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การก่อการร้ายกับการมองโลกของกลุ่มอิสลามหัวรุนแรง

ใคร จะไปเชื่อว่า คำว่า การก่อการร้าย เมื่อ 4-5 ปีที่แล้วเป็นคำที่คนไทยไม่เคยคิดว่าจะได้ตั้งใจเรียนรู้ความหมายของมันนั้น ณ ตอนนี้ได้กลายมาเป็นคำที่คนไทยไม่ว่าจะเป็นเสื้อแดงหรือไม่แดงต่างก็อยาก ทราบว่ามันคืออะไรหลังจากที่กลุ่มพันธมิตรประชาชนเพื่อประชาธิปไตยได้กะทำ การอันอุกอาจบุกเข้ายึดสนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ ไล่ยิงชาวบ้านอย่างไม่เกรงกลัวต่อกฎหมาย เรียกว่าหากกลุ่มพันธมิตรฯเคลื่อนขบวนไปยึดสถานที่ ณ แห่งหนใดใน กทม. แล้วพื้นที่ตรงนั้นจะกลายเป็นเขตปลอดกฎหมายซ่องสุมอาวุธร้ายทันทีเพราะ กฎหมายไม่สามารถทำอะไรกลุ่มพันธมิตรฯหรือ “ม็อบมีเส้น” กลุ่มนี้ได้

นี่ ถ้าหากเป็นเมือ 3-4 ปีที่แล้วที่สงครามอิรัคกำลังระเบิดคนไทยก็คงจะยังมีความเชื่อว่าคำว่า “การก่อการร้าย” เป็นเพียงคำที่มหาอำนาจสร้างขึ้นเพื่อสร้างความหวาดกลัวต่อประชาคมโลกอยู่ เรียกว่า “พฤติกรรมของกลุ่มพันธมิตรฯ” ในช่วงวิกฤติการเมืองไทยเมื่อ 3-4 เดือนที่ผ่านมาได้ทำให้คนไทยที่มีจิตใจเปิดรับข้อมูลข่าวสารเกิดอาการตา สว่างขึ้นแล้วในระดับหนึ่ง

แต่ ในวันนี้ผู้เขียนจะยังไม่เขียนถึงความหมายของการก่อการร้ายแต่จะขอยกยอดไป เขียนในครั้งหน้าแล้วกันค่ะ แต่หากเราได้ศึกษายุทธวิธีที่ใช้ในการก่อการร้าย การสร้างแนวความคิดแห่งความเกลียดชัง(Ideology of hatred) ขึ้นมาเพื่อปลุกระดมมวลชนให้ก่อภาวะ “อนาธิปไตย” และก่อการร้ายขึ้นในสังคมแล้วทั้งกลุ่มพันธมิตรฯและกลุ่มก่อการร้ายสากลไม่ ได้มีอะไรที่ต่างกันมากนักในแง่ของยุทธศาสตร์และการสร้างอุดมคติ รวมไปถึงจุดมุ่งหมายที่ต้องการทำลายระบบเศรษฐกิจและล้มล้างรัฐบาลที่ครอง อำนาจอยู่


และเมื่อมองในโลกที่กว้างขึ้นมาจนถึงปัจจุบันนี้เราจะ เห็นว่าว่าปัญหาการก่อการร้ายไม่ใช่ปัญหาเฉพาะประเทศหรือบุคคลแต่เป็นปัญหา ที่โยงใยไปทั่วโลก การก่อการร้ายยังมิได้หายไปไหน ล่าสุดก็การก่อวินาศกรรมที่เมืองมุมไป ประเทศอินเดียยังผลให้มีผู้เสียชีวิตกว่า 200 คนบาดเจ็บหลายร้อยรายโดยมุ่งเป้าไปที่นักท่องเที่ยวและนักธุรกิจชาวอังกฤษ และอเมริกัน คนอินเดียถือว่าเหตุการณ์โจมตีที่ย่านธุรกิจและท่องเที่ยวที่เมืองมุมไบนี้ เปรียบได้กับเหตุการณ์ 9-11 ของพวกเขาเพียงแต่ในช่วง 8 ปีที่ผ่านมาอเมริกาภายใต้การนำของประธานาธิบดีบุชกลุ่มก่อการร้ายมุสลิมหัว รุนแรงยังไม่สามารถโจมตีอเมริกาในบ้านได้เท่านั้นรวมไปถึงผลประโยชน์ ของอเมริกันในกลุ่มปะเทศตะวันตกได้ง่ายดายเหมือนแต่ก่อน ดังนั้นประเทศใดที่หย่อนเรื่องการรักษาความปลอดภัยก็จะกลายเป็น Soft Target หรือ จุดเปราะบางที่เสี่ยงต่อการถูกโจมตีได้ง่ายดังเช่นเหตุการก่อการร้ายล่าสุดที่เกิดในอินเดีย เป็นต้น


