyes:

...

The end result is the same, both presidents are saying America is at war with those extremists, and that the Muslims should help fight against them for their own good.
You are not addressing the differences I pointed out.

...The way he says it is irrelevant if the content is the same.
I noted a number of places where the content was not the same. Please address those differences:

Admitting the US role in overthrowing Mosaddeq,
Speaking to the world as equals, and
Condemning Israel's role in oppressing Palestinians, to name 3.

And, the way the two men worded their speeches made a huge difference to everyone except the few Bush holdouts who just don't get the concept of arrogance vs cooperation.

...Big difference. :rolleyes:
Let me make it more clear: Bush "You must all do as we say because we say it must be done."
Obama: "We are all responsible for the problems and so we must all work together to achieve the goals which are important to all of us."

...Not to me, you have not made your case.
No worries, it wasn't important to me to make the case for you.

I repeat, "Bush doesn't mention the word treaty and [the paragraph I quoted] is the only paragraph with the word, nuclear, in it."

I searched for the words treaty and nuclear. My statement is correct. You should read more carefully.

But as for your view of what the two men said, this is an incredible example of why you think Bush said the same thing, you think like Bush.

Obama said a treaty was agreed to. Bush said the UN told Iran tough titties, they can't have a nuke. When people don't view the authority of the UN as unbiased and when they see the double standard of how the US ignores the UN resolutions against Israel, invoking "the UN said so" is not going to play well in a lot of countries.



...
Is that the best you can come up with?
Did I miss the part where Bush said Israel has some of the blame?


...Not very convincing argument.
To you. No worries, that wasn't my goal.


...You say they say "it" in different ways, but the "it" is the same.
Bush gave a pie in the sky solution. Maybe he was going for the, "I have a dream", effect. But MLK he ain't. Obama said the Palestinians future mattered. You can view that as you like.



...
So what, he did say it nonetheless.
And the fact you posted the last dozen Presidents making the same hollow demand of Israel only serves to negate Bush's saying it as well. That and the fact Bush did not enforce that demand in any meaningful way said the people who viewed his statement as insincere were right.

If Obama also fails to, it will make that 'content' of the speech the same. Most comments I've heard about the way Obama addressed the Israel/Palestinian situation is, they will believe it when they see it, they've heard it before. I agree. And we really won't know for 8 more years (or less). :)


...Clearly, you have not made your case. You see differences but cannot share them with others who don't share your viewpoint.
Really, Pard. I had no expectations of changing the mind of anyone who already bought the right wing Kool-Aid. I told you that from the beginning. I said I'm not sure I should waste the time doing this because there's no doubt you won't re-evaluate your position.

In the end I did it for myself. There were enough editorials claiming the speeches were the same that I thought I should see for myself. And I did. The speeches were indeed like I thought, 'Bush the arrogant' and 'Obama the equal'. And there were a number of differences in content. When did Bush ever say anything close to America is not pure goodness and the Iranians are pure not evil?

I heard an excellent point today discussing the Iranian unrest after their election. Here is a country where there truly is a large portion of the population that like America. This is an educated very large population within Iran than wants peace, women's rights, and democracy. And all Bush did was paint them with the axis of evil brush. Obama has the opportunity to encourage these people.

It's just possible Iran will be the country that ends up with the stable democracy in that region, not Iraq. And that isn't necessarily because of anything Obama will do, except to stop the demonizing. My parents lived in Iran just before the Shaw was ousted. I know a bit about their Iranian friends. There are many good people in that country who don't want to be repressed by extremists any more than they wanted to be repressed by the Shaw.


Getting back to the speeches, why do you think the speeches received such a different reaction? Do you really think that many people were merely reacting to preconceived biases? You don't think a large number of them were actually reacting to the speeches themselves? People were angered by Bush's words, not just his persona. They were listening to Obama and they did not hear more of the same. To think the world's reaction was fake and only Pard and a few NeoCons can see that is a rather arrogant position yourself.


...Your responses so far have all been quite subjective. I don't share your subjectivity, so it was your job to communicate your views with me objectively, and you have failed.
No, that was not my job. That would have been a silly goal.

...Nothing in what you wrote above is convincing. It's all a matter of whether you trust Obama more than Bush, and trust is subjective to you, and only you. I'm not an American, so I don't care one way or the other, although I agree Obama seems to be the the more intelligent and secular of the two. But all in all, I never particularly distrusted or trusted Bush anymore than I distrust or trust Obama.

It seems it's all about the way you like to be stroked (figure of speech, of course).
Well you missed a lot of the 'content' of my posts, then. As for the trust issue, I didn't trust Bush from the start because it was clear what his Presidency was going to be about. He turned out worse than I ever imagined.

Obama is off to a good start. I'm not sure he is standing up to big money and big business the way I would hope. That could be because Congress is too in bed with the same people regardless of their political side of the isle. It could be because Obama doesn't want to alienate everyone all at once. That's what Bush did, so I have mixed feelings about it.

So far Obama has been able to diffuse the right wing propaganda machine very effectively. The Clintons were not good at that and the country suffered because of it.

