President Bush embarks today on his last important trip to Europe, a six-day
swing that will include a dinner with Gordon Brown and a meeting with the
Queen at Windsor Castle.
The visit comes as many in Western Europe, including its leaders, are already
looking past Mr Bush and focusing their attention instead on the race for
his successor, and at a time when his influence at home and abroad is
waning. Yet he arrives with relations in better shape than at any time since
the lead-up to the Iraq War, and still believes that he can achieve progress
on issues such as Afghanistan, Iran, the Middle East and trade.
Mr Bush’s farewell trip will bring him face-to-face with a quartet of European
leaders in Britain, France, Italy and Germany who are all Atlanticists. It
will be in stark contrast to the hostility he aroused over Iraq and the
opposition he once encountered in Paris and Berlin from Jacques Chirac and
Gerhard Schröder, both now off the international stage.
He will first visit the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, for the annual US-Europe
summit, seven years after he met Vladimir Putin there and declared that he
had seen into the Russian leader’s “soul” and viewed him trustworthy. On the
agenda this week will be ways to pressure Russia to halt its anti-democratic
moves and increased internal repression.
Mr Bush’s priorities include getting cooperation to increase economic and
diplomatic pressure on Iran over its nuclear weapons programme, securing
more aid and troops for Afghanistan, and eliminating trade barriers between
the US and Europe. After Slovenia, he will travel to Germany, Italy, Rome,
France and Britain. His last event could include a visit to Belfast to laud
the power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland.
Expectations for the trip were lowered last week by Stephen Hadley, Mr Bush’s
national security adviser, who said: “I don’t think you are going to see any
dramatic announcements.” Yet he will arrive at a time when Britain, France
and Germany are discussing ways to increase pressure on Tehran over its
nuclear programme. Approaches to crafting sanctions against Iran, combined
with a package of incentives, will be discussed.
On Afghanistan, some progress has already been made. Nicolas Sarkozy, who ran
for election in France as a pro-American, has agreed to send an extra 700
troops to the country, and has promised a more robust French military role
in Nato.
Yesterday Laura Bush, the First Lady, made a surprise visit to Bamiyan, in
Afganistan, where the Taleban triggered international outrage by destroying
two giant Buddhist statues in 2001. Mrs Bush has made support for Afghan
women one of her priorities.
The European leaders are also aware that both Barack Obama and John McCain,
one of whom will succeed Mr Bush in January, have said that they want
European countries to contribute more to the fight against the Taleban and
al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. With an Afghan donors conference to be held in
Paris on Thursday, Mr Bush will push his counterparts to make good on
pledges of aid to Kabul.
In Rome, Mr Bush will be welcomed by a newly reelected Silvio Berlusconi, a
staunch ally who supported the Iraq War. He is looking at loosening
operating restrictions for Italy’s 2,600 troops operating in western
Afghanistan and Kabul. He will also discuss with Mr Bush the possibility of
sending more troops to Iraq. Italy withdrew its combat forces in 2006.
Mr Bush will also meet Angela Merkel, who is closer to him than her
predecessor, Mr Schröder. They will try to reinvigorate an initiative they
began last year to eliminate trade barriers between the US and Europe.
The long goodbye
Today President Bush will attend the EU-US Summit in Ljubljana
Tomorrow Arrives in Germany to meet the Chancellor Angela Merkel
Thursday Meets President Napolitano of Italy and the Prime Minister,
Silvio Berlusconi
Friday Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican
Sunday Plans to call into Windsor Castle to meet the Queen; dinner with
Gordon Brown at No 10
Monday, June 16 Mr Bush is expected to visit Peter Robinson, the new
First Minister of Northern Ireland, in Belfast
Bush on his LAST HYPOCRITE TOUR
sooner he and his cronies are indicted the better.
they have bankrupted the USA of all $$$ and goodwill.
the sooner their replacement stops subsidising all the corrupt Dictatorships and Oppressive anti-democratic regimes in the world the better.
simon, torquay, uk
We still have some ancient gallows here. Bring the war criminal here for justice.
mn, London, United Kingdom
Interesting article and very telling comments. I would expect my fellow Democrats to be ecstatic with expectations for the future and Obama now. However, it appears the left wing of the party is still filled with an unhealthy hatred of a man that has simply done the best he could at stopping terror
Jim, Fort Myers Beach, USA
hmmm. Dubya should be visiting Africa on his trip, since he single-handedly did more for Africa than any leader,of any country at any time in history...The press seems to overlook this fact.
