"America's Actions In The War On Terrorism"
Speech on 9/9/03 by: President George W. Bush



                                                                                                    - go to top of page
Outline of Address:
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 7 to 8
1.  Introduction - keeping us informed of America's progress in the war on terror
2.  Background Information - in the war on terror
          2-1.  Liberation of Afghanistan - was step one
          2-2.  Liberation of Iraq - is step two
3.  The Rational - of terrorist waging war on us
          3-1.  Terrorists Became Convinced - free nations were decadent & weak
          3-2.  Terrorists Believed - they had history on their side
4.  The Rational - for our response to terror
          4-1We Have Declared War On Terror - carrying the fight to them
          4-2.  We Are Helping The People In The Middle East - to know freedom
          4-3.  We Are Joining With The People of The Middle East - to free them
          4-4.  Everywhere That Freedom Takes Hold - terror will retreat
5.  The New Phase of The War On Terror - the terrorists fight back
6.  The Strategic Goal of The Terrorists - they want us to leave Iraq before our work is
          done
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 1 to 6
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 9 to 12
7.  Our General Strategic Goal - win the central front of this war, which is Iraq
          7-1.  Iraq Is Now The Central Front
          7-2.  We Will Do What Is Necessary
          7-3.  We Will Do What We Did Successfully In WW II - bring freedom to the
                    countries of the defeated enemies
          8-1. Destroy The Terrorists - by staying on the offensive, and by getting better
                    each day at what we are doing
                    - Expanding International Cooperation In Iraq
                    - Developing A Third Multinational Division
                    - Expanding Role of The United Nations In The War
          8-4. The Orderly Transfer Of Sovereignty And Authority To Iraq - by taking the
                    next steps toward self government, which include:
                    - Governing Council
                    - Cabinet Ministers
                    - Security Forces
                    - Drafting A New Constitution & Free Elections
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 7 to 8
                                                                                                    - go to Text for Speech
9.  Future Requirements - which include:
          - Request for 87 Billion
          - Continue Support of Our Troops
          - Keep Our Word To Iraq People
          - Conduct Funding Conferences: financial Contribution for both Afghanistan & for
             Iraq
                      through the use of strength
11. The Burdens Of This War - are born by our Armed Forces & Intelligence Services
12.  The Front Line of Freedom - is the Middle East, and includes:
          - Serving A Just Cause
          - Accepting The Duties of Our Generation
          - Believe That We Are Serving In Freedom's Cause

                                                                                                                                  - go to top of page
Text of Address:
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
1.  Introduction - keeping us informed of America's progress in the war on terror

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. I have asked for this time to keep you informed of America's actions in the war on terror.

Nearly two years ago, following deadly attacks on our country, we began a systematic campaign against terrorism. These months have been a time of new responsibilities, and sacrifice, and national resolve and great progress.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
2. Background Information - overview of war on terror

2-1.  Liberation of Afghanistan - is step one

America and a broad coalition acted first in Afghanistan, by destroying the training camps of terror, and removing the regime that harbored al Qaeda.

In a series of raids and actions around the world, nearly two-thirds of al Qaeda's known leaders have been captured or killed, and we continue on al Qaeda's trail. We have exposed terrorist front groups, seized terrorist accounts, taken new measures to protect our homeland, and uncovered sleeper cells inside the United States.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
2-2. Liberation of Iraq - is step two

And we acted in Iraq, where the former regime sponsored terror, possessed and used weapons of mass destruction, and for 12 years defied the clear demands of the United Nations Security Council. Our coalition enforced these international demands in one of the swiftest and most humane military campaigns in history.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
3.  The Rational - behind the terrorist waging war on us

3-1Terrorists Became Convinced - free nations were decadent & weak

For a generation leading up to September the 11th, 2001, terrorists and their radical allies attacked innocent people in the Middle East and beyond, without facing a sustained and serious response. The terrorists became convinced that free nations were decadent and weak.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
3-2.  Terrorists Believed - they had history on their side

And they grew bolder, believing that history was on their side.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4.  The Rational - for our response to terror

4-1.  We Have Declared War On Terror - carrying the fight to them

Since America put out the fires of September the 11th, and mourned our dead, and went to war, history has taken a different turn.

