President George W. Bush and President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan held a joint press conference, discussing the strong relationship between their countries. Bush praised Musharraf’s courage in the face of extremism and highlighted their cooperation in fighting terrorism. The leaders addressed intelligence sharing, economic development, and Pakistan’s commitment to democracy. They also spoke about regional issues, such as relations with India and the situation in Afghanistan. Musharraf emphasized the desire for a long-term strategic partnership with the U.S. and explained Pakistan’s efforts to combat the Taliban. Both leaders expressed confidence in their ability to work together to achieve peace and security.
A Meeting of Minds: Bush and Musharraf, 2006
Study Guide
I. Quiz: Short Answer Questions (2-3 Sentences Each)
- What specific accomplishment regarding intelligence cooperation between the US and Pakistan did President Bush highlight during the press conference?
- What commitment did President Musharraf renew regarding elections in Pakistan? Why was this commitment considered important in the context of combating radicalism?
- According to President Musharraf, what were the three “bottom lines” of the peace treaty signed with tribal elders in North Waziristan?
- How did President Bush respond to the question about whether the US needed permission to strike inside Pakistan if Osama bin Laden was located?
- What issue did the reporter Zafar Jung raise concerning the United States’ policy toward Pakistan’s access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes?
- What did Bush say the United States could do to facilitate an agreement between Pakistan and India regarding Kashmir?
- What was President Bush’s view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and what role did he see the United States playing in resolving it?
- How did President Bush respond to claims that the United States is waging a war on Islam?
- What was the basis of the relationship between President Bush and President Musharraf, as described by President Musharraf?
- What did President Bush and President Musharraf emphasize as crucial for achieving lasting peace in regions of conflict?
II. Quiz Answer Key
- President Bush highlighted the cooperation between US and Pakistani intelligence forces that helped prevent the loss of innocent life in the United Kingdom. This cooperation was seen as necessary in a world where extremists are willing to kill to achieve political objectives.
- President Musharraf renewed his commitment to holding free and fair elections in Pakistan in 2007. This commitment was seen as important because giving people a chance to participate in the political process was considered the best way to defeat radicalism and extremism.
- The three “bottom lines” of the peace treaty were: no al-Qaeda activity in tribal agencies or across the border in Afghanistan, no Taliban activity in those areas or across the border, and no Talibanization or obscurantist way of life allowed. These were agreed to by the tribal elders.
- President Bush emphasized that the US and Pakistan were “on the hunt together” and that they would “deal with” the situation when Osama bin Laden was found, without getting into the specifics of tactics. He focused on the shared goal of bringing al-Qaeda to justice.
- Zafar Jung raised the issue of a discriminatory regime regarding the fear of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, as Pakistan needed energy but was being denied access. He asked if this discrimination would end after the meeting between the two presidents.
- Bush stated that the United States could offer assistance in creating conditions for peace, laying out a vision, and providing aid for institutional building to foster democracy. Ultimately, the resolution of the Kashmir issue would depend on the will of the leaders involved to get the past behind them and move forward.
- President Bush supported a two-state solution with a democratic Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. The U.S. would give aid to those suffering, help create the conditions for peace to occur, lay out a vision, talk to world leaders, and provide aid to help institutional buildings so that a democracy can flourish.
- President Bush refuted claims of a war against Islam, calling them “false.” He emphasized the importance of rejecting extremist propaganda, noting that the US respects Islam and that many Muslims live peacefully in the United States.
- President Musharraf described the basis of their relationship as trust and confidence. He stated that without this trust, a productive relationship is impossible.
- President Bush and President Musharraf emphasized the importance of leadership will and mutual trust for achieving lasting peace in regions of conflict. This included the need for leaders to put the past behind them and work together toward a better future.
III. Essay Questions
- Analyze the strategic importance of Pakistan to the United States in the context of the “War on Terror” following 9/11, as reflected in the statements made by Presidents Bush and Musharraf.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the tribal deal in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as a counterterrorism strategy, considering President Musharraf’s explanation of the deal and potential criticisms of its long-term impact.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities for promoting interfaith harmony between the West and the Islamic world, drawing upon President Bush and President Musharraf’s comments on the issue.
