President Bush asserted Sunday night the United States is winning the war in Iraq but acknowledged violence and setbacks and the doubts of some "that the war is lost and not worth another dime or another day."
He pleaded with Americans to ignore "defeatists who refuse to see that anything is right."
The president held out hopes for withdrawing American forces as Iraqi troops gain strength and experience. "As these achievements come, it should require fewer American troops to accomplish our mission."
The president spoke from the Oval Office, where in March, 2003, he announced the U.S.-led invasion. Nearly three years later, more than 2,150 U.S. soldiers have died, Bush's popularity has plummeted and about half of Americans think the war was a mistake. Yet a strong majority oppose an immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces.
"I know that some of my decisions have led to terrible loss and not one of those decisions has been taken lightly," he said. "I know that this war is controversial, yet being your president requires doing what I believe is right and accepting the consequences."
Arguing against withdrawal, Bush said that "to retreat before victory would be an act of recklessness and dishonor and I will not allow."
But, he said, "Not only can we win the war in Iraq � we are winning the war in Iraq."
He said there were only two options for the United States � victory or defeat.
"And the need for victory is larger than any president or political party because the security of our people is in the balance. I do not expect you to support everything I do but tonight I have a request: Do not give in to despair and do not give up on this fight for freedom."
Text of President Bush's address:Click here
No comments:
Post a Comment