Bush, the Blessed Peacemaker

But Bush literally laughed off Moran's question about his poll numbers. "What am I supposed to do, go into a fetal position because of your polls?"

Moran wrapped up the interview with some questions about Bush's sightseeing in the Holy Land: "You went to the Mount of the Beatitudes, where by tradition Jesus is understood to have said 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' And yet a lot of people here -- and back home -- see you as a warmaker."

Bush: "Yeah. Well, we'll see what history says. I happen to believe that the actions I've taken were necessary to protect ourselves and lay the foundation for peace. That's what I believe. But history -- I've often said this -- I don't think the history of my administration is going to be written during your time as a newscaster, or my time on Earth. I believe that it's going to take a while for people to determine whether or not the foundation of peace has truly been laid."

Asked what he was thinking as he looked out on the Sea of Galilee, Bush said: "I reflected on the story in the New Testament about the calm and the rough seas, because it was on those very seas that the Lord was in the boat with the disciples, and they were worried about the waves and the wind, and the sea calmed. That's what I reflected on: the calm you can find in putting your faith in a higher power."

For more on Bush's self-image, see my Jan. 7 column, Bush's Messiah Complex.

Wrapping Things Up

Hannah Allam writes for McClatchy Newspapers: "President Bush wraps up a weeklong tour of the Middle East Wednesday, leaving many Mideast political observers mystified as to the purpose of the visit and doubtful that the president made inroads on his twin campaigns for Arab-Israeli peace and isolation for Iran.

"Bush is heading back to Washington mostly empty-handed, said several analysts and politicians throughout the region. Arab critics deemed Bush's peace efforts unrealistic, his anti-Iran tirades dangerous, his praise of authoritarian governments disappointing and his defense of civil liberties ironic.

"'There is no credibility to his words after what the region saw during his presidency,' said Mohamed Fayek, the Cairo, Egypt-based director of the nonprofit Arab Organization for Human Rights. He cited the war in Iraq, the prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Abu Ghraib detainee abuse scandal. 'American policy threw the region off-balance and destabilized it. The visit caused deep disappointment. I don't see any results.'"

Anne Gearan writes for the Associated Press: "President Bush received renewed promises of bargaining for Mideast peace and a polite hearing for his warnings about Iran, and he collected major bling from his Arab hosts.

"But neither Israel nor its Arab neighbors assured Bush that they will do what the United States asks on issues ranging from democratic reform and unauthorized Israeli housing expansion to high gas prices. . . .

"Although pleased that Bush has given personal attention to peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, Arab leaders are skeptical that either side is ready or willing to make concessions. Their publics and sometimes timid press are openly skeptical that Bush is the man for the peacemaker's job."

Laurent Lozano writes for AFP: "Bush made a flying visit to Egypt on Wednesday, wrapping up a Middle East tour after failing to win wholesale backing from Arab allies for his efforts to seal a peace deal and isolate Iran."