History will give due credit. Dubya isn't one to have a popularity contest anyways. That's fortitude.
Dave, Los Angeles, USA
I'd rather call it his "good riddance" tour than a farewell tour. How many days left until we have a new president?
Colleen, Rochester, USA
Bush has always told us what he was going to do and then tried to do it. I am waiting for someone to tell me what lies I ever heard from Bush. Bush is both a chimpanzee and a sinister evil manipulator of all the countries of the world. So, which is it? Stupid or smart? It can't be both.
jim Baker , Centennial, USA
Tell me why there is not ONE mention of the person who started the war by attacking the trade towers?
Jake, doniphan, usa
I think everyone *is* discussing that person.
Tom Franklin, London, United Kingdom
The mere fact that this evil man is being accepted in the Vatican should confirm to Catholics that their (my) religion is essentially complicit in acts of genocide in the name of "God". Same with the conquests of the New World, the Crusades and WW2.Bush is the worst thing to happen to this world.
patrick, The Hague, netherlands
Why is it so many of the commentators above credit Bush with keeping America safe after 9/11, when it was Bush and those behind him who engineered 9/11 in order to create a false flag, problem/reacton/solution scenario?Just like the Gulk of Tonkin. One day the world will know the truth about 9/11...
patrick, The Hague, netherlands
W's depature will mark the end of an era/error.
GWR, Warren, OHIO - USA
Tom,
Actually, it is expected for U.S. to solve everything. Get out of Lincoln and go to any other country and ask who they think should be "leading".
Also, If you really think "it" would have stayed there, then it is you who are misguided.
Marlene, Washington, DC, United States of America
no one but the ultra conservative right would care what the lame duck does--and believing the war was necessary falls in the same category--fortunately, McCain knows what war is and won't push it as an ego trip like Bush!!
William j pappas, Michigan, USA
The ongoing support of Bush is merely another manifestation of a basic fact: that the American population exhibits the highest incidence of mental illness of any country in the world.
Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom
This has to be the only time that most Europeans will be glad to see Bush - that is, to say good-bye.
There is no reasoning with Americans who regard this pathetic lump of human being as "a man of God."
He gives all religion a bad name.
JOHN CHUCKMAN, Toronto, Canada
Todd,
Well said. It's astonishing that Bush was elected twice in this country. I have high hopes for Obama, but you're right, he does have his work cut out for him.
What goes down must come up again.
Stephen, Denver, USA
Good for you Lou and Nathan. I agree, this was not a war we wanted. Everyone is forgetting 9/11. I have always agreed with Bush on the war. History will show that President Bush did what was right. Would we like another WWII, with the world just watching as our enemy destroys us one by one.
Janet, brooklyn New York, USA
How can some of these contributors look at what has happened to America under Bush and NOT think that this he's been an unmitigated disaster? If it was a Democratic president who had created this litany of cock-ups you can bet your bottom (and almost worthless) dollar that they'd be spitting fire.
Fletcher Crossman, Charleston, USA
I'll miss him. The religious doctrine of Vulgarian Leftism demands it's devotees view Bin Laden, Michael Moore etc. as morally superior to President Bush and sure enough, the devotees mindlessly comply. The Left has become so stupid in their sanctimony that they no longer reproduce. Goodbye Europe.
Daisy, NYC, USA
The ignorance shown on his page is astounding. Absolutely astounding. While our President Bush continues to get bashed by all sorts of lesser men and women, he still contributes to a safe America. Tell me why there is not ONE mention of the person who started the war by attacking the trade towers?
Jake, doniphan, usa
Thank you Mr Bush. I enjoyed your presidency and yourself.
I hope McCain will succeed you as pres. -- i feel he has a higher entertainment value (of the circus clown variety) although Barry Obama is not far behind. Actually either one is fine by me. Though McCain does have a fun factor edge.
Max Pronin, Moscow,
I hope he loses his passport while he's there. All these Bush lovers need to get psychiatric help.
Jeff, Sacramento / CA, USA
craig from Birmingham pretends to wonder: "what is the difference between Bush being a "man of god" and al quaeda following their own God."
Different Gods craig, with different agendas. Europeans have replaced throughly a Judeo-Christian God with Socialism. Good luck surviving.
Daisy, NYC, USA
Marlene, Washington,
You seem rather misguided. Nobody expects the US to solve the world's problems - the US is expected to clean up its own mess! Furthermore, if the US stayed out of middle East affairs, surely problems would then stay in the Middle East and not put the rest of us in danger.