- Compare and contrast the perspectives of President Bush and President Musharraf on the role of the United States in resolving conflicts in Kashmir and Palestine.
- Assess the significance of economic development and educational reform as tools for combating extremism in Pakistan, based on the points raised by Presidents Bush and Musharraf.
IV. Glossary of Key Terms
- Extremism: Holding extreme political or religious views; often associated with intolerance, radicalism, and violence.
- Radicalism: Belief in or support for fundamental or revolutionary changes in the established order.
- Terrorism: The use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.
- Talibanization: The process by which a region or society adopts the strict religious laws and customs associated with the Taliban.
- Al-Qaeda: A militant Sunni Islamist multi-national organization founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, Abdullah Azzam and several other Arab volunteers during the Soviet–Afghan War.
- Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA): A semi-autonomous tribal region in northwestern Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan.
- Kashmir: A disputed territory between India and Pakistan, with ongoing conflict and political tensions.
- Two-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
- Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons, fissile material, or the technology and information necessary to manufacture them.
- Interfaith Harmony: Promoting understanding, respect, and cooperation among different religions.
Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided transcript of a meeting between President George W. Bush and President Pervez Musharraf.
Briefing Document: Meeting between President George W. Bush and President Pervez Musharraf
Date: [Date not specified in document, but context suggests 2006]
Location: Washington D.C., White House
Attendees:
- President George W. Bush (United States)
- President Pervez Musharraf (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
- Various members of their respective administrations
Executive Summary:
The meeting focused on reinforcing the strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, with a strong emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability (particularly in Afghanistan and regarding India-Pakistan relations), and Pakistan’s internal development (economic, educational, and political). Both leaders expressed mutual trust and confidence. Key themes include combating extremism, promoting moderation, fostering economic development, and resolving regional conflicts. The discussion also addressed concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear program and the need for peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian and Kashmir disputes.
Key Themes and Discussion Points:
- Counterterrorism and Extremism:
- Shared Struggle: Both presidents emphasized the shared threat posed by extremists and terrorists. Bush stated, “He understands that we are in a struggle against extremists who will use terror as a weapon… I admire your leadership. I admire your courage, and I thank you very much for working on common strategies to protect our respective peoples.”
- Intelligence Cooperation: Highlighted as crucial for preventing attacks, with specific mention of collaboration that helped prevent loss of life in the United Kingdom. “I want to remind the people of Pakistan and the people of America that because of the good work of our intelligence forces and Pakistani intelligence forces as we helped people in the United Kingdom we prevented the loss of innocent life that kind of cooperation is necessary.”
- Pakistan’s Role: Bush acknowledged Musharraf’s role as a “strong defender of freedom” and a target of extremists.
- Tribal Areas Strategy: Musharraf briefed Bush on the strategy in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), emphasizing a “holistic approach” involving military, political, administrative, and reconstruction elements. He clarified that recent peace deals were “not to deal with the Taliban,” but rather “to fight the Taliban.” Specifically, he described the agreement with tribal elders that prohibited Al-Qaeda activity, Taliban activity, and Talibanization of the tribal agencies. Bush indicated satisfaction with this deal.
- Osama Bin Laden: In response to a question about striking inside Pakistan if Osama bin Laden were located there, Bush emphasized trust and collaboration. He expressed confidence that Musharraf would bring Bin Laden to justice if found. Musharraf affirmed total coordination at all levels of intelligence and operations.
- US-Pakistan Relationship:
- Strategic Partnership: Both leaders affirmed the desire for a long-term, broad-based, and strategic relationship. Musharraf stated that the meeting reinforced their “trust and confidence in each other.”
- Economic and Social Development: Discussions included economic assistance, trade and investment opportunities, and support for education and health sectors in Pakistan. Bush mentioned the need to move forward on a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone and a bilateral investment treaty.
- Defense: The f16 deal was discussed.
