Bush: 'Not Going To Pull Our Troops'

Under Increased Pressure, Bush Says Only Victory Will Get U.S. Out Of Iraq

(CBS/AP)  Under intense pressure to change course, President Bush on Tuesday rejected suggestions that Iraq has fallen into civil war and vowed not to pull U.S. troops out "until the mission is complete."

At the opening of a NATO summit, Mr. Bush also urged allies to increase their forces in Afghanistan to confront a strengthening Taliban insurgency.

On the eve of his visit to Jordan for meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Mr. Bush portrayed the battles in both Afghanistan and Iraq as central fronts in a war "against the extremists who desire safe havens and are willing to kill innocents anywhere to achieve their objectives."

The stakes in Iraq are huge for President Bush. His war policies were repudiated in U.S. midterm elections that handed control of Congress to Democrats. A bipartisan blue-ribbon panel is about to issue a report proposing changes in the administration's approach in Iraq. And al-Maliki's government itself sometimes seems to be at cross purposes with Washington.

Mr. Bush set the stage for the Jordan talks with a speech at the NATO summit here and at an earlier news conference in neighboring Estonia. The president said he was flexible and eager to hear al-Maliki's ideas on how to ease the violence.

"There's one thing I'm not going to do, I'm not going to pull our troops off the battlefield before the mission is complete," President Bush declared in his speech. There are about 140,000 U.S. forces in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the 160,000-strong multinational force in Iraq for one year, acting quickly ahead of a key meeting between U.S. and Iraqi leaders aimed at halting escalating violence in the country and paving the way for a reduction of American troops.

The council responded to a request from al-Maliki, who said a top government priority is to assume full responsibility for security and stability throughout the country but that it needs more time.

Earlier, speaking with reporters in Tallinn during a joint news conference with Estonia's president, Mr. Bush would not debate whether Iraq had fallen into civil war and blamed the increasing bloodshed on a pattern of sectarian violence that he said was set in motion last winter by al Qaeda followers.

"I'm going to bring this subject up, of course, with Prime Minister Maliki," Mr. Bush said. "My questions to him will be: What do you need to do to succeed? What is your strategy in dealing with the sectarian violence?"

But senior administration officials say that when Mr. Bush sits down with al-Maliki tomorrow, it is al-Maliki who might push for troop withdrawals so Iraqis can take greater control of their own security, CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod reports.

The president said he realized that "no question it's dangerous there, and violent. And the Maliki government is going to have to deal with that violence, and we want to help them do so."

Mr. Bush has been coming under increasing pressure, both overseas and at home, to reach out more to other countries.

Such a recommendation may be among those issued by the Iraq Study Group headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former Democratic Rep. Lee Hamilton. The group is expected to finish its work next month, and some are hoping for it by early next week. The Bush administration rejected what is expected to be a key recommendation — engaging Iran and Syria for help calming Iraq, Axelrod reports.

CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports that sources close to the Iraq Study Group predicted that its final report will not call for a timetable for a withdrawal of troops — something that would certainly be rejected by the administration.

[mjv2944]

This guys ignorance never ceases to amaze me. We went in on a lie and he is still living in a lie. Let them fight in out and may the best tribe win. Bring our troops home and put them on the border, whether Mexico likes it or not.

[antoniof123]

LOL acrubray that was a great one. Yes, Bush, Cheney, Rove, and Rice, have no clue but what can you expect from them.

[houser123]

I only have one quick commnet here "STATE OF DENIAL".

[exusmcsgt]

Bush will obviously continue to lie in an attempt to avoid his legacy as a man who caused the disintegration of a country into complete chaos through his own sheer stupidity.

[aeasus]

An 8.6 TRILLION dollar debt is not stupidity... it's called profiteering!!

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

[usmcmike44]

Has this guy started drinking again? He needs to fess up to his stupidity/telling lies and ingnorance.

George W. Bush, Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2006
"You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one." --

--George W. Bush, on the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 2006 This morning my administration released the budget numbers for fiscal 2006. These budget numbers are not just estimates; these are the actual results for the fiscal year that ended February the 30th."