Tom, Lincoln,
God Bless You President Bush. Thank you for keeping us Safe. I KNOW history will show what you are doing was right for this Country. You unselfishly served our country. I AM PROUD TO CALL YOU MY PRESIDENT.
Cathy, Olathe, USA
Brandon in USA,
'The people of the Arab nations will one day credit his courage for their freedom,'
What makes you think the Arab nations want freedom? I wonder whether the mothers of those children killed in Iraq during the past 4 years are thanking Bush for their freedom!
Tom, Lincoln,
Send George W Bush to Iraq, and live outside the Green Zone of Bagdad. This is the place he should be. He raped Iraq, Dick Cheney and Bush spent billions of US money which get siphoned into their pockets in the name of "freedom" and "security". What a pity, many yankees believe them.
Sunny, Hong Kong,
Where is Osama? Why has th US not captured him? Bush's actions since have been shameful and have stained our reputation on the world's stage. My guess is that he never wanted to catch him and would instead used the tragedy of 9/11 to further his sick and twisted goals.
chris christian, St Petersburg, USA
The onlything i can say about Goerge Bush is he was excellent in promoting fear among all Americans and he succeded. I bet Americans wouldn't mind being barcoded now as an act of security. Well that sounds like the New World Order to me or is it the ILLUMINATI in control? sorry i speak mystries.
LEANNE, Oxford, United Kingdom
We liberals do not like Bush not because we want "an EU style government" as your strawman arguement proposed. I'm not allowed enough characters to tell you all the reasons, but here are few.
-Pre-emptive war
-Mass deficit spending
-Erosion of civil liberties
-"with us or against us" diplomacy
Todd Dwyer, Austin, Texas, 78704
Good riddance to bad rubbish. The world is a a more dangerous place thanks to the Bush years, and the U.S. economy is in shambles thanks to his belief that you can indefinitely spend money you don't have.
The Obama administration will have to work to clean up the mess he has created.
Todd Dwyer, Austin, Texas, 78704
I know that some day the American people and hopefully the American press will realize what a man of courage we had in President Bush. His Christian morals gave him the courage to do what was right and he will be vindicated with time just like Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was not well liked as President
Joseph Loreti, Stewartsville, USA
Bush promotes market speculation by telling the King of Saudi Arabia that oil will run out soon. Speculators loved it! If markets are so good for us, why do we allow them to ruin our lives so many times? When will we learn? Tulip mania, internet bubble, housing, and now commodities and food.
Dennis, Allen, USA
I will miss his Leadership, Integrity and most of all his love of all American people. I live in Essex, England and can honestly say that the US is at least 5 times better a place to live than here. I can’t wait to get back!
Kip, Colchester, United Kingdom
Craig from Birmingham:
You're a perfect example of the worst form of moral equivalency.
Bush belief in God = AQ belief in God?
Next thing you'll be telling us is that 2 + 2 = 7
Geoff , San Diego, US
Marlene - I just asked what Bush has done to 'inspire energy independence.' Simple question. Any takers?
Luke, Geneva, Switzerland
George Bush's dictating vs. Saddam Hussein's left Iraqis with no security, less employment, electricity, water and fuel. Bush might as well of stayed at home. He kept Americans safe except for the 4000 dead servicemen and the thousands maimed. Forget the Iraqi dead. International law was forgotten.
A. Halsey, Calgary,
TO: Jon who posted a comment:
Why then don't you sign up for and fight? Obvioulsy you have your head in the sand and define a messed up GOP.
Susan, Fort Worth, Tx, USA
>> ... what is the difference between Bush being a "man of god" and al quaeda ...
First, WE, the US, do not intentinally target civilians (any more). We did at one point (carpet bombing Germany, nuking Japan), but not any more.
Second, they just THINK they are following the will of God.
Jon, USA,
The President's been hobbled by the donkey's in Congress. If roles were reversed and it was Obama in the White House with a mostly Republican Congress... Obama would look just as bad (or his supporters would be whining racial prejudice as a valid excuse).
Jason, GA, USA
Now wait until the Chinese call in the 6 trillion your irresponsible administration has borrowed to pay for its elective wars on false pretences.
Julia Iskandar, London, England
Jeff Lee you certainly do NOT speak for me. President Bush will go down in history as a great President. One who did not faulter. One who did not rely on statistics and flip-flop as others before him just to get the ratings. Just look at the ratings, Congress has a lower approval rating.
