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November 22, 2006

So Much for Those Pathetic Rumors that the Administration Might ask Iran to Help in Iraq

This should shut down those pathetic rumors that the administration might seriously considering asking Iran to help stabilize Iraq:

Bush warns Syria, Iran after Lebanon killing

US President George W. Bush accused Syria and Iran of fomenting violence and instability in Lebanon, as he condemned the assassination of Lebanese cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meanwhile made a hasty telephone call to Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, amid signs of US concern over the fate of the Beirut government which emerged from Lebanon's 'cedar revolution.'

"Today we saw again the vicious face of those who hate freedom," Bush told American troops in Hawaii during a trip home from Asia.

"We strongly condemn the assassination today in Lebanon of Pierre Gemayel."

Bush did not apportion direct blame but called for an investigation into "those people and those forces" behind the killing of the anti-Syrian Christian leader.

"We support the Siniora government and its democracy and we support the Lebanese people's desire to live in peace and we support their efforts to defend their democracy against attempts by Syria, Iran and allies to foment instability and violence in that important country," said Bush.

The killing came against a backdrop of global calls, so far resisted by the United States, for a dialogue with Syria and Iran over chaos in Iraq.

But Bush's tone, further bolstered in a written statement on the killing, appeared to cast further doubt on already slim chances of such a diplomatic opening.