[ketch65]

God, please answer my prayer.

Put an end to George Bush once and for all....!!!

[olebd]

Mission accomplished again Mr. Bush?

Just give both sides some nukes and see who's left standing. It all will happen so fast that neither side will have time to declare civil war.

Atta boy, Bushie!

I once made the statement of using a few well placed nukes, however that would effect a very large portion of land not just Iraq, the other solution is to give both sides the 11,000 pound bombs that we dropped on Iraq during the Gulf War, they make one he11 of a noise and make a really cool shock wave when viewed from an aircraft, not to mention big smokin' holes in the ground

"If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Dec. 19, 2000

[ketch65]

"Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and in other fields. Muslim members of our Armed Forces and of my administration are serving their fellow Americans with distinction, upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace."

December 5, 2002

[ketch65]

"Over the past month, Muslims have fasted, taking no food or water during daylight hours, in order to refocus their minds on faith and redirect their hearts to charity. Muslims worldwide have stretched out a hand of mercy to those in need. Charity tables at which the poor can break their fast line the streets of cities and towns. And gifts of food and clothing and money are distributed to ensure that all share in God's abundance. Muslims often invite members of other families to their evening iftar meals, demonstrating a spirit of tolerance."

The Islamic Center of Washington, D.C.
December 5, 2002

[ketch65]

"Islam brings hope and comfort to millions of people in my country, and to more than a billion people worldwide. Ramadan is also an occasion to remember that Islam gave birth to a rich civilization of learning that has benefited mankind."

President's Eid al-Fitr Greeting to Muslims around the World
December 4, 2002

[ketch65]

"Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country based upon tolerance and we welcome people of all faiths in America."

The Oval Office, Washington, DC
November 13, 2002

[ketch65]

"We see in Islam a religion that traces its origins back to God's call on Abraham. We share your belief in God's justice, and your insistence on man's moral responsibility. We thank the many Muslim nations who stand with us against terror. Nations that are often victims of terror, themselves."

President Hosts Iftaar Dinner
Remarks by the President at Iftaar Dinner
State Dining Room

"When I was coming up, it was a dangerous world, and you knew exactly who they were. It was us versus them, and it was clear who them was. Today we are not so sure who they are, but we know they're there." --George W. Bush, Iowa Western Community College, Jan 21, 2000

[afmca]

Just one word to say .... CLUELESS !!!!!

[observantx]

Talk about a state of denial.

Hey, boy George, I've got a job for you. There's a big ship called the Titanic and they need someone to arrange the chairs on deck. Oh, don't mind the 35 degree tilt to the bow and all that water rushing up the deck. Just a minor detail.

"One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures." --George W. Bush, Jan. 3, 2000

"The truth of that matter is, if you listen carefully, Saddam would still be in power if he were the president of the United States, and the world would be a lot better off." --George W. Bush, second presidential debate, St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 8, 2004

[aeasus]

Excuse me MR Bush,could you please look this up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_war

A civil war is a war in which parties within the same culture, society or nationality fight for political power or control of an area. Political scientists use two criteria: the warring groups must be from the same country and fighting for control of the political center, control over a separatist state or to force a major change in policy. The second criterion is that at least 1,000 people must have been killed in total, with at least 100 from each side.

[ketch65]

Quran,,, 009.030 The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the
son of God. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what
the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them: how they are deluded
away from the
Truth!

Quran,, 005.051 O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends
and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he
amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth
not a people unjust

Kill the disbelievers wherever we find them. Quran(2:191)

"Men take authority over women... As for those who are disobedient, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them." (Surah 4:34)

"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends." (Surah 5:51)

"Fight against such as those to whom the Scriptures were given [Jews and Christians]...until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued." (Surah 9:29)

"The Christians say: The Christ is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them." (Sura 9:30)

"We will make sure our troops have all that is necessary to complete their missions. That's why I went to the Congress last September and proposed fundamental -- supplemental funding, which is money for armor and body parts and ammunition and fuel." --George W. Bush, Erie, Pa., Sept. 4, 2004

[ketch65]

I think what I've found out is President Bush may very well be a Muslim!!!