จริงๆแล้วเรื่องการก่อการร้ายมันส่งสัญญาณเตือนตั้งแต่เหตุการณ์ 9-11 แล้วฝรั่งนั้นเขาตื่นตัวและเข้าใจเรื่องก่อการร้ายมากกว่าคนไทยมานานแล้วและ ผู้นำอย่างประธานาธิบดีจอร์จ ดับเบิ้ลยู บุชก็รู้เท่าทันเกมของพวกผู้ก่อการร้ายมานานแล้วเช่นกันเพราะท่านเชื่อว่า "Freedom is for everyone. freedom is not America's gift to the world, it's God's gift to humanity" “เสรีภาพ เป็นของทุกคน เสรีภาพหาใช่ของขวัญอันล้ำค่าที่อเมริกาหยิบยื่นให้กับชาวโลก แต่ของขวัญจากพระเจ้าที่มอบให้กับมวลมนุษยชาติต่างหากเล่า” แต่กลุ่มคนที่ต่อต้านประธานาธิบดีบุชแบบหัวชนฝาทั้งในส่วนของนักวิชาการฝ่าย ซ้ายและนักบวชมุสลิมหัวรุนแรงต่างก็พยายามกล่าวหาประธานาธิบดีบุชว่าต้องการ ทำสงครามครูเสดกับอิสลามซึ่งการกล่าวหาเช่นนี้มีจุดมุ่งหมายในการชิงมวลชน ให้มาเป็นพวกตนมากที่สุดเพราะพวกนักบวชหัวรุนแรงตระหนักดีว่าการนำเอาความ ศรัทธาของมุสลิมที่มีต่อศาสนาอิสลามมาใช้ในการปลุกระดมนั้นมันได้ผลอย่าง ยิ่งเพราะสำหรับอิสลามแล้วไม่ใช่เป็นเพียงแค่ศาสนาเท่านั้นแต่ยังเป็น "ขบวนการทางการเมือง" อีกด้วยเปรียบไปก็เหมือนกับการที่แกนนำของกลุ่มพันธมิตรฯนำเอาสถาบันหลักของ ชาติที่คนไทยให้ความเคารพนับถือมาชูเป็นธงนำในการขับไล่ท่านอดีตนายกฯทักษิณ และยัดเยียดข้อหากลุ่มคนที่ไม่เห็นด้วยกับตนว่าเป็นพวกไม่จงรักภักดีเพราะ ทราบดีว่าคนไทยส่วนใหญ่นั้นยังรักและศรัทธาในสถาบันกษัตริย์เหมือนที่นายบิน ลาเดนกล่าวโจมตีมุสลิมที่ไม่เห็นด้วยกับตนว่าเป็นพวก “ผู้ปฎิเสธศรัทธา(กาเฟ ร)” ยังไงยังงั้น

เหตุการณ์ การก่อการร้ายที่เกิดขึ้นอย่างรุนแรงและต่อเนื่องในอดีตจนถึงช่วงกว่าทศวรรษ ที่ผ่านมานี้หาได้มีรากเหง้ามาจากสงครามอิรัคหรือสงครามต่อต้านการก่อการ ร้ายในอาฟกานิสถานอย่างที่นักวิชาการต่อต้านประธานาธิบดีบุชเสกสรรปั้นแต่ง ไม่เพราะเหตุการณ์ 9-11 มันก็เกิดขึ้นก่อนสงครามอิรัคและอาฟก่นิสถานเสียอีกแต่รากเหง้าอันแท้จริง มันเกิดจากมุสลิมที่มีแนวทางรุนแรงกลุ่มหนึ่ง(มิได้หมายรวมถึงมุสลิมทั้งหมด ) ต้องการสร้าง"มหารัฐอิสลามบริสุทธิ์ "(Pure Islamic state) ขึ้นมาเหมือนอย่างที่รัฐบาลตาลีบันของอาฟกานิสถานได้พยายามนำมาใช้นั่นเอง และมุสลิมที่มีแนวทางรุนแรงเหล่านี้พยายามส่งเสริมระบอบการปกครองในประเทศ ต่างๆให้อยู่ภายใต้กฎหมายอิสลาม(The Global Caliphate)โดยใช้ศาสนาเป็นเครื่องชี้นำในทางการเมืองเพราะสำหรับมุสลิมที่มีแนวทางรุนแรงเหล่านี้มีแนวความคิดที่ปฎิเสธระบอบการปกครองแบบฆราวาส(Secular state)โดยสิ้นเชิงการนำกฎหมายอิสลามเข้ามาปกครองเท่านั้นจึงจะถือว่าเป็นหนทางที่ถูกต้องและได้ชื่อว่าเป็นมุสลิมที่แท้จริง(True Muslim)เป็น ผู้ปฎิบัติตามครรลองที่พระผู้เป็นเจ้าทรงประทานให้แก่มวล มนุษยชาติสำหรับดำเนินชีวิตในโลกนี้ดังนั้นหนทางที่จะนำไปสู่เป้าหมายของ มุสลิมที่มีแนวทางรุนแรงเหล่านี้ก็คือการทำ"จีฮัด"นั่นเอง...

กลุ่ม ก่อการร้ายเหล่านี้ส่วนใหญ่เป็นกลุ่มที่ได้รับการสนับสนุนเงินทุนจากบาง ประเทศในทวีปอาฟริกาเหนือและโลกอาหรับโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งกลุ่มชนชั้นนำในซาอุ ดิ อาระเบีย(มิได้หมายถึงรัฐบาล) ซีเรียและรัฐบาลอิหร่านซึ่งนิยมใช้ยุทธวิธีการก่อการร้ายในรูปแบบสงครามตัว แทนเป็นเครื่องมือเพื่อส่งออกการปฏิวัติอิสลามโดยมุ่งโค่นล้มระบอบการปกครอง และรัฐบาลของประเทศอื่นและสถาปนาระบอบการปกครองรัฐอิสลามเช่นเดียวกันกับ อิหร่านขึ้นแทนโดยทำการสร้างกระแสปลุกระดมเรียกร้องให้มีการ "ต่อต้านตะวันตกและระบบทุนนิยม" โดยฉกฉวยประโยชน์จากความผิดพลาดในการดำเนินนโยบายของรัฐบาลที่ถูกระบุว่า เป็นรัฐบาลที่สนับสนุนตะวันตกโดยเฉพาะ "สหรัฐ อังกฤษและอิสราเอล" จุดประสงค์ก็คือเพื่อแสวงหาศัตรูร่วมนั่นเอง โดยมุสลิมที่มีแนวทางรุนแรงเหล่านี้พยายาม ส่งออกความหวาดกลัวไปทั่วโลกมุ่งทำลายเสถียรภาพของทุกประเทศและทุกภูมิภาค คอยเสาะแสวงหาอาวุธเคมี อาวุธชีวภาพและอาวุธนิวเคลียร์และถ้าสามารถครอบครองอาวุธเหล่านั้นได้กลุ่ม ก่อการร้ายเหล่านี้ก็จะเป็นภัยคุกคามต่อทุกประเทศและต่ออารยธรรมในท้ายที่ สุด

