George Bush: A Vice President's Unwavering Leadership during Turbulent Times

In a rare glimpse into the life and thoughts of George W. Bush, a collection of letters, diary entries, and memos has been declassified, offering an intimate look at the 43rd President's time in office. The documents reveal Bush's private concerns about global events, particularly his dealings with Saudi Arabia.

Bush was deeply troubled by the possibility of an alliance between Iran and al Qaeda, fearing it would create a haven for extremist ideologies. He also expressed worries about Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a complex organization with multiple power centers. In his notes, he wrote that the royal family was not a monolith, and that even Crown Prince Abdullah may have been unaware of some of the hate-spreading NGOs operating in the country.

The President's concerns about Saudi Arabia were echoed by his advisors, who recognized the need for a process to encourage change within the country. Some members of the royal family had found favor with al Qaeda and its extremist policies, which only added to Bush's unease.

One of the most significant events during Bush's vice presidency was the response to the 9/11 attacks. In the aftermath, the President faced a daunting task: figuring out how to deal with the Saudis. He knew that the country had played a significant role in supporting extremist ideologies and wanted to send a team to Saudi Arabia to alert his counterparts about a potential attack.

The notes also reveal a conversation between Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on July 5, during which they discussed the rules of engagement for responding to any unresponsive aircraft. Bush approved the plan before 10:00 am, and later raised the issue again with Cheney, emphasizing the importance of following protocol.

In an interview, Cheney recalled calling Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah and discussing the situation with him. The Vice President also remembered being told that there were still planes in the air, but he understood the need to take decisive action. He had been trained to shoot down planes during his time as a Texas National Air Guard pilot and was aware of the basic rules of engagement.

Throughout his life, Bush remained committed to his role as Vice President, working tirelessly to address the complex issues facing the nation. His private thoughts and concerns offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a leader who was both steadfast in his convictions and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

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