We have carried the fight to the enemy. We are rolling back the terrorist threat to civilization, not on the fringes of its influence, but at the heart of its power.

This work continues.
                                                                                                                                  - go to ouline
4-2.  We Are Helping The People In The Middle East - to know freedom

In Iraq, we are helping the long suffering people of that country to build a decent and democratic society at the center of the Middle East.

Together we are transforming a place of torture chambers and mass graves into a nation of laws and free institutions. This undertaking is difficult and costly -- yet worthy of our country, and critical to our security.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4-3.  We Are Joining With The People of The Middle East - to free them

The Middle East will either become a place of progress and peace, or it will be an exporter of violence and terror that takes more lives in America and in other free nations.

The triumph of democracy and tolerance in Iraq, in Afghanistan and beyond would be a grave setback for international terrorism. The terrorists thrive on the support of tyrants and the resentments of oppressed peoples.

When tyrants fall, and resentment gives way to hope, men and women in every culture reject the ideologies of terror, and turn to the pursuits of peace.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4-4.  Everywhere That Freedom Takes Hold - terror will retreat

Everywhere that freedom takes hold, terror will retreat.

Our enemies understand this. They know that a free Iraq will be free of them -- free of assassins, and torturers, and secret police. They know that as democracy rises in Iraq, all of their hateful ambitions will fall like the statues of the former dictator.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
5.  The New Phase of The War On Terror - the terrorists fight back, reclaiming Iraq for tyranny

And that is why, five months after we liberated Iraq, a collection of killers is desperately trying to undermine Iraq's progress and throw the country into chaos.

Some of the attackers are members of the old Saddam regime, who fled the battlefield and now fight in the shadows. Some of the attackers are foreign terrorists, who have come to Iraq to pursue their war on America and other free nations. We cannot be certain to what extent these groups work together. We do know they have a common goal -- reclaiming Iraq for tyranny.

Most, but not all, of these killers operate in one area of the country. The attacks you have heard and read about in the last few weeks have occurred predominantly in the central region of Iraq, between Baghdad and Tikrit -- Saddam Hussein's former stronghold.

The north of Iraq is generally stable and is moving forward with reconstruction and self-government. The same trends are evident in the south, despite recent attacks by terrorist groups.

Though their attacks are localized, the terrorists and Saddam loyalists have done great harm. They have ambushed American and British service members -- who stand for freedom and order. They have killed civilian aid workers of the United Nations -- who represent the compassion and generosity of the world. They have bombed the Jordanian embassy -- the symbol of a peaceful Arab country. And last week they murdered a respected cleric and over a hundred Muslims at prayer -- bombing a holy shrine and a symbol of Islam's peaceful teachings.

This violence is directed not only against our coalition, but against anyone in Iraq who stands for decency, and freedom and progress.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
6.  The Strategic Goal of The Terrorists - they want us to leave Iraq before our work is done

There is more at work in these attacks than blind rage. The terrorists have a strategic goal. They want us to leave Iraq before our work is done.

They want to shake the will of the civilized world. In the past, the terrorists have cited the examples of Beirut and Somalia, claiming that if you inflict harm on Americans, we will run from a challenge. In this, they are mistaken.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7.  Our General Strategic Goal - win the central front of this war, which is Iraq

Two years ago, I told the Congress and the country that the war on terror would be a lengthy war, a different kind of war, fought on many fronts in many places.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-1.  Iraq Is Now The Central Front

Iraq is now the central front. Enemies of freedom are making a desperate stand there -- and there they must be defeated.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-2.  We Will Do What Is Necessary

This will take time and require sacrifice. Yet we will do what is necessary, we will spend what is necessary, to achieve this essential victory in the war on terror, to promote freedom and to make our own nation more secure.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-3.  We Will Do What We Did Successfully In WW II - bring freedom to the
countries of the defeated enemies

America has done this kind of work before. Following World War II, we lifted up the defeated nations of Japan and Germany, and stood with them as they built representative governments.