เรา ได้เห็นธาตุแท้ของผู้ก่อการร้ายเหล่านี้จากลักษณะการก่อวินาศกรรมโดยทำการ เข่นฆ่าสังหารประชาชนผู้บริสุทธิ์นับพันรายแล้วแสดงความ ปีติยินดีอิ่มเอิบใจกับผลงานของตนกลุ่มก่อการร้ายเหล่านี้ไม่คำนึงถึงชีวิต คนบริสุทธิ์แม้แต่นิดชีวิตของคนบริสุทธิ์หลายคนต้องจบชีวิตลงด้วยลัทธิ อุดมการณ์ของพวกหัวรุนแรงเหล่านี้ไม่เว้นแม้แต่พี่น้องมุสลิมด้วยกันเองซึ่ง เปรียบประดุจเรือนร่างเดียวกันหากส่วนหนึ่งส่วนใดเจ็บทุกส่วนย่อมเจ็บไปด้วย กลุ่มก่อการร้ายเหล่านี้มองข้ามความผิดบาปของการเข่นฆ่าสังหารโดยอ้างว่าทำ ไปในนามของศาสนาที่รักสันติ เราไม่สามารถปฏิเสธได้หรอกว่าสำหรับศาสนาอิสลามแล้วการเมืองและศาสนาเป็น เรื่องเดียวกันดังนั้นเมื่อผู้นำทางด้านศาสนาของชุมชนมุสลิมเสี้ยมสอนผู้คน ไปในทางที่ิผิดความขัดแย้งใดๆในโลกนี้ที่เกิดขึ้นระหว่างมุสลิมและคนนอก ศาสนาจึงเป็นเรื่องที่ยากจะแก้ไขได้ในเร็ววัน...

ดัง นั้นสำหรับแนว ความคิดของกลุ่มมุสลิมที่เชื่อในแบบ"จารีตนิยม"แล้วกระแสโลกาภิวัตน์และิเส รีภาพแห่งปวงชนจึงไม่ต่างอะไรกับตัวแทนของความชั่วร้ายที่ถูกนำพาเข้ามา เพื่อการครอบงำทางวัฒนธรรม ตลอดจนรวมไปถึงการมีความเชื่อว่ากระแสเช่นนี้คืออิทธิพลของปัจจัยภายนอกที่ เข้ามาเพื่อทำลายรากฐานทางศาสนาและจิตวิญญาณแบบดั้งเดิมของสังคมมุสลิม สภาพเช่นนี้ทำให้ความเชื่อว่าการใช้ความรุนแรงเพื่อหยุดยั้งกระแสโลกา ภิวัตน์และการมีเสรีภาพเป็นความชอบธรรมในตัวเองเพราะเป็นการกระทำหน้าที่ทาง ด้านจิตวิญญาณ ด้วยเหตุนี้เองเราจึงได้เห็นสงครามการก่อการร้ายโดยมีระเบิดพลีชีพที่เป็น ตัวแทนของพวกบ้าคลั่งศาสนาเป็นอาวุธชนิดใหม่ที่ไม่มีทั้งพรมแดนและรูปแบบดัง เช่นสงครามในกาลอดีตที่ผ่านมาเหมือนอย่างทีคอลัมนิสต์คนหนึ่งได้กล่าว ไว้อย่างน่าฟังว่า:

" al-Qaida and its Jihadists want to divide the world into what they want it to be, the world of international law and the world of Jihad."

“อัล ไคด้าและนักรบศาสนาของพวกเขาต้องการแบ่งแยกโลกให้เป็นไปตามพวกเขาต้องการให้ เป็น นั่นคือ โลกของกฎหมายระหว่างประเทศและโลกของจีฮัด(การพลีชีพเพื่อพระเจ้า)”


แนวความคิดของกลุ่มมุสลิมจารีตนิยม (Islamist fundamentalist groups)ที่ เชื่อในลัทธิขยายอาณาเขตของอิสลามจึงเกิดจากแรงจูงใจทางด้านศาสนาคือความ โกรธเกรี้ยวที่มีต่อสภาพที่สังคมของพวกตนกำลังจะสาบสูญ...ดังนั้นเหตุการณ์การก่อการร้ายที่เกิดขึ้นอย่างรุนแรงและต่อเนื่องในประเทศตะวันตก ในโลกเสรีประชาธิปไตยและในหลายๆประเทศทั่วโลก(แน่นอนว่ารวมไปถึงมุสลิมบางประเทศด้วย)จึงเปรียบเสมือนเป็นการเผชิญหน้ากับศาสนาอิสลามที่กลุ่มก่อการร้ายพยายามกล่าวย้ำเสมอ ดังที่กลุ่มก่อการร้ายอัล ไคด้าได้เคยกล่าวไว้ว่า:

"we must have the quran in one hand, and a Kalashnikov in the other"
“เราต้องมีมือหนึ่งถือคัมภีร์โกราน ส่วนอีกมือหนึ่งถือปืนคาลาชนิคอฟไว้”


ดังนั้นในสงครามต่อต้านการก่อการร้ายครั้งนี้ไม่มีประเทศใดเป็นกลางได้ทั้งนี้เพราะไม่มีประเทศที่เจริญแล้วประเทศใดที่จะอยู่อย่างมั่นคงได้ในโลกที่ถูก คุกคามจากการก่อการร้าย.


