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| Mideast Democracy Summit Ends With No Deal |
| 2005-11-13 |
A U.S.-backed summit meant to promote political freedom and economic change in the Middle East ended Saturday without agreement, a blow to President Bush's goals for the troubled region. A draft declaration on democratic and economic principle was shelved after Egypt insisted on language that would have given Arab governments greater control over which democracy groups receive money from a new fund. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also used the conference to send a message to Syrians chafing under authoritarian rule, saying Washington backs their 'aspirations for liberty, democracy and justice under the rule of law.' Bush hosted a coming-out party for the Forum for the Future last year at Sea Island, Ga., and the U.S. is putting up half of the $100 million in a venture capital fund for economic development launched at this year's gathering. The White House had hoped the conference would showcase political progress in a part of the world long dominated by monarchies and single-party rule, and spread goodwill for the U.S. American officials seemed startled that an ally, Egypt, threw up a roadblock. Egypt receives nearly $2 billion annually in U.S. aid, second only to Israel. The country held its first multiparty elections this year, but remains under the firm control of President Hosni Mubarak. ...more... |
| Posted by:.com |
| #1 They just don't get it. Giving any Arab group preferential treatment over others is affiemative action. They believe one is superior over another so we must make up the difference to be fair. They do not understand equality and equal opportunity are because we consider one another as created equally in God's eyes and freedom our God-given birthright as humans because they use the sliding scale of their own opinions and prejudices. There will be no justice until they accept new ideas, as they want their own people to accept enslavement to whomever happens to be in power. Even the Euros should educate themselves on American principles that set us apart before multiculturalism and hypocrisy rain back on their own heads. |
| Posted by: Danielle 2005-11-13 11:00 |