We committed years and resources to this cause. And that effort has been repaid many times over in three generations of friendship and peace. America today accepts the challenge of helping Iraq in the same spirit -- for their sake, and our own.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8.  Our Detailed Objectives In Iraq

Our strategy in Iraq has three objectives:

          1) Destroying the terrorists
          2) Enlisting the support of other nations for a free Iraq
          3) And helping Iraqis assume responsibility for their own defense and their own
                    future.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-1.  Destroy The Terrorists - by staying on the offensive, and by getting better at what we are doing

First, we are taking direct action against the terrorists in the Iraqi theater, which is the surest way to prevent future attacks on coalition forces and the Iraqi people.

We are staying on the offensive, with a series of precise strikes against enemy targets increasingly guided by intelligence given to us by Iraqi citizens.

Since the end of major combat operations, we have conducted raids seizing many caches of enemy weapons and massive amounts of ammunition, and we have captured or killed hundreds of Saddam loyalists and terrorists. So far, of the 55 most wanted former Iraqi leaders, 42 are dead or in custody. We are sending a clear message: anyone who seeks to harm our soldiers can know that our soldiers are hunting for them.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-2.  Enlisting The Support Of Other Nations For A Free Iraq

Expanding International Cooperation In Iraq:

Second, we are committed to expanding international cooperation in the reconstruction and security of Iraq, just as we are in Afghanistan.

Our military commanders in Iraq advise me that the current number of American troops -- nearly 130,000 -- is appropriate to their mission. They are joined by over 20,000 service members from 29 other countries.

Two multinational divisions, led by the British and the Poles, are serving alongside our forces -- and in order to share the burden more broadly, our commanders have requested a third multinational division to serve in Iraq.

Developing A Third Multinational Division:

Some countries have requested an explicit authorization of the United Nations Security Council before committing troops to Iraq.

I have directed Secretary of State Colin Powell to introduce a new Security Council resolution, which would authorize the creation of a multinational force in Iraq, to be led by America.

I recognize that not all of our friends agreed with our decision to enforce the Security Council resolutions and remove Saddam Hussein from power. Yet we cannot let past differences interfere with present duties.

Expand Role of The United Nations In The War:

Terrorists in Iraq have attacked representatives of the civilized world, and opposing them must be the cause of the civilized world. Members of the United Nations now have an opportunity -- and the responsibility -- to assume a broader role in assuring that Iraq becomes a free and democratic nation.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-4.  The Orderly Transfer Of Sovereignty And Authority To The Iraqi People

Third, we are encouraging the orderly transfer of sovereignty and authority to the Iraqi people. Our coalition came to Iraq as liberators and we will depart as liberators.

Governing Council:

Right now Iraq has its own Governing Council, comprised of 25 leaders representing Iraq's diverse people.

Cabinet Ministers:

The Governing Council recently appointed cabinet ministers to run government departments. Already more than 90 percent of towns and cities have functioning local governments, which are restoring basic services.

Security Forces:

We're helping to train civil defense forces to keep order, and an Iraqi police service to enforce the law, a facilities protection service, Iraqi border guards to help secure the borders, and a new Iraqi army.

In all these roles, there are now some 60,000 Iraqi citizens under arms, defending the security of their own country, and we are accelerating the training of more.

Drafting A New Constitution & Free Elections - next steps toward self government

Iraq is ready to take the next steps toward self-government. The Security Council resolution we introduce will encourage Iraq's Governing Council to submit a plan and a timetable for the drafting of a constitution and for free elections.