และผู้เขียนเชื่อว่าแม้สหรัฐอเมริกาจะเปลี่ยนประธานาธิบดีจากจอร์จ ดับเบิ้ลยู บุชมาเป็นบารัค โอบามา การก่อการร้ายก็จะยังเป็นภัยคุกคามต่อสหรัฐและประชาคมโลกต่อไปแต่ระดับความ รุนแรงอาจต่างออกไปทั้งนี้เพราะรากเหง้า แห่งการก่อการร้ายมันมิได้เกิดจากสงครามอิรัค สงครามในอาฟกานิสถานหรือลัทธิทุนนิยมอย่างที่กลุ่มก่อการร้ายและกลุ่มแนว ร่วมนำมาอ้างเพื่อหาความชอบธรรมในการปฎิบัติการก่อการร้ายแต่มันเกิดจากการ สนับสนุนอุดมการณ์แห่งความเกลี่ยดชัง(Ideology of hatred) ในหมู่มุสลิมหัวรุนแรงและการขาดการต่อต้านอย่างแข็งขันในหมู่มุสลิมสายกลางนั่นเอง

ก็คงจะเหมือนกับที่เอ็ดมุนด์ เบิร์กกล่าวไว้นั่นแหละว่า “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” “ชัยชนะจะตกเป็นของปีศาจถ้าคนดีอยู่นิ่งเฉย”


Israel's actions are lawful and commendable

Israel's military actions in Gaza are entirely justified under international law, and Israel should be commended for its act of self-defense against international terrorism. Article 51 of the United Nations Charter reserves to every nation the right to engage in self-defense against armed attacks. The only limitation international law places on a democracy is that its actions must satisfy the principle of proportionality. Israel's actions certainly satisfy that principles.

When Barack Obama visited the city of Sderot this summer, he saw the same things that I had seen during my visit on March 20 of this year. Over the last four years, Palestinian terrorists - in particular, Hamas and Islamic Jihad - have fired more than two thousand rockets at this civilian area, which is home to mostly poor and working-class people. The rockets are designed exclusively to maximize civilian deaths, and some have barely missed schoolyards, kindergartens, hospitals, and school buses. But others hit their targets, killing more than a dozen civilians since 2001, including in February 2008 a father of four who had been studying at the local university. These anticivilian rockets have also injured and traumatized countless children.


The residents of Sderot have fifteen seconds from the launch of the rocket to run into a shelter. The rule is that everyone must always be within fifteen seconds of a shelter, regardless of what they are doing. Shelters are everywhere, but the aged and the physically challenged often have difficulty making it to safety. On the night I was in Sderot, a rocket landed nearby, but there had been no "red alert." The warning system is far from foolproof.


In most parts of the world, the first words learned by toddlers are "mommy" and "daddy." In Sderot, they are "red alert." The police chief of Sderot showed me hundreds of rocket fragments that had been recovered. Many bore the name of the terrorist group that had fired the deadly missiles. Although firing deliberately to kill civilians is a war crime, the terrorists who fired at the civilians of Sderot were proud enough of their crimes to "sign" their murderous weapons. They know that in the real world in which we live, they will never be prosecuted for their murders and attempted murders.


Barack Obama reacted to what he had seen in Sderot by saying that if his two daughters were exposed to rocket attacks in their own homes, he would do everything in his power to stop such attacks. I hope and believe that President Obama will take the same position he did as candidate Obama.


The residents of Sderot were demanding that their nation take action to protect them. Most seem to agree with the Israeli decision to end its occupation of the Gaza Strip, to withdraw its soldiers and settlers despite the reality that during the occupation, rocket attacks increased against the residents of Sderot. But Israel's post-occupation military
options were limited, since Hamas deliberately fires its deadly rockets from densely populated urban areas, and the Israeli Army has a strict policy of trying to avoid civilian casualties.


The firing of rockets at civilians from densely populated civilian areas is the newest tactic in the war between terrorists who love death and democracies that love life. The terrorists have learned how to exploit the morality of democracies against those who do not want to kill civilians, even enemy civilians. In one recent incident, Israeli intelligence learned that a particular house was being used to manufacture and store rockets. It was a clear military target since their rockets were being fired at Israeli civilians. But the house was also being lived in by a family. So the Israeli military phoned the house, informed the owner that it was a military target, and gave him thirty minutes to leave with his family before the house was attacked. The owner called Hamas, which immediately sent dozens of mothers carrying babies to stand on the roof of the house. Hamas knew that Israel would never fire at a home with civilians in it. They also knew that if, by some fluke, the Israeli authorities did not learn that there were civilians in the house, and fired on it, Hamas would win a public relations victory by displaying the dead civilians to the media. In this case, Israel did learn of the civilians and withheld its fire. The rockets that were spared destruction by the human shields were then used against Israeli civilians.


This, in a nutshell, is the dilemma faced by democracies with a high level of morality. The Hamas tactic would not have worked against the Russians in Chechnya. When the Russians were fired upon, they fired against civilians without hesitation. Nor would it work in Darfur, where janjaweed militias have killed thousands of civilians and displaced 2.5 million in order to get the rebels who were hiding among them. Certain tactics work only against moral enemies who care deeply about minimizing civilian casualties.


Over the past months, a shaky cease-fire, organized by Egypt was in effect. Hamas agreed to stop the rockets and Israel agreed to stop taking military action against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The cease-fire itself was morally dubious and legally asymmetrical.