- Democracy in Pakistan: Bush reiterated Musharraf’s commitment to free and fair elections in 2007. “The last time I was with the president he assured me and assured the people that were listening to news commerce that there would be free and fair elections in Pakistan in 2007 he renewed that commitment.”
- Regional Stability:
- Afghanistan: The leaders discussed the situation in Afghanistan, with plans for a trilateral meeting involving Presidents Bush, Musharraf, and Karzai. Bush stressed the importance of Afghanistan’s success for regional peace.
- India-Pakistan Relations: Bush expressed pleasure at the progress in relations between Pakistan and India and encouraged the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. “I think it’s very important that the that the issue of Kashmir mu forward and be resolved peacefully and I appreciate your efforts mr. president.” Musharraf noted his “excellent meeting” with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Havana, calling it “a step forward towards resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan.”
- Interfaith Harmony and Moderation:
- Combating Propaganda: Bush emphasized the need to counter extremist propaganda and promote understanding between the West and the Islamic world. “All of us need to step up and talk about a world in which we respect each other’s religions matter of fact is very important for Muslims around the world to know there’s a lot of Muslims living at peace here in the United States.”
- Respect for Islam: Bush asserted that America respects Islam and highlighted the presence of peaceful Muslims in the United States.
- Interfaith Harmony Initiative: Responding to a question, Bush praised Musharraf’s call for building bridges and promoting interfaith harmony.
- Nuclear Issues and Energy:
- Non-Proliferation Concerns: In response to a question about discriminatory practices related to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, Bush stated that they “talked about energy and we talked about our need to work through the recent history of that we’ve had together on dealing with proliferation matters.” This suggests ongoing concerns and discussions related to Pakistan’s nuclear program.
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Kashmir:
- Peace Process: Both leaders acknowledged the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bush reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for both sides to recognize each other’s right to exist.
- Kashmir Resolution: Bush stated that the Kashmir issue will be solved when the leaders of Pakistan and India decide to solve it and offered US assistance to facilitate an agreement if desired. “Kashmir issue will be solved when two leaders decide to solve it and we want to help the United States can’t force nations to to reach an agreement.”
Points of Note:
- Armitage Quote: Bush denied knowledge of reported threats from Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to bomb Pakistan “back to the Stone Age” if it did not cooperate after 9/11. He maintained that Pakistan, under Musharraf’s leadership, was one of the first to offer support.
- Trust and Confidence: The constant refrain of “trust and confidence” underscores the effort to portray a strong and reliable partnership despite underlying complexities and potential disagreements.
- Focus on Personal Relationship: The meeting highlighted the personal relationship between Bush and Musharraf as a key factor in the strength of the US-Pakistan alliance.
This briefing document provides a concise overview of the key discussions and themes from the meeting. It reflects the priorities and perspectives of both leaders at the time.
US-Pakistan Relations: Counter-Terrorism, Trade, and Regional Security
- Why was President Musharraf in Washington D.C. meeting with President Bush? The meeting was to reinforce the strong, long-term strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, focusing on a wide range of issues including cooperation in the fight against terrorism, economic development, trade, investment, education, health, defense, regional issues like the Palestinian dispute, and progress between Pakistan and India, including the Kashmir issue and Afghanistan. Both presidents emphasized mutual trust and a desire for peace and security in the region.
- What role did the fight against terrorism play in the relationship between the US and Pakistan? Fighting terrorism was a central and critical aspect of the US-Pakistan relationship. President Bush lauded Musharraf’s commitment to combating extremism, noting Musharraf’s own personal risks and the need for intelligence cooperation. Musharraf detailed Pakistan’s holistic approach, including military, political, administrative, and reconstruction elements to counter terrorism in its tribal agencies.
- What is the “tribal deal” President Musharraf described, and what was its purpose? The tribal deal was an agreement signed with tribal elders in Pakistan’s North Waziristan Agency, aimed not at cooperating with the Taliban, but at fighting them. The core principles of the deal include preventing Al-Qaeda and Taliban activity in the tribal agencies and across the border into Afghanistan, as well as preventing “Talibanization” and obscurantist ideologies in the region. The tribal elders are obligated to enforce this agreement and act against those who violate it.
