Washington: President George W Bush says the "most urgent threat" that Barack Obama will face is the potential for an "attack on our homeland".
He says the president-elect will be facing an enemy that "would like to inflict damage" on Americans. He says that will be the major threat facing Obama and those who follow him. At a farewell news conference today, Bush spoke of other threats posed by members of what he once referred to as an "axis of evil." He said North Korea is "still a problem" - and that it is important that talks on that country's nuclear program bring about a "strong verification regime."
He also described Iran as "still dangerous". Bush was asked how a cease-fire might be brought about to end the violence that has been running rampant in Gaza Strip. He replied that a "sustainable" cease-fire can only be possible if Hamas retreats in its efforts to launch attacks on Israel. Bush said that "Israel has a right to defend herself." But he also said that the Jewish state must be mindful of the risk of civilian casualties.
