US president George W. Bush has addressed the 61st General Assembly of the United Nations. His speech was seen as the last in a series of activities commemorating the fifth anniversary of 9/11. However, this speech was very different in both theme and style to those he addressed to his own people.

In his domestic speeches, Bush stressed the severity of the threat of terrorism and attempted to use that threat to get the support of those who oppose the war in Iraq in a bid to save the Republicans from losing the mid-term election in November.

At the General Assembly, Bush promoted his all-curing concept of democracy. His tone was far milder than it has been.

"Today, I'd like to speak directly to the people across the broader Middle East. My country desires peace��We respect Islam��Our goal is to help you build a more tolerant and hopeful society that honors people of all faiths and promotes peace."

Bush listed democratic changes in the broader Middle East region and claimed that the US would stand by Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon and help democracy succeed there, where it will become a beacon of hope for millions of people.

He distinguished the Iranian people from the Iranian government and spoke to the Iranian people directly.

"To the people of Iran: the United States respects you; we respect your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture, and your many contributions to civilization��we have no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program. We are working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis. And as we do, we look to the day when you can live in freedom and America and Iran can be good friends and close partners in the cause of peace."

Bush admitted that the Hamas regime in Palestine came to power through free elections, but demanded that Hamas "abandon terror". He recognized the sovereign rights of Israel, but also required that it fulfills its obligations. Bush said he has asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to make diplomatic efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.

Compared to previous speeches, Bush was more diplomatic; he spoke less about the threat of arms, and demonstrated a willingness to cooperate. He didn't repeat his comments about the "struggle between freedom and democracy and the Islamic Fascist."

Bush said "Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed -- it must be chosen."

It's easy to see why Bush has changed his tone. His reasons for going to war in Iraq have all proved empty, so he needs the world's understanding and support. It's possible that Bush himself now believes that autarchy and corruption have fostered terrorism, and thinks that his democratic prescription might help eradicate it. The Iraq dilemma has taught Bush a lesson; even if the US is the only world superpower, he needs more support from other big countries.

What Bush didn't want to make clear was US injustice in its Middle East policy and the US' pursuit of geopolitical advantage and oil resources in the Middle East. These two factors are the biggest causes of terrorism and anti-American sentiment in the Middle East and the Arab world. Unless they address these underlying issues, US-led democratic reforms in the Middle East might never be successful.

By People's Daily Online; The article was written by Li Xuejiang, People's Daily Washington correspondent.