Bush to urge Europe to partner with US on Middle East, Iran

US President George W. Bush is urging Europe to more aggressively partner with the United States to look beyond trans-Atlantic issues and focus on global problems such as Middle East peace, curtailing the rise of radical Islamic terrorists and keeping regimes such as Iran in check. "Instead of dwelling on our differences, we are increasingly united in our interests and ideals," Bush was to say in a speech Friday in Paris. "In leaders like Berlusconi and Brown, Merkel and Sarkozy, I see a commitment to a powerful and purposeful Europe that advances the values of liberty within its borders, and beyond."