Iraq Press Roundup

In its editorial Monday, the independent Shebab al Iraq Newspaper said President Bush was attentive during his visit to the Middle East especially to Israel.

It noted that Bush demanded a removal of resettlements, an easing of the restrictions on Palestinians, and a limit to Israeli military operations on Palestinian land. The paper said, however, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will continue "procrastinating" until the end of Bush's presidency.

The editorial, with the title "Is Bush coming back?" said there was a big gap between expectations and results from international and U.S. moves.

"Israel has taken advantage of the current Republican administration, failing to give at least an oral response to Washington's initiatives," the paper said.

The paper said that the U.S. "knocks" the Israeli obstinacy, which is concealed by procrastination, and requests patience in order not to destabilize Ehud Olmert's government, which lives on managing crises instead of finding solutions to them.

It said Bush's visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories resulted in uncovering the Republican government's vision to solving the Palestinian refugee crisis.

According to Shebab Al Iraq, Bush ensured an agreement to establish a Palestinian state in one year. The editorial said Bush paid no visit to Jordan despite the fact Jordan is the country most interested in reaching a political solution that guarantees the security of its western borders and ending the Palestinian suffering.

"Jordan is the most observant country in continuing … moves and investing the current international impetus to go forward in the peace process," it said.

It said Bush neglected visiting Jordan so he could escape the promises he gave to solve the Palestinian-Israeli crisis.

The editorial said it is important to hold Bush accountable to the declared promise of finding a solution that would guarantee the rights of Palestinians before the end of this year.

It also said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the start of negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, based on international resolutions.

"Abbas declared that the Palestinian government is ready to reach a peace agreement with Israel before the end of Bush's presidency," it said.

"It is a necessity that Israel has to be obligated to reach … an agreement with the Palestinians," it said.

The paper said U.S. national security adviser Steven Hedley announced that Bush will visit the Middle once again before he leaves office.