Bush, Dems See Different Wars In Iraq

Parties Share Visions In Weekly Radio Addresses On Anniversary

(CBS/AP)  President Bush says “more fighting and sacrifice will be required” in Iraq before American troops can withdraw.

Marking the third anniversary of the war, Mr. Bush defended the defended the 2003 decision to begin the war.

“It was the right decision,” Mr. Bush said. “America and the world are safer today without Saddam Hussein in power.”

The president said he remains “optimistic” about the situation in Iraq, and while he did not admit that there were mistakes in the aftermath of the invasion, Mr. Bush said the U.S. military was making needed changes.

“The fighting has been tough. The enemy has proved brutal and relentless. We have changed our approach in many areas to reflect the hard realities on the ground.”

Mr. Bush cited Iraqi leaders “good progress” toward forming a new inclusive government as a factor in stopping the insurgency.

In the Democrat’s radio response, Senator Dianne Feinstein did not sound as optimistic about the war. She said three years into the Iraq war, America finds itself fighting a growing rebellion.

“Sectarian violence is on the rise. And each day civil war draws closer,” she said.

Feinstein said she did not fault the nation’s military. She said America’s “political leadership” is at fault.

She said, “It didn't have to be this way, but the administration's dangerous incompetence has made the job harder.”

The California Democrat says Mr. Bush must push Iraqi leaders to deal with the Shiite-Sunni split, take more responsibility for security and form an inclusive government.