إرشادات مقترحات البحث معلومات خط الزمن الفهارس الخرائط الصور الوثائق الأقسام

مقاتل من الصحراء

       



Extracts from the State of the Union address by President Bush on 29 January 19911

         Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the United States Congress. I come to this House of the people, to speak to you and all Americans, certain that we stand at a defining hour.

         Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great struggle in the skies and on the seas and sands. We know why we're there. We are Americans: part of something larger than ourselves.

         For two centuries, we've done the hard work of freedom. And to night we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.

         What is at stake is more than one small country; it is a big idea: a new world order-where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause, to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind: peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our children's future.

         The community of nations has resolutely gathered to condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked invasion - his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor, violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world has said this aggression would not stand - and it will not stand.

         Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism, and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world has answered Saddam's invasion with 12 UN resolutions, starting with a demand for Iraq's immediate and unconditional withdrawal -- and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands as one.

         The end of the Cold War has been a victory for all humanity. A year and a half ago, in Germany, I said our goal was a Europe whole and free. Tonight, Germany is united. Europe has become whole and free and America's leadership was instrumental in making it possible.

         Our relationship with the Soviet Union is important, not only to us, but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape these and other historic changes. But like many other nations, we have been deeply concerned by the violence in the Baltics, and we have communicated that concern to the Soviet leadership.

         The principle that has guided us is simple: our objective is to help the Baltic peoples achieve their aspirations, not to punish the Soviet Union. In our recent discussions with the Soviet leadership, we have been given representations, which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal of some Soviet forces, a reopening of dialogue with the Republics, and a move away from violence.


1 A. G.Noorani, The Gulf Wars, Documents and Analysis, Konark Publishers PVT LTD, Delhi, 1991, pp. 240-244.

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