This will be the last of the Bushism's I will post, I can tell you that if did not have someone writing his speeches he would not be president, he surely can not speak in front of a crowd....

"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., May 25, 2004

[aeasus]

I can associate the president with others in history but would get band from the use of those words after posting.

[gentryfunk-2009]

When I read this headline, I could not believe it....surely the President is not going to peddle the same old line? Surely our President is interested in what is happening on the ground and will "adjust to changes". "We have never been stay the course...." So why is our President saying ""There's a lot of sectarian violence taking place, fomented in my opinion because of the attacks by al Qaeda causing people to seek reprisal."

What? Is he really that clueless?

[somarmahmoud]

If the situation in Iraq cannot be called civil war what can we call it?

[aeasus]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_war
A civil war is a war in which parties within the same culture, society or nationality fight for political power or control of an area. Political scientists use two criteria: the warring groups must be from the same country and fighting for control of the political center, control over a separatist state or to force a major change in policy. The second criterion is that at least 1,000 people must have been killed in total, with at least 100 from each side.

[aeasus]

Are we doing a recount on the dead first before we call it a civil war?

[shingles1]

About a month ago, I remember a chorus of kool aid drinking jack*sses saying that the uptick in violence was because the terrorists were trying to influence the US election. Well, now the elections have come and gone and the violence and chaos have gotten even worse.

Maybe the terrorists are trying to influence the 2008 election? (joke)

[geminijlw]

It amazes me how stupid our President sounds, and always has. But where are those that voted him into office? Where are those that supported this war in the beginning? What we have is a Civil War in Iraq. What we have is people, just like us, dying. Imagine if this was happening here in America. Why shouldn't it? We started it, or someone the majority put into office started it, as he wanted to be known as the war president. Doesn't he fit right in with Religion, since he is born again. Doesn't he fit in with the religious war going on over there, and elsewhere. It is a mess and we cannot win, but the losers are Iraqs. What do we care? Right.

[grumpas]

If my memory serves me correctly and it may not! Bush was told this was going to be the end result when he invaded Iraq! If he admits it's a civil war, he admits the critic's were right! They are all going to say "I told you so"! No one likes to hear that! Especially an arrogant, pompous *** like Bush! So he will probably deny it to his dying day!

[mickeyjay31-2009]

...and now, ladies and gentlemen, America's funniest standup comic, George (stay the course) Bush. You may remember his other great performances, with such great lines as "...the people of Iraq will welcome us with open arms", "we'll find weapons of mass destruction," and of course, the ever popular, "you're doing one heck of a job, Brownie". I haven't had such laughs since Regan described ketchup and a vegetable. And, speaking of veggies, can someone please tell Georgie Bush this act is getting old. The reviews are in and this bit is a faliure. Somebody, please, get the hook!

[Straightnochaser]

We've gone from invading Iraq to catch the 9/11 terrorists, to WMD, to ridding the world of the threat posed by Saddam, to "Mission Accomplished", to the highest monthly death toll among Americans, to the highest death toll among Iraqis, to "We're winning", to "There%u2019s no civil war in Iraq." If this incompetent administration had studied the situation before invading, they would have known without an authoritative force (like Saddam and his army) civil war was inevitable between the three factions. I'll give the Bush administration this, they have a spin machine capable of separating uranium!

[huskerarmy]

"If the situation in Iraq cannot be called civil war what can we call it?"

How about we just call it a situation in which the parties within the culture, society or nationality are fighting for political power and control of the area? Of course that would be hard to fit in the story lines.

[huskerarmy]

For God's sake! Have you no shame Mr. President?

[aesop2-2009]

In what fantasy world does this idiot live? If Iraq is not in a civil war what is it.

[clestes-2009]

Wow, I cannot believe the stupidity of Bush. I heard this morning on NPR radio that Dubya still refuses to talk to Syria or Hamas or Iran. Of course he says that Iraq or other middle east countries can if they want. This is so dumb! If the US is not willing to sit down and talk to Iran and others, nothing is going to chance.

