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Iraq lurks at Bush's Texas-sized party

Agence France-PresseApril 25, 2013 22:15

Something was unmentionable in polite company gathered to dedicate George W. Bush's presidential library here Thursday: the words "Iraq war." But memories of the US invasion in 2003 lingered anyway, like an uninvited guest, as living US presidents came to Dallas to honor one of their own. The gathering of the powerful clan was hardly the place to reargue one of the most divisive issues yet in 21st century US politics. But the silence was notable nonetheless, because the Iraq war may be the defining political moment for presidents Bush and Barack Obama.

Obama, ex-presidents praise 'resolute' Bush

Agence France-PresseApril 25, 2013 17:45

President Barack Obama lauded George W. Bush Thursday as resolute in the face of terrorism, putting ideology aside at the opening of a library which makes his predecessor's case for history. With all living US presidents at his side, Bush admitted some of the choices he made were unpopular, but said he was driven by a mission to spread freedom, in two tumultuous terms marked by the Iraq war and the September 11 attacks.

Obama, former presidents rally around George W. Bush as library opens

Thomson ReutersApril 25, 2013 15:01

By Steve Holland DALLAS (Reuters) - George W. Bush basked in warm praise from President Barack Obama and three fellow former U.S. presidents on Thursday as Bush's library was dedicated in a ceremony that emphasized his resolute response to terrorism while skirting controversies such as his decision to invade Iraq.

Obama praises George W. Bush at library dedication

Agencia EFEApril 25, 2013 14:47

Washington, Apr 25 (EFE).- President Barack Obama called it "a special day for democracy" as he and all of the living former U.S. heads of state gathered in Dallas for the inauguration of the George W. Bush Presidential Library. The incumbent hailed his predecessor as a leader of "incredible strength and resolve," referring to Bush's response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Obama and fellow Democrats Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter appeared together on the stage at the side of Republicans George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush.

Obama invokes Bush to push immigration overhaul

Agence France-PresseApril 25, 2013 14:32

US President Barack Obama on Thursday enlisted George W. Bush in his drive for an immigration overhaul, saying the Republican's failed effort to tackle the issue had paved the way for reform. The fast-shifting politics of today intruded on misty rememberances of yesteryear when Obama introduced the current debate over bringing 11 million illegal immigrants out of the shadows at Bush's library dedication.

Obama, ex-presidents honor Bush at new museum

Agence France-PresseApril 25, 2013 12:31

President Barack Obama lauded George W. Bush Thursday as a leader of "incredible strength and resolve" who faced a storm of terrorism head on, at the opening of his predecessor's library. In a rare gathering of all living US presidents, partisan divides were hinted at but put aside, as Bush was painted as a man of courage and compassion, in front of a building meant to shore up his place in history.

Bush seeks vindication with new museum

Agence France-PresseApril 24, 2013 22:30

George W. Bush says he will be long gone when posterity delivers a final verdict on his tumultuous presidency. But he will give history a shove in Dallas on Thursday when he opens his presidential library, showcasing his self-image as a leader of a land under attack who made tough decisions that kept Americans alive. From a steel beam twisted in the inferno of the World Trade Center, to footage of the twin towers collapsing in ash clouds, the September 11 attacks loom large over the museum of Bush's 2001-2009 administration.

Bush: 'painting changed my life'

Agence France-PresseApril 24, 2013 21:45

Former US president George W. Bush says his new painting hobby has changed his life. Bush, 66, said that he wanted to keep learning even in retirement -- to follow the example of his father, ex-president George H.W. Bush. "You know what the interesting lesson is though, that you can keep learning in life," Bush told ABC News in an interview to mark the opening of his presidential library on Thursday. "I don't want to rest. I want to follow the example of president 41 and, you know, sprint into the grave."

Bush urges brother Jeb to run for White House

Agence France-PresseApril 24, 2013 21:16

Former US president George W. Bush urged his younger brother Jeb to aim for the White House in a 2016 campaign that could enshrine his family as America's ultimate political dynasty. "He'd be a marvelous candidate if he chooses to do so," Bush said, when asked about Jeb's presidential prospects in an ABC News interview aired Wednesday on the eve of the dedication of his presidential library in Texas. "He doesn't need my counsel 'cause he knows what it is, which is 'run,'" Bush said. "But whether he does or not, it's a very personal decision."

AFP Americas News Agenda for April 25

Agence France-PresseApril 24, 2013 18:15

Duty Editor: Daniel Woolls Tel: + 1 202 414 0541 What's happening in the Americas on Thursday: + UN Security Council votes on Mali force + Inauguration of Bush presidential library UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution that would create a peacekeeping force for conflict-ravaged Mali. 1400 GMT. (MALI-CONFLICT-UN)