- How did President Bush respond to questions about potential US military action within Pakistan to capture Osama bin Laden? President Bush emphasized the trust and collaboration between the US and Pakistan in the hunt for Al-Qaeda. Both leaders said they were working together in all areas, such as intelligence, operational, strategic, and tactical coordination. Bush deferred to the moment when such a situation arises and when the right decision will be taken to strike in such coordination.
- What were the key issues discussed regarding the broader relationship between the US and the Islamic world? The discussion focused on promoting interfaith harmony and countering extremist propaganda. President Bush emphasized that America respects Islam and rejects the notion that the “war on terror” is a war against Islam. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between the peaceful Muslim faith and the actions of extremists and terrorists. The importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as supporting peaceful resolution of disputes like Kashmir was also discussed.
- What specific economic development and trade initiatives were discussed? The focus was on creating Reconstruction Opportunity Zones to spur growth in Pakistan, along with a bilateral investment treaty. President Musharraf emphasized Pakistan’s need for assistance, particularly in trade and investment, as well as in education and health.
- What was President Bush’s perspective on resolving the Kashmir dispute? President Bush believed that lasting agreements must be reached by the leaders of nations. He was encouraged by the discussions between President Musharraf and the Indian Prime Minister. He mentioned he is willing to help facilitate an agreement, and emphasized that the United States could not impose peace, but can create conditions where peace can flourish.
- What did President Musharraf want from the meeting and the U.S. in general?
- Musharraf sought a long-term, broad-based, strategic relationship with the United States. He emphasized Pakistan’s need for assistance in trade, investment, education, and health sectors. He pushed for a resolution to the Palestinian and Kashmir issues, and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. Ultimately, he aimed to reinforce mutual trust and confidence between the two nations.
Pakistan-United States Relations: Counter-terrorism, Economy, Democracy, and Regional Issues
Pakistan and the United States have a relationship based on trust and a shared desire for security and peace. Both countries have common strategies to protect their people. The US president stated that the US desires the best for Pakistan and the region.
Key aspects of the Pakistan-US relationship include:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation Both countries recognize the importance of intelligence sharing to prevent terrorist attacks. Pakistan is taking a holistic approach to fighting terrorism using military, political, administrative, and reconstruction elements. The US President stated that he believes President Musharraf when he says the tribal deal is intended to reject Talibanization and that there won’t be al-Qaeda.
- Economic Development The US recognizes that economic prosperity can help people improve their lives and is working with Pakistan on reconstruction opportunity zones and a bilateral investment treaty. The US has provided assistance to Pakistan in education and health.
- Democracy and Education President Musharraf has committed to free and fair elections in Pakistan. He is also focused on improving Pakistan’s education system to prepare students for the global economy.
- Regional Issues President Bush was encouraged by President Musharraf’s meetings with the Indian Prime Minister regarding the Kashmir issue. Both presidents discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the tribal agencies. The US President, along with President Musharraf and President Karzai, planned to have discussions regarding avenues for peace in Afghanistan.
- Interfaith Harmony President Musharraf has called for building bridges and promoting interfaith harmony between the West and the Islamic world. The US President spoke out against propaganda that tries to inflame passion and create conditions where terror is justified. He stated that the US respects Islam and that there are many Muslims living peacefully in the United States.
US and Pakistan Cooperation Against Terrorism
Pakistan and the United States are cooperating in the fight against terrorism. Both countries recognize the importance of intelligence sharing to prevent terrorist attacks.
Key points include:
- Common Strategies: Both countries share common strategies to protect their people from extremists who use terror as a weapon.
- Intelligence Cooperation: The good work of US and Pakistani intelligence forces helped prevent the loss of innocent life in the United Kingdom.
- Holistic Approach: Pakistan is taking a holistic approach to fighting terrorism, using military, political, administrative, and reconstruction elements.