Israel, in effect, was saying to Hamas: if you stop engaging in the war crime of targeting our innocent civilians, we will stop engaging in the entirely lawful military acts of targeting your terrorists. Under the cease-fire, Israel reserved the right to engage in self-defense actions such as attacking terrorists who were in the course of firing rockets at its civilians.


Just before the hostilities began, Israel offered Hamas both a carrot and a stick. Israel reopened checkpoints to allow humanitarian aid to reenter Gaza. It had closed these point of entry after they had been targeted by Gaza rockets. Israel's prime minister also issued a stern, final warning to Hamas that unless it stopped the rockets, there would be a full scale military response. This is the way
Reuters reported it:

Israel reopened border crossings with the Gaza Strip on Friday, a day after Prime Minister warned militants there to stop firing rockets or they would pay a heavy price. Despite the movement of relief supplies, militants fired about a dozen rockets and mortar shafts from Gaza at Israel on Friday. One accidentally struck a house in Gaza, killing two Palestinian sisters, ages 5 and 13...the deliveries could ease the tensions that might have led to a military action to end the rocket attacks. Palestinian workers at the crossings said fuel had arrived for Gaza's main power plant and about a hundred trucks loaded with grain, humanitarian aid and other goods were expected during the day."


The Hamas rockets continued and Israel kept its word, implementing a carefully prepared targeted air attack against Hamas targets.


On Sunday, I spoke to the Air Force General, now retired, who worked on the planning of the attack. He told me of the intelligence and planning that had gone into preparing for the contingency that the military option might become necessary. The Israeli Air Force had pinpointed with precision the exact locations of Hamas structures, in an effort to minimize civilian casualties. Even Hamas sources acknowledged that the vast majority of those killed have been Hamas terrorists though some civilian casualties are inevitable when--as BBC's Rushdi Abou Alouf, who is certainly not pro Israel--reported that "the Hamas security compounds are in the middle of the city." Indeed his home balcony from which he observed the bombing of a compound was 20 meters from that military target.


There have been three types of international response to the Israeli military actions against the Hamas rockets. Not surprisingly, Iran, Hamas, and other knee-jerk Israeli-bashers have argued that the Hamas rocket attacks against Israeli civilians are entirely legitimate, and that the Israeli counterattacks are war crimes. Equally unsurprising is the response of the United Nations, the European Union, Russia, and others who, at least when it comes to Israel, see a moral and legal equivalence between terrorists who target civilians and a democracy that responds by targeting the terrorists.


The most dangerous of the three responses is not the Iranian-Hamas absurdity, which is largely ignored by thinking and moral people, but the United Nations and European Union response, which equate the willful murder of civilians with legitimate self-defense pursuant to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. This false moral equivalence only encourages terrorists to persist in their unlawful actions against civilians. The United States has it exactly right by placing the blame on Hamas, while urging Israel to do everything possible to minimize civilian casualties.


There are some who claim that Israel has violated the principle of proportionality by killing so many more Hamas terrorists than the number of Israeli civilians killed by Hamas rockets. That is an absurd misapplication of the concept of proportionality for at least two reasons.


First, there is no legal equivalence between the deliberate killing of innocent civilians and the deliberate killings of Hamas combatants. Under the laws of war, any number of combatants can be killed to prevent the killing of even one innocent civilian.

Second, proportionality is not measured by the number of civilians actually killed, but rather by the risk of civilian death and the intentions of those targeting civilians. Hamas seeks to kill as many civilians as it can. It aims its rockets in the general direction of schools, hospitals, playgrounds and other entirely civilian targets. The fact that it has not killed as many civilians as it would have liked to is a tribute to Israel's enormous devotion of resources to the building of shelters and to the construction of early warning systems.

Hamas, on the other hand, refuses to build shelters, precisely because it wants to maximize the number of Palestinian civilians inadvertently killed by Israel's military actions. It knows, from experience, that when it forces Israel to take military actions that result in the deaths of even a small number of innocent Palestinian civilians, many in the international community will condemn Israel. Israel understands this sad reality as well, and goes to enormous lengths to reduce the number of civilian casualties, even to the point of foregoing legitimate targets that are too close to civilian areas. Accordingly, Israel's actions satisfy the principle of proportionality as well as the principle of self-defense against armed attack.


Until and unless the United Nations and the rest of the international community recognize that Hamas is committing three war crimes--targetting Israeli civilians, using their own civilians as human shields and seeking the destruction of a member state of the United Nations--and that Israel is acting in self-defense and out of military necessity, the conflict will continue and perhaps escalate. If Israel succeeds in destroying the terrorist organization Hamas, it may well lay the foundation for a real peace between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. But if Hamas persists in its capacity to target increasing numbers of Israeli citizens, Israel will have no choice but to persist in its self-defense efforts.


No democracy would do otherwise.

Double Standard Watch


Biography of President George W. Bush/ชีวประวัติของประธานาธิบดีจอร์จ ดับเบิ้ลยู บุช

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States. He was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, re-elected on November 2, 2004, and sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2005. Before his Presidency, he served for 6 years as Governor of the State of Texas.

President Bush was born July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Barbara and George H.W. Bush – later the 41st President of the United States. In 1948, the family moved to Texas, where President Bush grew up in Midland and Houston. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968 and then served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. Following graduation, he moved back to Midland and began a career in the energy business. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, President Bush assembled a group of partners that purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989.

On November 8, 1994, George W. Bush was elected the 46th Governor of Texas. He became the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms when he was re-elected on November 3, 1998. In Austin, he earned a reputation for his bipartisan governing approach and his compassionate conservative philosophy, which was based on limited government, personal responsibility, strong families, and local control.