Tina, Waldorf, USA
To Craig in Birmingham,
A bus is driving down the road. You push me out of the road and out of the path of the bus.
A bus is driving down the road. I push you in to the road and in to the path of the bus.
Do you not see a difference here?
Kevin, Bluffton, SC, USA
He will miss Condoleeza
sam wanamaker, springfield, usa
I can only hope we get to see bush tried for crimes against humanity.If you thought the world rejoiced at the hanging of Saddam,seeing bush swing would unite the world in glee.
WORST president EVER and a war criminal!
Marcus Townsend, Detroit MI, USA
If Obama is elected, then we WILL see if running away is a better strategy than kicking our enemies teeth in (as we have done for the last 6 years).With Bush, our enemies KNEW, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they would be persued and in most cases die. Not so with Obama.That WILL make a difference
Jon, USA,
After helping clean up Europes world colonial past most of the last century i hope this is the last tour an American Pres. does of Europe in a very long time. Im all f or keeping my money here, throwing the UN out of the US and letting Europe deal with their own problems. Europe is pure moral pit.
William, Atlanta, USA
This is just another example of how US does not care about the rest of the world. So much money spent just to say goodbye? An extra 747 contributing to global warming, and huge lengthy cars driving around at slow pace causing traffic jams all over. They should rather have a teleconference.
Ashwin, Bristol, UK,
"most sucessful thing the Bush Adminstration has done is to prevent another attack from happening on our soil." -- Marlene, Washington
Yes, but for the next 200 years mr Bush has made sure that Americans living abroad will never feel safe. (especially in the middle east)
jayil, london, uk
I wish GW a good trip. His policies plainly have kept America safe since 9/11. He didn't turn tail and run like Spain, Italy, and a few other countries when attacked. He turned the Iran nuclear bomb over to the EU countries who have been talking now for 5 years with any results.
Gene, Gebüg, Germany
Great man, great leader, great President. I'll miss you George. Here's hoping that hard as nails, togh talking John McCain is next in the hot seat. The US needs the Democrats in power about as much as we need another dose of Labour.
James, Manchester,
Dear sarah from seattle,
Perhaps I'm being thick, what is the difference between Bush being a "man of god" and al quaeda following their own God. both sides have created a battle where there are no winners or losers - just perpetual fighting - in the name of God
craig, Birmingham,
Luke, as someone who survived September 11th I say that the most sucessful thing the Bush Adminstration has done is to prevent another attack from happening on our soil. Why do you expect US to solve all the world's problems? If the Swiss are so smart why don't you guys figure it out for a change?
Marlene, Washington. DC, United States of America
...for being power hungry, only committing war to benefit the economy, and sacrificing soldiers lives for an unjustifiable reason. Now these comments have almost faded from history about these great leaders and only good is remembered because of how positive the outcome of their and the US troops
Lou, Allentown, PA, USA
... efforts. I believe this will be the case with President Bush. It may take longer to see the results, but I think the ending will be positive.
Lou, Allentown, PA, USA
All you Pres. Bush haters are just ignorant!
Tina, Miami, United States of America
Dear Sue from Texas (dear anyone posting who supports Bush) – the hyperbole about Bush’s greatness/steadfastness/righteousness etc etc I can happily ignore, but can you please tell me three things (wait, I’ll make it easy; ONE thing) Bush has done to ‘inspire energy independence’…?
Luke, Geneva, Switzerland
It's amazing how similar these angry remarks about our current US president are similar to the angry remarks said about past US Presidents Abraham Lincoln (Civil War), Woodrow Wilson (WWI), and Franklin D. Roosevelt (WWII) during their administrations. They were scolded by Americans and non-America
Lou, Allentown, PA, USA
War existed when it came to our soil, so we took it straight to Afghanistan. Iraq was a war of choice & Saddam had to be dealt w/ eventually . With Italy & British intel backing up the claims including our own. Seriously try having a PEACE talk with someone who’s only goal in life is your death
Nathan, Texas, USA
Move aside Mr Warmonger, leave it to BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA to tidy things up - even the name softens up the enemy.
Wright, Sydney, Malaysia
To be honest, I think I will miss him too. "Bushisms" keep me entertained for hours.
"I'm going to try to see if I can remember as much to make it sound like I'm smart on the subject."
I think the fact he has a degree is more reflective on the education system of the US than on his intelligence.
