The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2003

Global Message

  • President Bush Announced in Remarks Thursday That the United States would pursue a "forward strategy of freedom" to promote democracy throughout the Middle East.

  • Promoting democracy and freedom in the Middle East will be a massive and difficult undertaking, but it is worthy of America's effort and sacrifice.

  • As long as freedom and democracy do not flourish in the Middle East, that region will remain stagnant, resentful, and violent -- and will serve as an exporter of violence and terror to free nations.

  • Democracy and Islam can coexist. Millions of Muslims from Turkey to Indonesia to Niger have proven that Islam and democracy are fully compatible.

  • The advance of freedom will increase chances for peace and security for Americans as well as for the people of the Middle East.

  • The U.S. is pursuing a policy of promoting freedom and human dignity in every part of the world. We pursue this policy both because it is right and because it also addresses the fear, hatred, and inequality that contribute to terrorism and violence.

  • The President's policy is based on values that uphold human rights through democracy and the rule of law.

  • We are committed to pursuing freedom and promoting democracy and human rights, through both words and deeds, as a member of the international community.
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