- Tribal Deal: A peace treaty signed through a grand assembly of elders aims to fight the Taliban. The deal has three bottom lines: no al-Qaeda activity, no Taliban activity, and no Talibanization. The US President stated that he believes President Musharraf when he says the tribal deal is intended to reject Talibanization and that there won’t be al-Qaeda.
- Mutual Interest: It’s in the interest of both the US and Pakistan that al-Qaeda be brought to justice. Both countries collaborate and strategize on how best to do this.
US and Pakistan Presidents on Kashmir and Palestine
The US and Pakistani presidents have discussed the issues of Kashmir and Palestine, agreeing that leadership from involved nations is key to resolving these conflicts.
Key points from the discussion include:
- Kashmir:President Bush was encouraged by President Musharraf’s meetings with the Indian Prime Minister, indicating a desire at the leadership level to solve this long-standing problem.
- The US is willing to assist but cannot force nations to reach an agreement. Lasting agreements occur when leaders decide to put the past behind them and move forward.
- The US can help create conditions for peace, lay out a vision, talk to world leaders, and provide aid to help institutional building so that democracy can flourish.
- President Bush asked both leaders what the United States could do to facilitate an agreement.
- Palestine:President Musharraf emphasized the need to resolve the Palestinian dispute, calling it the core of all problems, even terrorism and extremism.
- President Bush expressed his desire and will to resolve the Palestinian dispute.
- President Bush is the first president to have articulated a two-state solution, believing a Palestinian state as a democracy living side by side with Israel will yield peace.
- For peace to occur and for a Palestinian state to exist, people have to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
US-Pakistan Talks on Afghanistan Stability and Tribal Deal
Afghanistan’s stability was discussed between the US and Pakistani presidents, with planned trilateral discussions involving the president of Afghanistan.
Key points from the discussion include:
- Mutual Interest: It is in the mutual interest of the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan for Afghanistan to succeed.
- Avenues for Peace: Discussions were planned to find avenues for peace, considering Afghanistan has been devastated by war.
- Tribal Deal: President Musharraf explained to President Bush what was happening in Afghanistan and the tribal agencies. He clarified that the peace treaty was signed through a grand assembly of elders, and it is intended to fight the Taliban. The US President stated that he believes President Musharraf when he says the tribal deal is intended to reject Talibanization and that there won’t be al-Qaeda.
The Original Text
ladies and gentlemen the President of the United States and the president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan thank you very much please be seated Laura and I appreciate the opportunity to welcome president mr. Musharraf here to Washington we remember finally mr. president to your great hospitality in Pakistan and and we remember that the importance of that visit it reconfirmed our friendship gave you and me a chance to discuss important issues and there’s no more important issue than defending our peoples this president is a strong defender of freedom and the people of Pakistan and I appreciate your leadership he understands that we are in a struggle against extremists who will use terror as a weapon he understands it just about as bit as good as anybody in the world after all they’ve tried to take his life they’ve these extremists who can’t stand the thought of a moderate leader leading an important country like Pakistan want to kill the president let’s just say things to none of the people of Pakistan and the people of America that because he has been a strong forceful leader he has become a target of those who can’t stand the thought of moderation prevailing I admire your leadership I admire your courage and I thank you very much for working on common strategies to protect our respective peoples we had a good discussion here today we talked about how our intelligence cooperation can continue I want to remind the people of Pakistan and the people of America that because of the good work of our intelligence forces and Pakistani intelligence forces as we helped people in the United Kingdom we prevented the loss of innocent life that kind of cooperation is necessary in a world in which extremists and radicals are willing to kill to try to achieve political objectives we talked about the earthquake recovery and our nation was proud to support you mister brethren because we care when we see people suffering in you I was briefed by you and your administration when I was there and I was impressed by the great organization and compassion shown for the Pakistani people by your government I hope all is going well particularly for those who suffered mightily now we talked about economic development and the need to move forward on a reconstruction Opportunity Zones as well as a bilateral and investment treaty was our relationship is more than just helping to secure our respective homelands ours is a relationship that recognizes that through economic prosperity people can can embedder themselves we had a very interesting briefing on the federally administered tribal areas the governor the areas are with us here and he briefed me and members of