Bush unveils free-trade plan for the Middle East

[Jcrowley]

Middle East Free Trade Area

On May 9, 2003, President George W. Bush proposed the establishment of a Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) within a decade, "which would link 22 Arab nations, Israel and the United States by 2013." <1>

"Across the globe, free markets and trade have helped defeat poverty, and taught men and women the habits of liberty. So I propose the establishment of a U.S.-Middle East free trade area within a decade, to bring the Middle East into an expanding circle of opportunity, to provide hope for the people who live in that region." --President George W. Bush, May 9, 2003.

On May 9, 2003, President George W. Bush "proposed a plan of graduated steps for Middle Eastern nations to increase trade and investment with the United States and others in the world economy. The first step is to work closely with peaceful nations that want to become members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in order to expedite their accession. As these countries implement domestic reform agendas, institute the rule of law, protect property rights (including intellectual property), and create a foundation for openness and economic growth, the United States will take a series of graduated steps with countries in the region tailored to their level of development. The U.S. will expand and deepen economic ties through Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs), Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), and comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and will enhance the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for eligible countries." --Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Middle_East_Free_Trade_Area

Bush unveils free-trade plan for the Middle East

(05-10) 04:00 PDT Columbia, S.C. -- President Bush offered a powerful economic incentive to the nations of the Arab world on Friday by proposing the creation of a U.S.-Middle East free trade area by 2013.
In a commencement speech to 1,200 graduates of the University of South Carolina, Bush promoted the trade deal as a symbol of American commitment to an Arab world alienated by two American-led wars in two Muslim countries in the last two years, and as a means of bringing stability to a region bypassed by globalization and torn by terrorism.

"The Arab world has a great cultural tradition, but is largely missing out on the economic progress of our time," said Bush. The trade deal, he said, would bring the Middle East into an "expanding circle of opportunity."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/05/10/MN279951.DTL

Relevant.

Oil.

Investors rights.

Slave labor.

[BayCityProgressive]

1. fucking gag me

This is why we need to make sure whoever we elect next is AGAINST free trade. Edwards is against it and I believe Obama may be.We know the Clinton's track record.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. ...

"The Arab world has a great cultural tradition, but is largely missing out on the economic progress of our time," said Bush. The trade deal, he said, would bring the Middle East into an "expanding circle of opportunity."

or an expanding circle of death and misery, like what the wonders of the "free market" bestowed upon Latin America before the banks were foisted out by Leftists.