From the outset, I have expressed confidence in the ability of the Iraqi people to govern themselves. Now they must rise to the responsibilities of a free people and secure the blessings of their own liberty.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
9.0  Future Requirements

Request for 87 Billion:

Our strategy in Iraq will require new resources. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our military and reconstruction needs in Iraq, and also in Afghanistan. I will soon submit to Congress a request for $87 billion. The request will cover ongoing military and intelligence operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, which we expect will cost $66 billion over the next year.

This budget request will also support our commitment to helping the Iraqi and Afghan people rebuild their own nations, after decades of oppression and mismanagement. We will provide funds to help them improve security. And we will help them to restore basic services, such as electricity and water, and to build new schools, roads, and medical clinics.

Continue Support of Our Troops:
And Keep Our Word To Iraq People:

This effort is essential to the stability of those nations, and therefore, to our own security. Now and in the future, we will support our troops and we will keep our word to the more than 50 million people of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Conduct Funding Conferences: financial contribution for both Afghanistan & for Iraq

Later this month, Secretary Powell will meet with representatives of many nations to discuss their financial contributions to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Next month, he will hold a similar funding conference for the reconstruction of Iraq. Europe, Japan and states in the Middle East all will benefit from the success of freedom in these two countries, and they should contribute to that success.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
10.  Lessons Learned In War On Terror

10-1.  Today, Nobody Needs To Live Under A Dictator

The people of Iraq are emerging from a long trial. For them, there will be no going back to the days of the dictator, to the miseries and humiliation he inflicted on that good country.

For the Middle East and the world, there will be no going back to the days of fear, when a brutal and aggressive tyrant possessed terrible weapons.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
10-2.  Today, We Can't Have False Comfort In A Dangerous World

And for America, there will be no going back to the era before September the 11th, 2001 -- to false comfort in a dangerous world.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
10-3.  Terrorist Attacks Are Caused by The Perception of Weakness - not through the use of strength

We have learned that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
10-4.  Surest Way To Avoid Attacks Is To Carry The War To Them

And the surest way to avoid attacks on our own people is to engage the enemy where he lives and plans. We are fighting that enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan today so that we do not meet him again on our own streets, in our own cities.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
11.  The Burdens Of This War - are born by our Armed Forces & Intelligence Services

The heaviest burdens in our war on terror fall, as always, on the men and women of our Armed Forces and our intelligence services.

They have removed gathering threats to America and our friends, and this nation takes great pride in their incredible achievements. We are grateful for their skill and courage, and for their acts of decency, which have shown America's character to the world. We honor the sacrifice of their families. And we mourn every American who has died so bravely, so far from home.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
12.  The Front Line of Freedom - is the Middle East

Serving A Just Cause:

The Americans who assume great risk overseas understand the great cause they are in. Not long ago I received a letter from a captain in the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. He wrote about his pride in serving a just cause, and about the deep desire of Iraqis for liberty.

"I see it," he said, "in the eyes of a hungry people every day here. They are starved for freedom and opportunity." And he concluded, "I just thought you'd like a note from the 'front lines of freedom.'"

That Army captain, and all of our men and women serving in the war on terror, are on the front lines of freedom. And I want each of them to know, your country thanks you, and your country supports you.

Accepting The Duties of Our Generation:

Fellow citizens: We've been tested these past 24 months, and the dangers have not passed. Yet Americans are responding with courage and confidence. We accept the duties of our generation.

Believe That We Are Serving In Freedom's Cause:

We are active and resolute in our own defense. We are serving in freedom's cause -- and that is the cause of all mankind.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless America.


End of Speech by
President George W. Bush
-----------------------------------------

"America's Actions In The War On Terrorism"
Speech on 9/9/03 by: President George W. Bush