Since his election to the Presidency in 2000, President Bush has worked to extend freedom, opportunity, and security at home and abroad. His first initiative as President was the No Child Left Behind Act, a bipartisan measure that raised standards in schools, insisted on accountability in return for federal dollars, and led to measurable gains in achievement – especially among minority students. Faced with a recession when he took office, President Bush cut taxes for every federal income taxpayer, which helped set off an unprecedented 52 straight months of job creation. And President Bush modernized Medicare by adding a prescription drug benefit, a reform that provided access to needed medicine for 40 million seniors and other beneficiaries.

President Bush also implemented free trade agreements with more than a dozen nations; empowered America’s armies of compassion by creating a new Faith-based and Community Initiative; promoted a culture of life; improved air quality and made America’s energy supply more secure; set aside more ocean resources for environmental protection than any predecessor; transformed the military and nearly doubled government support for veterans; pioneered a new model of partnership in development that tied American foreign aid to reform and good governance; launched a global HIV/AIDS initiative that has spared millions of lives; expanded the NATO alliance; forged a historic new partnership with India; and appointed Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The most significant event of President Bush’s tenure came on September 11, 2001, when terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people on American soil. President Bush responded with a comprehensive strategy to protect the American people. He led the most dramatic reorganization of the federal government since the beginning of the Cold War, reforming the intelligence community and establishing new institutions like the Department of Homeland Security. He built global coalitions to remove violent regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq that threatened America – liberating more than 50 million people from tyranny. He recognized that freedom and hope are the best alternative to the extremist ideology of the terrorists, so he provided unprecedented American support for young democracies and dissidents in the Middle East and beyond. In the more than seven years after September 11, 2001, the United States was not attacked again.

President Bush is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian whom he met at a friend’s backyard barbeque. The President and Mrs. Bush have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, and a son-in-law, Henry Hager. The Bush family also includes two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley.


President Bush Delivers Farewell Address to the Nation

THE PRESIDENT: Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence -- a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.

President George W. Bush embraces his daughters Barbara and Jenna as he receives a standing ovation from invited guests and members of his staff and Cabinet at the conclusion of his televised farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15. 2009, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.


Tonight I am filled with gratitude -- to Vice President Cheney and members of my administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.


This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house -- September the 11th, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon, and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.


As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation. I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.


Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.

President George W. Bush delivers his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House. President Bush stated in his remarks, "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people." White House photo by Eric Draper
There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil night and day to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.


Our nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. And America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief.


The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.


This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We're standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients -- to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.


For eight years, we've also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air and water and lands are measurably cleaner. And the federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

President George W. Bush is applauded during his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House, where President Bush said it has been a privilege to serve the American people. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.


Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I've always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.


The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.


While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.


At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.


As we address these challenges -- and others we cannot foresee tonight -- America must maintain our moral clarity. I've often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense -- and to advance the cause of peace.

President George W. Bush reaches into the audience to shake hands with invited guests and staff members following his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 in the East Room of the White House, where President Bush thanked the American people for their support and trust.  White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.


I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.


We see America's character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We've seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.


We see America's character in Bill Krissoff -- a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan -- a Marine -- gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old -- 18 years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America's wounded warriors -- and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.


In citizens like these, we see the best of our country - resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there's more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail.


President George W. Bush kisses Arlene Howard on the forehead following his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 in the East Room of the White House. The President met Ms. Howard shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, where she gave him her son's police badge after he perished in the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center. President Bush still carries the badge with him today as a reminder of all that was lost. White House photo by Eric Draper
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other - citizen of the United States of America.


And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 8:14 P.M. EST


President George W. Bush grasps hands with Former Homeland Security Advisor, Tom Ridge, as he receives applause following his address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush delivers his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House. President Bush stated in his remarks, "We have faced danger and trial, and there's more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail." White House photo by Eric Draper
Mrs Laura Bush smiles as she listens to President George W. Bush deliver his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room at the White House. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President George W. Bush delivers his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House, thanking the American people for their support and trust. White House photo by Chris Greenberg


Presidential Transition

The peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential Administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy. With our Nation at war, our homeland targeted by terrorist adversaries, and our economy facing serious challenges, the Administration is committed to establishing and executing a transition plan that minimizes disruption, maintains continuity, and addresses the major changes in government since the 2000 transition, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as well as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Homeland Security Council. -- Whitehouse

President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama pause for photographs Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, on the Colonnade as the President welcomed his successor and Mrs. Michelle Obama to the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama pause for photographs Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, on the Colonnade as the President welcomed his successor and Mrs. Michelle Obama to the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper


President Bush Discusses the Transition with Employees of the Executive Office of the President

President Bush Discusses the Transition with Employees of the Executive Office of the President



Here's White House Press Secretary Dana Perino with more on what's happening between the two sides.




THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. Mr. Vice President and Lynne, thank you for being here with us. Laura and I welcome you to the South Lawn -- better known as Barney's playground. (Laughter.)

I want to thank members of my Cabinet who've joined us. We've just finished a Cabinet meeting, and it gave me a chance to tell them how much I appreciate the good work they're doing during this critical time for our nation.

President George W. Bush speaks to employees of the Executive Office of the President Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, about the upcoming transition. In thanking the staff, the President said, "The people on this lawn represent diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences. Yet we all share a steadfast devotion to the United States. We believe that service to our fellow citizens is a noble calling -- and the privilege of a lifetime."  White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian I also appreciate the men and women who make up the Executive Office of the President for joining us today. (Applause.) Some of you have been at the White House for just a few months. Others arrived the same day that we did nearly eight years ago. You're the ones who can tell that my hair has gotten a little grayer. (Laughter.) Others are career employees who have been here for 30, or 40, sometimes 50 years. I can tell that your hair has gotten grayer. (Laughter.)

