Bush's Speech on a Palestinian State

Matt Welch noticed something strange about the closing comment from Bush's speech today on plans for an eventual Palestinian state. Here is the passage in question:

This moment is both an opportunity and a test for all parties in the Middle East: an opportunity to lay the foundations for future peace; a test to show who is serious about peace and who is not. The choice here is stark and simple. The Bible says, "I have set before you life and death; therefore, choose life." The time has arrived for everyone in this conflict to choose peace, and hope, and life.

Welch writes that the statement "seems mighty questionable to me, suddenly quoting the Bible at the end of a major policy speech about the Middle freakin’ East."

I agree. That's a very awkward statement, considering the forum.

As for my general opinion on these remarks, I'm ok with them. Promises are being made and core-issues for the Palestinians are being addressed (although with several strings attached). I don't think the mandatory "no Arafat" clause is prudent, especially when it follows rhetoric that we want a "democratic process". If we have that much confidence in democracy, then we should leave the selection of a leader solely up to the Palestinians.

Right now, Arafat would probably win an election hands-down. If he does get scrubbed out of the process, there are six contenders to take the lead, according to the NY Times.