This is great news all you Dems out there, because it means that we will still be bogged down when 2008 rolls around and the Dems will not only increase their number in Congress, but we will take the whitehouse as well. No doubt about it. I would be far more worried if Bush agreed to talks. Then there is a possibility of real progress in Iraq and that would mean the Rep would fair much better in 2008.

But, Dubya is continueing his idiot bullheadedness of my way or the highway. He is really doing damage to his party with this bullheadedness. I'll bet that the members of his party aren't particularly happy with their fearless leader.

Thank God for Dubya's bullheadedness!

[ronniehm]

It's not a civil war because they're not fighting for anything. They just hate each other. They always have.

[teddebare]

Where are those who voted for this guy twice? Of they will deny it. There should be an award given to them Name it " De dummmy" award.

They will probably be the harshest critics of Junebug now.

[bluestardad]

Just when you think there can be no more stupidity out of the White House Bush takes us to a new level. The only way Bush, Tony Snow (Baghdad Bob) and company will ever call this a Civil War is if Generals Grant and Lee Show up in Iraq.

[besscannon-2009]

You know what I think? I think Bush is afraid to talk to Iran, Syria, etc. because he is not fluent or, smart enough to hold his own. He wouldn't have Cheney or his speech writer there with him to tell him what to say. I really don't think Bush is as intelligient as portrayed, that is the real reason for so much secrecy about, and, around him. The dumb little boy has to be protected from the judgemental eyes of the public lest they discover his infirmry. Listen to what he says when he is on his own. It is always the same dribble, hence, "We are glad you came, we think you are wonderful, I am happy to be here," etc. It is like the babble of a programmed robot. Thus, he is scared to talk on his own with the other leaders that would test his mettle. What has happened to us and our country we deserve for stupidly putting an incompetent at the helm. If I am wrong, I apologize, but, that is what comes across to me.

[frankly6]

If you find bushrocks1 constant spamming of these boards disruptive, just click on "report this comment" below his post and report it.

[rsoxfan1123]

RonnieHM-they're fighting for control of the government. the shiites voted for the shiite candidate, the sunnis for the sunni candidate, and since the shiites outnumbered the sunnis we in essence put the shiites in power with our attack. the sunnis the attacked the shiites and the shiites retaliated. bush claims it is not a civil war because it makes him look like that much more of a failure and a ******* for tearing that country apart. he is in denial. the definition of a civil war in the dictionary is "war within a country between factions." Gee, do you think Iraq would qualify?

[getcentered]

Our President is truly out of place. I don't think he know the first thing about "diplomacy". For him diplomacy means get what you want from other countries and if you don't put that country on the "axis of evil" list.

If Bush was our DICTATOR and the neo-cons had there way we'd be in FIVE problems(wars) like Iraq by now. Bullies can not be diplomats.

[rafterman1]

Well, Bush hmself wouldn't talk to Iran, his reps would. No, I think the reasons Bush won't talk to Iran or Syria are basically what everyone else is pretty much saying: (1) Bush and this regime does not believe in diplomacy (hence, appointing guys like the bombastic Bolton to the UN). They believe the US can and should act without impunity. Talking to anyone, especially your enemies, looks weak and they cannot have that no matter how many American troops die. With this crew, we probably would still be fighting Vietnam. And (2) asking Iran and Syra would show Bush is admitting he was wrong to go into Iraq in the first place (worst case) or at least went about it wrong (best case). Bush, like most presidents in their last two years holding office, is too consumed with his legacy to do the right thing. The legacy of being a US president who lost a war is too much for him to deal with. Not that I blame him for that. Who wants to go out a loser? But his desperate attempts to save his legacy are proving dangerous to this country.

[rsoxfan1123]

Rafterman1-It's pretty tough to go asking someone for help after labeling them part of an "axis of evil" It's a little late to try diplomacy now. He might as well hide in the Crawford ranch until his term is up and let someone else handle it because he is wasting his time and making us all look like fools.