The people on this lawn represent diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences. Yet we all share a steadfast devotion to the United States. We believe that service to our fellow citizens is a noble calling -- and the privilege of a lifetime.


This is an exciting time for our country. Earlier this week, more than 120 million people voted for a new President and Congress -- one of the largest turnouts in the history of the country. No matter how we cast our ballots, this election gives us all reason to be proud of our democracy and our country. And I hope you will join Laura and me in congratulating President-Elect Obama, and wishing him the very best for his family and our country. (Applause.)


Just before our inauguration in 2001, Laura and I went back to Midland, Texas -- she was born there and I was raised there. I said that Laura and I would "never quite settle in Washington." I told them: "While the honor is great, the work is temporary." This is true for many of us here today. This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency. We face economic challenges that will not pause to let a new President settle in. This will also be America's first wartime presidential transition in four decades. We're in a struggle against violent extremists determined to attack us -- and they would like nothing more than to exploit this period of change to harm the American people.


So over the next 75 days, all of us must ensure that the next President and his team can hit the ground running. For more than a year now, departments and agencies throughout the federal government have been preparing for a smooth transition. We've provided intelligence briefings to the President-Elect, and the Department of Justice has approved security clearances for members of his transition staff. In the coming weeks, we will ask administration officials to brief the Obama team on ongoing policy issues, ranging from the financial markets to the war in Iraq. I look forward to discussing those issues with the President-Elect early next week.

With Mrs. Laura Bush, the Vice President and Mrs. Cheney and Cabinet secretaries looking on, President George W. Bush addresses his staff Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House. Said the President, "As we head into this final stretch, I ask you to remain focused on the goals ahead. I will be honored to stand with you at the finish line."  White House photo by Eric Draper
Offices within the White House are at work preparing extensive transition materials. We're preparing career employees throughout the administration to take on added responsibilities to help prevent any disruption to the essential functions of the federal government.


Taken together, these measures represent an unprecedented effort to ensure that the executive branch is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities at all times. As we carry out this transition I know that you will continue to conduct yourselves with the decency and professionalism you have shown throughout my time in office.


A successful transition is just one of many important tasks remaining in our last 75 days. To help address the global financial crisis, the Secretary of Treasury is working endless hours, and I will host an international summit here in Washington on November the 15th. This will be a historic meeting -- and I'm confident that you will work hard to help make it a success.


We'll also keep urging Congress to approve America's free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. And we will continue to protect this homeland by defeating the terrorists and extremists abroad, so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.)


As January 20th draws near, some of you may be anxious about finding a new job, or a new place to live. I know how you feel. (Laughter.) But between now and then, we must keep our attention on the task at hand -- because the American people expect no less. Earlier this year, I promised that I would sprint to the finish. I am keeping that promise, and I know I have given some of you a good workout along the way. As we head into this final stretch, I ask you to remain focused on the goals ahead. I will be honored to stand with you at the finish line. May God bless you.


END 11:19 A.M. EST


President George W. Bush reaches out to staff members of the Executive Office of the President Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, after speaking to them on the upcoming presidential transition. The President was joined by his Cabinet, Vice President and Mrs. Cheney and Mrs. Laura Bush as he told his staff, "As January 20th draws near, some of you may be anxious about finding a new job, or a new place to live. But between now and then, we must keep our attention on the task at hand -- because the American people expect no less."  White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President George W. Bush embraces an employee of the Executive Office of the President Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, after delivering remarks to his staff on the upcoming transition. Said the President, ".Over the next 75 days, all of us must ensure that the next President and his team can hit the ground running.'  White House photo by Eric Draper


Fact Sheet: Ensuring a Smooth and Effective Presidential Transition

The Administration's Preparations for the Transition are Unprecedented in Scope and Depth



Today, the Transition Coordinating Council (TCC) will meet for the second time, continuing the Administration's comprehensive transition efforts. The peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential Administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy. With our Nation at war, our homeland targeted by terrorist adversaries, and our economy facing serious challenges, the Administration is committed to establishing and executing a transition plan that minimizes disruption, maintains continuity, and addresses the major changes in government since the 2000 transition, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as well as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Homeland Security Council.


* The TCC will help ensure that the Administration's efforts are comprehensive and well coordinated. The TCC membership includes the President's Chief of Staff and others with authority and expertise in areas that affect a Presidential transition, as well as senior officials in critical areas such as national security, homeland security, and our economy.


* Executive Order 13476, which was signed by President Bush in October and created the TCC, contains a provision which allows the TCC to "obtain a wide range of facts and information on prior transitions and best practices" by seeking the expertise of outside individuals. The experts attending today's meeting are from both parties and varying backgrounds. They include:
o Andy Card, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush and Director of the 1992 Bush-Clinton Transition
o Mack McLarty, former Chief of Staff to former President Clinton
o Jennifer Dorn, National Academy of Public Administration
o Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute
o Max Stier, Partnership for Public Service


This Administration's Transition Preparations Are Comprehensive


The President has directed his Cabinet and staff to be forward-leaning in all of their efforts to ensure a smooth and effective transition. It has never been more critical that a transition from one Administration to the next be as seamless as possible. This Administration has gone to great lengths to prepare the Federal government for the transition to a new Administration and to help the major-party candidates prepare for a Presidential transition. For example:


* Federal agencies and White House offices are preparing briefings for the President-elect's team on significant pending policy issues as well as the structure of those agencies and offices.

* Career executives within each agency who may assume added responsibilities before the arrival of new political appointees have been identified, briefed, and included in a wide range of preparatory activities. Office of Management and Budget officials continue to meet with these key career officials to detail their responsibilities and to clarify the transition process.