my national security team on the strategy to strengthen governance and to promote economic development we talked about education first time I ever met President Musharraf he talked about the need to make sure the school systems in Pakistan worked well I was impressed then I’m impressed now by your commitment to an education system that prepares students for the and gives students the skills necessary to compete in a in a global economy we talked about democracy the last time I was with the president he assured me and assured the people that were listening to news commerce that there would be free and fair elections in Pakistan in 2007 he renewed that commitment because he understands that the best way to defeat radicalism and extremism is to give people a chance to participate in the political process of a nation we talked about we talked about India in relations and the president’s relations with India I was pleased to see it in Havana Prime Minister Singh and President Musharraf had another discussion I think it’s very important that the that the issue of Kashmir mu forward and be resolved peacefully and I appreciate your efforts mr. president we talked of course about Afghanistan and a president musharraf and President Karzai Karzai and I will have dinner right here in the White House next week and it’s going to be an important discussion it’s going to be important discussion because one of the most important avenues for peace is for Afghanistan’s to succeed and it’s in our mutual interest that we work together to help that a country that’s been devastated by war succeed and so I look forward to our trilateral discussion mr. president it’s going to be a good one it’s going to be an interesting one and it’s an important discussion all in all we’ve had yet another good meeting between people who are able to speak frankly with each other and people who share the common desire for people to live in security and peace welcome miss Miller go andreen I would like to first of all express my gratitude and also on behalf of my entire delegation for the warmth and hospitality that we have received and many courtesies that we are being extended to us since our arrival in the United States I had an excellent meeting with President Bush we first of all reinforced our trust and confidence in each other I trust President Bush and I have total confidence in him that he desires well for Pakistan and for our region and I trust him also that he’s trying to do his best for bringing peace to the world and I trust him also that he’s trying to resolve the core issue of the Palestinian dispute we discussed the entire gambit of relations bilaterally between United States and Pakistan and also in our region and on international issues bilaterally we reinforced our desire to have this relationship on a long-term basis broad-based and a strategic relationship when we are talking of broad-based whatever the president has said it involves all aspects which we discussed it has its political and diplomatic aspects which we reinforced and then our desire to fight terrorism and succeed against terrorism other than that issue in the social sector on the economy how whatever assistance is being given to us whatever assistance we require our requests on that especially in the field of Trade and Investment which are the main areas which we require assistance in otherwise on a broad-based level assistance in the education and health sector on the defense side the f16 deals all this was discussed on the regional issues on the international plane we did discuss the core issue of the Palestinian dispute which needs to be resolved and being at the core and I am extremely glad that the president has a desire and a will to resolve this Palestinian dispute I wish him very well because that lies at the heart of all problems even at the heart of terrorism and extremism on the regional side in our region we also discussed the reproach going on between Pakistan and India and I proudly told the president that we had I had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Havana and it was a step forward towards resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan I did tell him on the way forward that we are moving on the Kashmiri dispute special coming on the other side we had any in-depth discussion on what is happening in Afghanistan and our tribal agency they are I explained to him whatever we are doing in the form of the peace treaty that we have just signed through a grand Georgia which is an assembly of elders this treaty is not to deal with the Taliban it is actually to fight the Taliban the misperception in the media I did clarify to the president and may I very briefly say and what I explained to the president that this is a holistic approach that we are taking to fighting terrorism in Pakistan in the tribal agency tribal agencies of Pakistan this is a political side of the holistic strategy the holistic strategy being the military arm being used a political element and administrative element and a reconstruction element so we want to move on all these aspects forward confining myself to this deal this deal is not at all with the Taliban as I said this is against the Taliban actually this deal is with the tribal elders of North Waziristan agency and the deal has three bottom lines which we fix for ourselves and this is very important which I explained to the peloton number one there will be no al-qaeda activity in our tribal agencies or across the border in Afghanistan there will be no Taliban activity in our tribal