Bush Offers Advice to Next President on Middle East

President Bush has been hesitant to weigh in on any subject concerning the presidential race or the priorities of the next administration. But during an interview with Al Arabia TV, Bush didn’t hesitate to offering a word of advice on the Middle East to the next President.

From the White House transcripts:

Take the Middle East seriously because that’s the center of — that’s the place where people get so despondent and despair that they’re willing to come and take lives of U.S. citizens.

On the other hand, be hopeful because the Middle East is full of really decent, honorable people that want to live in peace. And use our influence to promote peace, whether it would be in Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, or elsewhere.