As for your neutrality, that's nonsense. Every once in a while you post something rational in the political forums. But most of the time you supported Bush policies and even now don't seem to acknowledge the significant harm Bush did to this country. Maybe being in Canada gives you a different perspective. You don't feel the gutting of all our regulatory agencies or replacing thousands of career employees with incompetent Bush minions. Maybe you are further removed from the tragedy of Katrina than those of us who were stunned by that government failure.

That you can't see the importance of the differences in Obama's, we are all equals, and Bush's, my way or the highway, however, I cannot understand except in the context of your particular political bias compared to mine.
 
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Skeptigirl, let's pick a few of your examples at random. Could you please tell me what in the name of jumping Jehosaphat is the difference?

Obama: On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland.

Bush: We must stand with the Palestinian people, who have suffered for decades and earned the right to be a homeland of their own.
------

Obama:And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

Bush: we made a hopeful beginning toward a peace negotiation that will outline what this nation of Palestine will look like -- a contiguous state where Palestinians live in prosperity and dignity.

------

Obama: And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it.

Bush: The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.


I mean really, this is astounding that we both read the same texts and see completely different things in it.

Of course Bush is more direct, he was always a straight-forward no BS kind of guy, and Obama seems to be a more tempered and well mannered diplomat, but this is all the icing on the cake, the flour and the ingredients of the cake are the same.
 
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As for your neutrality, that's nonsense. Every once in a while you post something rational in the political forums. But most of the time you supported Bush policies and even now don't seem to acknowledge the significant harm Bush did to this country. Maybe being in Canada gives you a different perspective. You don't feel the gutting of all our regulatory agencies or replacing thousands of career employees with incompetent Bush minions. Maybe you are further removed from the tragedy of Katrina than those of us who were stunned by that government failure.

I almost never comment in threads about US domestic issues, because I feel it's not my business, but I'm sure we agree on a lot of things Bush did wrong, I tend to vote social-democrat in my country, and we're both strong atheists, so we must have more in common than we think.

But as far as foreign policy goes, I find I agreed with both presidents, and I don't find much differences between their goals in that respect. Both wish for a two-state solution to the I/P conflict, a secure Israel and a viable state for the Palestinians, to continue the fight against Islamic terrorism and to force Iran towards its obligations. Frankly, except in some cosmetic ways to go about them, there is no difference in the fundamentals.
 
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Thngs Bush didnt say. sure there are parts in the speeches that are similar. But some things Obama said and propably ment would never have come over Bush's lips.

The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.)

and many other things that when you obkectively read the 2 speeches, you can find the differences easy. only not when you are delusional.
 
Yes, I mentioned torture at the beginning of the thread.

Except maybe the tone which was more friendly, and except maybe about Guantanamo and torture, the content wasn't really that much different.

And about that world free of nuclear weapons thing, I think it's wishful thinking. The technology exists, so the world will never be free of it, and as long as rogue states have it, or try to have it, the US will keep theirs for security reasons.

And the next one who can't argue his point without the use of the word "delusional" will be reported.
 
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Yes, I mentioned torture at the beginning of the thread.



And about that world free of nuclear weapons thing, I think it's wishful thinking. The technology exists, so the world will never be free of it, and as long as rogue states have it, or try to have it, the US will keep theirs for security reasons.

And the next one who can't argue his point without the use of the word "delusional" will be reported.

i dont know how to call it other than delusional.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.)
 
And about that world free of nuclear weapons thing, I think it's wishful thinking. The technology exists, so the world will never be free of it, and as long as rogue states have it, or try to have it, the US will keep theirs for security reasons.

This is an unpleasant truth.*

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons.

This is a political speach.

Do you see the difference?
And who is delusional?




*Agreeing with pardalis in politics?, well it´s 1 am.
 
i dont know how to call it other than delusional.
No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons.

It doesn't matter because ultimately, Iran is bound by an international treaty. Maybe one single nation can't tell another nation not to have nuclear weapons, but multiple nations can, and do.
 
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It doesn't matter because ultimately, Iran is bound by an international treaty. Maybe one single nation can't tell another nation not to have nuclear weapons, but multiple nations can, and do.

What you think about it doesnt matter the slightest. Its about a speech that was diffrent from a speech the former president held, from whish you belive is the same, while most people had the impression it was diffrent.

:rolleyes:
 
This is an unpleasant truth.*



This is a political speach.

Do you see the difference?
And who is delusional?




*Agreeing with pardalis in politics?, well it´s 1 am.
I see the Obama position differently. I don't think he believes (and I don't believe either) that it is realistic we will be free of nuclear weapons in our lifetimes. But in order to address the problem: we don't want Iran to have nuclear weapons - you have two approaches. The Bush approach and frankly, the consistent US approach since the first 5? nuke holders set about to keep nukes out of the hands of every tin-pot dictator, has been to assert power/authority over weaker countries. What could they do about it? Nothing.

