Middle East - Hope for Peace, Freedom, and Democracy

Senator Bill Frist
05/06/2005

40,000 ft. over the Atlantic ... en route back to Washington.

Since last I wrote, we have traveled extensively throughout the region and visited with numerous leaders ... King Abdullah in Jordan ... Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah ... Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Lebanon ... President Mubarak in Egypt. 

So many leaders ... so many different regions ... so many diverse ethnic backgrounds.

All expressed a desire for peace, and struck on the themes of free and fair elections, an independent judiciary and other democratic reforms. 

Who would have thought -- even a few years ago -- that we would be talking about such things in some of these regions of the world? 

I heard it time and again ... the importance of establishing a long-lasting and meaningful dialogue on how to bring peace and stability to the region.

Along the way ... we visited police training centers, hospitals, community centers. I even met a Lebanese student who will be attending Vanderbilt in the Fall! 

So many vibrant faces ... individuals who simply want democracy and economic opportunity ... individuals who simply want to be free.

Things that we -- from time to time -- take for granted, I think.

I found myself recalling the words of the President in his Inaugural Address:

"When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you."

Those words took on a whole new meaning for me these past few days ...

I have never been more encouraged about the prospects for peace in this region, and I remain absolutely convinced that we are on the right path ... a path that will help shape the future of this region and ensure the spread of prosperity and peace for millions. 

Bill Frist

bf_judicialobstruction