                                                                                                    - go to top of page
Outline of Address:
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 7 to 8
1.  Introduction - keeping us informed of America's progress in the war on terror
2.  Background Information - in the war on terror
          2-1.  Liberation of Afghanistan - was step one
          2-2.  Liberation of Iraq - is step two
3.  The Rational - of terrorist waging war on us
          3-1.  Terrorists Became Convinced - free nations were decadent & weak
          3-2.  Terrorists Believed - they had history on their side
4.  The Rational - for our response to terror
          4-1We Have Declared War On Terror - carrying the fight to them
          4-2.  We Are Helping The People In The Middle East - to know freedom
          4-3.  We Are Joining With The People of The Middle East - to free them
          4-4.  Everywhere That Freedom Takes Hold - terror will retreat
5.  The New Phase of The War On Terror - the terrorists fight back
6.  The Strategic Goal of The Terrorists - they want us to leave Iraq before our work is
          done
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 1 to 6
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 9 to 12
7.  Our General Strategic Goal - win the central front of this war, which is Iraq
          7-1.  Iraq Is Now The Central Front
          7-2.  We Will Do What Is Necessary
          7-3.  We Will Do What We Did Successfully In WW II - bring freedom to the
                    countries of the defeated enemies
          8-1. Destroy The Terrorists - by staying on the offensive, and by getting better
                    each day at what we are doing
                    - Expanding International Cooperation In Iraq
                    - Developing A Third Multinational Division
                    - Expanding Role of The United Nations In The War
          8-4. The Orderly Transfer Of Sovereignty And Authority To Iraq - by taking the
                    next steps toward self government, which include:
                    - Governing Council
                    - Cabinet Ministers
                    - Security Forces
                    - Drafting A New Constitution & Free Elections
                                                                                                    - go to Outline for Items 7 to 8
                                                                                                    - go to Text for Speech
9.  Future Requirements - which include:
          - Request for 87 Billion
          - Continue Support of Our Troops
          - Keep Our Word To Iraq People
          - Conduct Funding Conferences: financial Contribution for both Afghanistan & for
             Iraq
                      through the use of strength
11. The Burdens Of This War - are born by our Armed Forces & Intelligence Services
12.  The Front Line of Freedom - is the Middle East, and includes:
          - Serving A Just Cause
          - Accepting The Duties of Our Generation
          - Believe That We Are Serving In Freedom's Cause

                                                                                                                                  - go to top of page
Text of Address:
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
1.  Introduction - keeping us informed of America's progress in the war on terror

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. I have asked for this time to keep you informed of America's actions in the war on terror.

Nearly two years ago, following deadly attacks on our country, we began a systematic campaign against terrorism. These months have been a time of new responsibilities, and sacrifice, and national resolve and great progress.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
2. Background Information - overview of war on terror

2-1.  Liberation of Afghanistan - is step one

America and a broad coalition acted first in Afghanistan, by destroying the training camps of terror, and removing the regime that harbored al Qaeda.

In a series of raids and actions around the world, nearly two-thirds of al Qaeda's known leaders have been captured or killed, and we continue on al Qaeda's trail. We have exposed terrorist front groups, seized terrorist accounts, taken new measures to protect our homeland, and uncovered sleeper cells inside the United States.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
2-2. Liberation of Iraq - is step two

And we acted in Iraq, where the former regime sponsored terror, possessed and used weapons of mass destruction, and for 12 years defied the clear demands of the United Nations Security Council. Our coalition enforced these international demands in one of the swiftest and most humane military campaigns in history.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
3.  The Rational - behind the terrorist waging war on us

3-1Terrorists Became Convinced - free nations were decadent & weak

For a generation leading up to September the 11th, 2001, terrorists and their radical allies attacked innocent people in the Middle East and beyond, without facing a sustained and serious response. The terrorists became convinced that free nations were decadent and weak.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
3-2.  Terrorists Believed - they had history on their side

And they grew bolder, believing that history was on their side.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4.  The Rational - for our response to terror

4-1.  We Have Declared War On Terror - carrying the fight to them

Since America put out the fires of September the 11th, and mourned our dead, and went to war, history has taken a different turn.

We have carried the fight to the enemy. We are rolling back the terrorist threat to civilization, not on the fringes of its influence, but at the heart of its power.

This work continues.
                                                                                                                                  - go to ouline
4-2.  We Are Helping The People In The Middle East - to know freedom

In Iraq, we are helping the long suffering people of that country to build a decent and democratic society at the center of the Middle East.