agencies or across in Afghanistan there will be no Taliban ization which is a obscurantist thoughts or way of life Nothe liberalization so all these three have been agreed by the tribal elders who signed that deal and when they sign the deal they are honorbound and they have a very strict on a code to not only abide by it but also that whoever violates it they move against them so this is in brief the deal which I explained to the president and I I know that he is satisfied with that deal and maybe this shows the light or the way forward for bringing peace to the region so this is what we discussed holistically that I would like to conclude by saying we have we had a total understanding of views between President Bush and myself and as I said we reinforced our trust and confidence in either in each other thank you very much that you have two questions have pasted them after 9/11 would the United States have actually attacked Pakistan if President Musharraf had not agreed to cooperate with the war on terrorism he says that the United States was threatening to bomb his country back into the Stone Age and President Musharraf would Pakistan have given up its backing of the Taliban if this threat had not come from Armitage first let me let me let me that he’s asking about the our mother’s thing I am you know the first I heard of this is when I read it in the newspaper today III you know I was I guess I was taken aback by the harshness of the of the words all I can say is is that shortly after 9/11 secretary Colin Powell came in and said President Musharraf understands the stakes and he wants to join and help route out an enemy that has come and it killed 3,000 of our citizens matter of fact my recollection was that one of the first leaders to step up and say that the stakes have changed that attack on America that killed 3,000 the citizens needs to be dealt with firmly was the President and if I’m not mistaken : told us that if not the night of September the 11th shortly thereafter now I need to make sure I get my facts straight but it was soon I don’t know of any conversation that was reported in the newspaper like I just don’t know about it I would like to I’m launching my book on the 25th and I am honorbound to Simon & Schuster not to comment on the book before that Dave in other words by the book is what he’s saying my question is about the US president yes excellency president musharraf has issued a call for building bridges and promoting interfaith harmony between the west and the Islamic world which is in the upheaval and in complete turmoil so your comments of Islamic fascist and then the comments of the Pope and in flipped and inflammation Islamic world and my question is that would you take the leading role along with President Musharraf to build these bridges and promote interfaith harmony to avert any wrong notion of clash of civilizations I appreciate the president’s leadership in promoting harmony there is unbelievable propaganda in the Middle East these days that try to inflame passion the the propagandists are attempting to create conditions where terror is justified and so at my speech at the United Nations I stood up and said loud and clear America respects Islam and we do we don’t respect people who kill in the name of Islam to achieve political objectives like the terrorists whose matter of fact I these extremists exploit propaganda in order justify their behavior all of us need to step up and talk about a world in which we respect each other’s religions matter of fact is very important for Muslims around the world to know there’s a lot of Muslims living at peace here in the United States they are proud Americans and they’re equal to me as a citizen we respect their religions I repeat to you however that the free world in the moderate world must stand up to these extremists and not let them spread their hateful propaganda now let them try to incite the incite people to acts of violence because these extremists are not only against Western people they’re also against moderate people and the president’s reaching out to help understand the world understand that the Muslim religion is a peaceful religion is very important and we can help and we will help one way we can help is to is to work with the Palestinians and the Israelis to achieve peace I’m the first president ever to have articulated a two-state solution I believe a Palestinian state as a democracy living side by side with Israel will yield the peace what’s important is for people to understand that in order to have that peace in that Palestinian state people have got to recognize Israel’s right to exist in order for this to happen you can’t ask people to negotiate with people who say you shouldn’t exist we will continue to give aid to people who suffer we didn’t ask the question whether you know what was the nature of the religion of the people who suffered in Pakistan when we spent a half a billion dollars to help this president we said they’re suffering and we want to help and so we will continue to outreach it’s important however for people in the Middle East to reject the extremist propaganda that is spreading in many cases absolute lies about the intentions of the United States they’d love to say this is a war against Islam I can’t think of anything more false these are moderate reasonable people who reject extremism in order for there to be peace so I work hard to do my part thank you for that question Steve thank you sir there’s been a back-and-forth this week over whether the US needs permission to strike inside