Craig T, London,
Dee, from Houston...
George Bush's attendance of Yale and Harvard may have been due to his mediocre high school grades (C-average) and lack of any discernible talent or may (just a hypothetical) have had something to do with the importance of his family (ever heard of University contributions?)
Abioye A Oyetunji, London, UK
Chutzpa is the word that comes to mind when president Bush
embarks on a journey to teach the russians democracy.He and Mr.Cheney wouldnt recognise democracy ir it hits them in
the face.They have ignored the Geneva conventions,ignored
Habeas Corpus,spied on their people,etc.,etc.The list is long.
K.S.Nirody, Geneva, Switzerland
Anyone driving past a gas station and seeing the prices knows why we went to war - devalue the dollar to erase debt and install (another) puppet regime to secure access to oil.
What did Hamid Karzai do before he became the head of Afghanistan?
Pauli, Oxnard,
Bush has two problems which have dogged him throughout his presidency... too little intellect and too much Cheney.
Douglas Miller, Fulham,
So goodbye then, the 'War President,' the man who had no war so started one on the flimsiest tissue of lies ever seen on an International stage ably assisted by his poodle Bliar who is now a Peace Envoy.
You really couldn't make it up.
How shameful the 00's have been for both countries.
Pu Li, Guangxi, PRC
Bush is one of the most QUALIFIED and INTELLIGENT presidents in U.S. history, with a degree from Harvard and Yale. He can't speak worth a darn, but the man is highly intelligent and governed the largest fiscal state prior to becoming president. The liberal media hate him but it doesn't change facts.
Dee, Houston, USA
President Bush will be missed. He is a great leader who rose up to the occasion after 9-11 to fight terrorism. He is hated because he is a man of God with high morals, honesty and a true patriot. Democracy is in peril and he is upholding it against markist and socialist opposition in America.
Sarah , Seattle, USA
Okay I admit it. I don't know what an Atlanticists is. Can someone tell me? Thanks!
Robert, North Coast OH, USA
President Bush is a great Leader. He has kept the USA safe and free. He has also lowered taxes, inspired energy independence, encourages self reliance/entrepreneurship and promotes the American dream.
The Liberals do not like him because they want America to have a EU style of government.
Sue, Texas, USA
I suppose he will be amongst friends. Everyone will be in a spirit of euphoria that it is the last time they'll have to entertain him.
Andrew, Stockholm , Sweden
I see Bush takes a tour of Europe while the U.S. economy is collapsing. I love you all in Europe and all but feel free to keep him!
Frank, Portland, USA
Bush is outstanding. History WILL prove it.
Cindy, SoCal, USA
Mr. Bush is a great patriot, and a positive pro-democratic force for the world. The people of the Arab nations will one day credit his courage for their freedom, and when the scourge of terrorism is finally defeated, it will be said Bush was the leader brave enough to draw a line in the sand.
Brandon, Corpus Christi, USA
President Bush will go down in history as one of our great Presidents! Mark my words. Do you know how small you sound when you say the President of the United States belongs in prison?? I admire him greatly for his fortitude.
Beth Williams, Grand Blanc, MI, USofA
On behalf of all Americans, I would like to apologize for the failures of the Bush Administration. George Bush will go down in U.S. history as the worst U.S. President. All Americans can breathe a sigh of relief that Bush and Cheney
will be out of office in six months. King George was a tyrant.
Jeff Lee, Gilbert, Arizona, USA
Thank You Mr Bush for keeping us safe over the last 8 years. Let's pray the next President has half the backbone you do and will continue your extermination of terrorists. Everyone knew Americans would have short memory's after 9/11, God forbid we have another to remind us of why we went to war.
Andy, Denver, USA
Goodbye to a true leader. History will show how much he'll be missed. The US is a much safer place now than after the circus of the "Billy Bob" years. Don't judge him by what he says, judge him by what he doe's. Saddam is history and the taleban is back hiding in caves.
Paul King, Dubai, UAE
I wish he was beginning his farewell tour of the US. The guy belongs in prison somewhere.
Jeff, Sacramento / CA, USA
Funny I dont see his audience with me on the list, oh well the pretsils will keep. When he meets Gordon Brown and other EU leaders can he try to halt their anti-democratic moves and increased internal repression. A push for a referendum on the EU treaty would be a good pro democracy move George.
Cromwell, Leeds, England
Can some European nation with courage please arrest mr Bush and try him for his war crimes.
jayil, london, uk