Times have changed. Now instead of first world and third world countries we have BRICs and Asian Tigers, and other countries with rapidly developing industrialization and growing economies. This development brings with it a different mindset. We have to recognize the attitude changes in how these countries' populations see themselves.

When India decided to become a nuclear power, I remember an Indian friend of mine saying she felt a sense of pride that her country developed a nuclear bomb. In that context, Obama was correct to change our country's stand from one of owning the technology exclusively to one of recognizing, and in the case of the speech, acknowledging, how these developing countries perceive the idea of being excluded from the club. A world with no nukes was just a way of saying, we agree that our having these weapons while telling others they cannot have them is not right, while at the same time making the demand that we still don't want Iran to have them a tad more legit.
 
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It doesn't matter because ultimately, Iran is bound by an international treaty. Maybe one single nation can't tell another nation not to have nuclear weapons, but multiple nations can, and do.
Yeah, like everyone telling North Korea what to do is so effective. :rolleyes:
 
I almost never comment in threads about US domestic issues, because I feel it's not my business, but I'm sure we agree on a lot of things Bush did wrong, I tend to vote social-democrat in my country, and we're both strong atheists, so we must have more in common than we think.

But as far as foreign policy goes, I find I agreed with both presidents, and I don't find much differences between their goals in that respect. Both wish for a two-state solution to the I/P conflict, a secure Israel and a viable state for the Palestinians, to continue the fight against Islamic terrorism and to force Iran towards its obligations. Frankly, except in some cosmetic ways to go about them, there is no difference in the fundamentals.
I have the impression you lean pretty far to the right when it comes to the NeoCon position. That would be the position you are expressing here: all we have to do is stamp our feet and tell the world what to do because we are big and strong enough to do it.

As for forcing Iran towards its obligations, actually we differ considerably on that point. And the events of the last few days in Iran reinforced by conviction that my position toward Iran is correct.

I do think the radical religious movements are dangerous and the current danger from the Taliban, al Qaeda, Bin Laden and even the Palestinians using terror tactics is serious and cannot just be ignored. But where we differ the most is, I don't agree you get the best results using military strength. I don't buy that NeoCon adage that if you act nice they see it as weakness. If we do stupid nice things, maybe. But not if we do the right nice things like supporting economic development the masses benefit from.

It's my view of reality that if we provided more assistance for the poor people that are the cannon fodder for the radical groups, we would be a lot more effective than the military approach. It was not the surge in Iraq that calmed things down. It was payments to the insurgents. It gets little news coverage but it is no secret that is the case.

If we built schools, hospitals (and actually made sure they were staffed and supplied after they were built), developed infrastructure, provided jobs and so on, that is how you draw people away from the terrorist organizations. Israel has tried force for 60 years now and they've gotten nowhere. Just think where we could have been if the billions spent on military aid went instead into developing a decent country for the Palestinians.

Getting back to Iran, half the country wants the freedom the Bush propaganda slogan claims they hate. The other half are poor and less educated. They support religious rule. Why? I'm willing to bet part of the reason is they've been going to indoctrination schools provided free by the ruling Mullahs. They have few other options.

The middle and upper class Iranians, OTOH, have been able to go to real schools. They have internet connections and contact with the rest of the world. They have avoided being raised on a diet of Madrasah stew. These people are not anti-American. They don't hate our freedom, they want their own.

When we choke off the economic development of Iran, who are we helping? The ruling Mullahs have a rallying cry, the economic hardship breeds more people against the US within Iran, it doesn't make people give up. Look at the Palestinians. Have they given up after being totally oppressed for 60 years?

Look at China. Despite the setback of Tienanmen Square, the reason that event happened at all was the growing middle class in China. Economic development resulted in people demanding lives like ours. While there still isn't political freedom in China, there sure is a lot more capitalism than communism right now.
 
Skeptigirl, let's pick a few of your examples at random. Could you please tell me what in the name of jumping Jehosaphat is the difference?

Obama: On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland.

Bush: We must stand with the Palestinian people, who have suffered for decades and earned the right to be a homeland of their own.
I told you, "earned the right" implies they didn't have the right in the first place. They don't see it that way.


Obama:And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

Bush: we made a hopeful beginning toward a peace negotiation that will outline what this nation of Palestine will look like -- a contiguous state where Palestinians live in prosperity and dignity.
Bush had no credibility by the time he said this in this speech. I believe the opinion I heard about Obama is people in the Middle East are waiting to see.


Obama: And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it.

Bush: The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.
I said quite a bit about this in my reply above to Toke's post.


I mean really, this is astounding that we both read the same texts and see completely different things in it.

Of course Bush is more direct, he was always a straight-forward no BS kind of guy, and Obama seems to be a more tempered and well mannered diplomat, but this is all the icing on the cake, the flour and the ingredients of the cake are the same.
What you perceive as direct, I perceive as arrogant. What you perceive as simply more tempered and well mannered, I perceive as more respectful and not arrogant.

I really think you are missing how the speeches would sound if you were a Middle Easterner. I don't think you perceive the Bush insults. They seem to go right past you.
 

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