Pakistan if Osama bin Laden is located could each of you give your position on that and you did you are you satisfied with his assurances on the tribal deal well first of all I appreciate the briefing on the tribal deal when the president looks him in the eye and says the tribal deal is intended to reject the Taliban ization of the people and that there won’t be a Taliban and won’t be al Qaeda I believe you know I mean it that this is a person with whom I’ve now had close working relationships for five and a half years and when he says if we find or when we find Osama bin Laden he will be brought to justice I believe in and we’ll let the tactic speak for themselves after it happens we’re on the hunt together it’s in the president’s interest that al Qaeda be brought to justice and it’s in our interest and we collaborate and we strategize and we talk a lot about how best to do this all I can tell you is is that when Osama bin Laden is found he will be brought to justice and that’s what we’ve continually discussed later I think as the president said we are in the hunt together against these people now why are we bothering of how to the semantics of the tactics of how to deal with the situation you’ll deal with it we are in the hunt together you want the person if at all we confront him if at all we find out his location we are quite clear what to do so let’s not get involved in how it ought to be done by whom it ought to be done there is total coordination at the intelligence level between the two forces there is coordination at the operational level at the strategic level even at the tactical level so therefore we are working together and when the situation arises we need to take the right decision to strike that’s how I don’t want let me I what we’re thinking about anyway doing and missing may I also say that we need to have ladies and gentlemen here we have the basis of a relationship is trust and confidence if we don’t have that trust and confidence in each other and we think that we are bluffing each other I don’t think that’s a good way of moving forward anyway okay I’m sorry Zafar Jung group of the newspapers mr. president I have two-part question and first I must rejoice the remarks which you gave the outset about President Musharraf and second is mr. president in Pakistan we cherish the idea of having strategic and long partnership with United States of America but we found that there is a discriminatory regime is being forward by your great country pertaining to the fear of the nuclear technology for the peaceful purpose Pakistan leaves of energy and we have been denied of that could you insure us that this discrimination will come to an end after your disgrace waiting with President Musharraf and the second part of my question mr. president that President Musharraf has been asking resolution of the problem of Palestine and cash weed for the sustainable peace in the world especially in this part of the world are you going to contemplate are you contemplating some step to take some initiative to resolve these two problems and question for mr. president is how far free life how is a song about your relations with President Bush and the agenda the item for which you are going to take up with the president how far you have been successful in persuading thank you sir you represented the entire press corps there that’s good we talked about energy and we talked about our need to work through the recent history of that we’ve had together on dealing with proliferation matters secondly in terms of Kashmir and Palestine Kashmir issue will be solved when two leaders decide to solve it and we want to help the United States can’t force nations to to reach an agreement it’s because we want there to be an agreement lasting agreements occur when leaders of nations say let’s get the past behind us and let’s move forward I am I’m encouraged by the meetings that the president and the Prime Minister of India had it is an indication that there is desire at the leadership level to solve this long-standing problem leadership is also going to be required between Israel and Palestine we of course can help and will help but it’s important for you to understand that we cannot impose peace we can help create the conditions for peace to occur we can lay out vision we can talk to world leaders and we do we can provide aid to help institutional buildings so that a democracy can flourish but ultimately peace long standing peace depends upon the will of leaders I’m impressed by this president’s will to get something done in Kashmir he and I have talked about this issue in the past he is said he was going to reach out to the Prime Minister’s of India and he has and our hope is that this process continues forward I asked the president just like I would ask the Prime Minister of India what can we do to help what would you like the United States to do to facilitate an agreement would you like us to get out of the way would you like us not to show up would you like us to be actively involved how can we help you if you so desire achieve peace and that’s that’s the role of the United States as far as I’m concerned thank you I think the I’ve already answered we’ve had far-reaching discussion encompassing bilateral issues regional and international I think we have general consensus on all issues Thank You mr. brother good job by the board thank you thank you very much thank you all
By Amjad Izhar
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https://amjadizhar.blog
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