* Individual agencies are taking agency-specific steps:
o The Department of Defense's Transition Task Force is preparing to host transition teams of the President-elect.
o The Department of Homeland Security is holding conferences and exercises designed to boost incident management capabilities and cross-departmental awareness.
o On October 9-10, the Secretary of State held an offsite meeting with senior State Department and USAID leadership to discuss transition planning and foreign policy and management challenges facing the new Administration. The State Department is also preparing a list of pending political/economic commitments arranged by country.


The Administration Is Engaged In A Nonpartisan, Comprehensive, And Unprecedented Effort To Help The Two Major Party Candidates Prepare To Govern


The Administration has reached out and provided services to both campaigns. Changes made in the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act allow the Administration to work with the major-party candidates before the election. This Administration is doing more than has ever been done to help the major-party candidates prepare. The White House began working with transition representatives of both major-party candidates during the summer and has met regularly with them since then by phone and in person.


The Administration's efforts to prepare the major party candidates include:


o The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has provided intelligence briefings to the candidates. These briefings are continuing and are being supported by the entire intelligence community.
o Senior Administration officials have remained in close contact with the major-party candidates in recent months regarding important issues of national security and our current financial crisis.
o The Office of Government Ethics has trained additional staff to prepare for an increase in financial disclosure filings and has held extensive meetings with both campaign transition teams to discuss financial disclosure rules.


The Administration has also worked to facilitate a speedy security clearance process for key transition personnel. Historically, one of the biggest challenges faced by incoming Administrations has been the time required to obtain security clearances for key officials. The 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act allows major-party candidates to request clearances for key transition personnel before the election so that those individuals will have the necessary clearances should their candidate win.


* The White House worked with Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the transition teams to create an orderly and efficient process. To ensure a confidential process, the White House does not have access to the numbers and identities of cleared individuals. Nevertheless, the White House confirms regularly with the transition teams that the process meets the transition teams' needs.


All interactions with the candidates and their transition teams have been equitable. The cornerstone of the Administration's contact has been uniformity of access. Materials, meetings, and guidance given to one transition team are simultaneously offered to the other.

Executive Order: Facilitation of a Presidential Transition

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United States Code, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458) (IRTPA), and in order to further the purposes of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, and to assist the presidential transition, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Presidential Transition Coordination. (a) To assist and support the transition efforts of the transition teams for the "major party" "candidates," as those terms are used in the IRTPA and defined in section 9002(2) and (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9002(2), (6)), and the President-elect, there is established a Presidential Transition Coordinating Council (Council).

(b) The Council shall be composed of the following officials or their designees:

(i) Chief of Staff to the President, who shall serve as Chair;

(ii) Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, who shall serve as Vice Chair;

(iii) Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy;

(iv) Counsel to the President;

(v) Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel;

(vi) Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;

(vii) Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism;

(viii) Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director, National Economic Council;

(ix) Attorney General;

(x) Director of National Intelligence;

(xi) Director of the Office of Management and Budget;

(xii) Director of the Office of Personnel Management;

(xiii) Administrator of General Services;

(xiv) Archivist of the United States;

(xv) Director of the Office of Government Ethics; and

(xvi) Such others as the President or the Chair of the Council may select.

(c) The Council shall assist the major party candidates and the President-elect by making every reasonable effort to facilitate the transition between administrations. This assistance may include, among other things, providing information relevant to facilitating the personnel aspects of a presidential transition and such other information that, in the Council's judgment, is useful and appropriate, as long as providing such information is not otherwise prohibited by law.

(d) In order to obtain a wide range of facts and information on prior transitions and best practices, the Council, its members, or their designees may, from time to time, seek information from private individuals, including individuals within outside organizations, who have significant experience or expertise in presidential transitions. The Council, its members, or their designees shall endeavor to obtain such facts and information from individuals representing a range of bipartisan or nonpartisan viewpoints. If the Council, its members, or their designees find it necessary to seek advice from private individuals or outside organizations, such counsel should be sought in a manner that seeks individual advice and does not involve collective judgment or deliberation.

(e) It shall be the policy of the Council to provide appropriate information and assistance to the major party candidates on an equal basis and without regard for party affiliation.

Sec. 2. Transition Activities and Materials. (a) At the direction of the Council or its designee(s), the Administrator of General Services shall coordinate orientation activities with the appropriate agencies, including the Office of Government Ethics and the Office of Personnel Management, for key prospective presidential appointees.

(b) At the direction of the Council or its designee(s), the White House Office of Presidential Personnel shall supplement as appropriate and necessary the electronic record of all title 5 presidentially appointed positions provided by the Office of Personnel Management to the major party candidates pursuant to section 8403(b) of IRTPA.

(c) The Suitability and Security Clearance Performance Accountability Council shall coordinate with the Council when performing those functions authorized by Executive Order 13467 of June 30, 2008, that are necessary to assist in transition-related activities.

(d) At the direction of the Council or its designee(s), executive departments and agencies shall prepare a set of briefing materials for new political appointees before the inauguration of the President-elect. The current Administration shall work with the incoming transition team to provide copies of all such materials.

(e) At the direction of the Council or its designee(s) and consistent with the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and other appropriate agencies, shall develop a Transition Directory. This directory shall include Federal publications and other materials that provide information on each executive department and agency.

Sec. 3. Transition Agreements. To assist and support the transition, transition agreements between the White House or appropriate executive branch departments and agencies and the transition teams for the major party candidates and the President-elect will be entered into, as necessary, regarding transition procedures and identification of transition contacts.

Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) In order to take appropriate account of the transition reforms made by IRTPA and to further update and clarify the presidential transition process, this order supersedes Executive Order 13176 of November 27, 2000.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order is intended only to facilitate the transition and is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the United States, its agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) Unless extended by the President, this order shall expire on February 20, 2009.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,


October 9, 2008.