Text Of Bush's Iraq Speech

President Outlines Plans For Some Troop Withdrawals

(CBS) 
Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

If we were to be driven out of Iraq, extremists of all strains would be emboldened. Al Qaeda could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries. Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region. Extremists could control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a humanitarian nightmare. Democracy movements would be violently reversed. We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world. And as we saw on September the 11th, 2001, those dangers can reach our cities and kill our people.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East. We should be able to agree that we must defeat al Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

So tonight I want to speak to Members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East. I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.

To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads. You must demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon our friends, and we will not abandon you.

To Iraq’s neighbors who seek peace: The violent extremists who target Iraq are also targeting you. The best way to secure your interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of Iraq. That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to strengthen the government in Baghdad. And it means the efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine that government must end.

To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young democracy. We encourage all nations to help, by implementing the International Compact to revitalize Iraq’s economy, by participating in the Neighbors Conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the United Nations in Iraq.

To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilians on the frontlines in Iraq: You have done everything America has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large part because of your courage and hard effort. You are serving far from home. Our Nation is grateful for your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of your families.

Earlier this year, I received an e-mail from the family of Army Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad. His family has suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose. His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: “We believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win … even if it cost the life of our own son. Freedom is not free.”

This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm. They are doing so in a fight that is just, and right, and necessary. And now it falls to us to finish the work they have begun.

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

Good night, and God bless America.

[wadyaknow]

You know when I watched that speech all I could think of was someone dropping a net on the deluded fool. I hope he will be happy in his retirement when the mullahs take over Iraq. It is his fault and the Democtrats must take action now to cut off funding even if it meas shutting down the government.

[myidoncbs]

Bush claimed, "The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress."

If that''s true, then we need 10 times the number of troops we currently have in Iraq to do the job! Without a huge increase in troops, we are just playing whack-a-mole with the "insurgents". Of course, when you factor in the often ignored fact that the "insurgents" mostly are nothing other than Iraqi freedom fighters who are trying to drive out the foreign occupiers (the US), the task goes from difficult (needing 10x the troops) to impossible. "The only winning move is not to play the game." Get out of Iraq NOW.

[jack3213]

Ultimately securing the political and military force in Iraq can only make them feel more secure as people, not less. If in providing them with better equiped country they will stand on their own without a dictator then there is only one answer, Stephen, we are makiing it harder for the Musilms to fight OBL. In this sense, we are also allies to Iraq and thus able to be a stronger force against terrorists. It stands to logic, which so many do not get.

[hungry1968]

Isn''t it funny how CBS always manages to take down the message boards whenever Bush loads us with fresh ammo at his miserably failed administration?

What a coincidence!

Where''s perception5 to tell us how the "MSM wolfpack" is always attacking Bush, when in fact they prevent us from blogging about him.