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President George Bush Address to Joint Session of Congress on the Middle East

President George Bush

Address to Joint Session of Congress on the Middle East

(Excerpt)

Washington, D.C., 6 March 1991

Tonight I come to this House to speak about the world – the world after war.

…

Our commitment to peace in the Middle East does not end with the liberation of Ku­wait. So tonight let me outline four key chal­lenges to be met.

First, we must work together to create shared security arrangements in the region. Our friends and allies in the Middle East rec­ognize that they will bear the bulk of the re­sponsibility for regional security. But we want them to know that just as we stood with them to repel aggression, so now America stands ready to work with them to secure the peace.

This does not mean stationing U.S. ground forces on the Arabian Peninsula, but it does mean American participation in joint exercises involving both air and ground forces. It means maintaining a capable U.S. naval presence in the region, just as we have for over forty years. Let it be clear: Our vital national interests depend on a stable and se­cure Gulf.

Second, we must act to control the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles used to deliver them. It would be tragic if the nations of the Middle East and Persian Gulf were now, in the wake of war, to embark on a new arms race. Iraq requires special vigilance. Until Iraq convinces the world of its peaceful intentions ­that its leaders will not use new revenues to rearm and rebuild its menacing war machine – Iraq must not have access to the instruments of war.

And third, we must work to create new opportunities for peace and stability in the Middle East. On the night I announced Op­eration Desert Storm, I expressed my hope that out of the horrors of war might come new momentum for peace. We have learned in the modern age geography cannot guarantee security and security does not come from mil­itary power alone.

All of us know the depth of bitterness that has made the dispute between Israel and its neighbors so painful and intractable. Yet, in the conflict just concluded, Israel and many of the Arab states have for the first time found themselves confronting the same aggressor. By now, it should be plain to all parties that peacemaking in the Middle East requires compromise. At the same time, peace brings real benefits to everyone. We must do all that we can to close the gap between Israel and the Arab states-and between Israelis and Palestinians. The tactics of terror lead no­where. There can be no substitute for diplo­macy.

A comprehensive peace must be grounded in United Nations Security Council Resolu­tions 24 2 and 338 and the principle of terri­tory for peace. This principle must be elabo­rated to provide for Israel's security and recognition, and at the same time for legiti­mate Palestinian political rights. Anything else would fail the twin tests of fairness and security. The time has come to put an end to Arab-Israeli conflict.

The war with Iraq is over. The quest for solutions to the problem in Lebanon, in the Arab-Israeli dispute, and in the Gulf must go forward with new vigor and determination. And I guarantee you: No one will work harder for a stable peace in the region than we will.

Fourth, we must foster economic develop­ment for the sake of peace and progress. The Persian Gulf and Middle East form a region rich in natural resources with a wealth of un­tapped human potential. Resources once squandered on military might must be redi­rected to more peaceful ends. We are already addressing the immediate economic conse­quences of Iraq's aggression. Now the chal­lenge is to reach higher – to foster economic freedom and prosperity for all people of the region.

By meeting these four challenges, we can build a framework for peace. I've asked Sec­retary of State Baker to go to the Middle East to begin the process. He will go to listen, to probe, to offer suggestions, and to advance the search for peace and stability….

 

Source: Journal of Palestine Studies, vol. xx, no 4, Summer 1991.