Together we are transforming a place of torture chambers and mass graves into a nation of laws and free institutions. This undertaking is difficult and costly -- yet worthy of our country, and critical to our security.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4-3.  We Are Joining With The People of The Middle East - to free them

The Middle East will either become a place of progress and peace, or it will be an exporter of violence and terror that takes more lives in America and in other free nations.

The triumph of democracy and tolerance in Iraq, in Afghanistan and beyond would be a grave setback for international terrorism. The terrorists thrive on the support of tyrants and the resentments of oppressed peoples.

When tyrants fall, and resentment gives way to hope, men and women in every culture reject the ideologies of terror, and turn to the pursuits of peace.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
4-4.  Everywhere That Freedom Takes Hold - terror will retreat

Everywhere that freedom takes hold, terror will retreat.

Our enemies understand this. They know that a free Iraq will be free of them -- free of assassins, and torturers, and secret police. They know that as democracy rises in Iraq, all of their hateful ambitions will fall like the statues of the former dictator.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
5.  The New Phase of The War On Terror - the terrorists fight back, reclaiming Iraq for tyranny

And that is why, five months after we liberated Iraq, a collection of killers is desperately trying to undermine Iraq's progress and throw the country into chaos.

Some of the attackers are members of the old Saddam regime, who fled the battlefield and now fight in the shadows. Some of the attackers are foreign terrorists, who have come to Iraq to pursue their war on America and other free nations. We cannot be certain to what extent these groups work together. We do know they have a common goal -- reclaiming Iraq for tyranny.

Most, but not all, of these killers operate in one area of the country. The attacks you have heard and read about in the last few weeks have occurred predominantly in the central region of Iraq, between Baghdad and Tikrit -- Saddam Hussein's former stronghold.

The north of Iraq is generally stable and is moving forward with reconstruction and self-government. The same trends are evident in the south, despite recent attacks by terrorist groups.

Though their attacks are localized, the terrorists and Saddam loyalists have done great harm. They have ambushed American and British service members -- who stand for freedom and order. They have killed civilian aid workers of the United Nations -- who represent the compassion and generosity of the world. They have bombed the Jordanian embassy -- the symbol of a peaceful Arab country. And last week they murdered a respected cleric and over a hundred Muslims at prayer -- bombing a holy shrine and a symbol of Islam's peaceful teachings.

This violence is directed not only against our coalition, but against anyone in Iraq who stands for decency, and freedom and progress.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
6.  The Strategic Goal of The Terrorists - they want us to leave Iraq before our work is done

There is more at work in these attacks than blind rage. The terrorists have a strategic goal. They want us to leave Iraq before our work is done.

They want to shake the will of the civilized world. In the past, the terrorists have cited the examples of Beirut and Somalia, claiming that if you inflict harm on Americans, we will run from a challenge. In this, they are mistaken.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7.  Our General Strategic Goal - win the central front of this war, which is Iraq

Two years ago, I told the Congress and the country that the war on terror would be a lengthy war, a different kind of war, fought on many fronts in many places.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-1.  Iraq Is Now The Central Front

Iraq is now the central front. Enemies of freedom are making a desperate stand there -- and there they must be defeated.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-2.  We Will Do What Is Necessary

This will take time and require sacrifice. Yet we will do what is necessary, we will spend what is necessary, to achieve this essential victory in the war on terror, to promote freedom and to make our own nation more secure.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
7-3.  We Will Do What We Did Successfully In WW II - bring freedom to the
countries of the defeated enemies

America has done this kind of work before. Following World War II, we lifted up the defeated nations of Japan and Germany, and stood with them as they built representative governments.

We committed years and resources to this cause. And that effort has been repaid many times over in three generations of friendship and peace. America today accepts the challenge of helping Iraq in the same spirit -- for their sake, and our own.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8.  Our Detailed Objectives In Iraq

Our strategy in Iraq has three objectives:

          1) Destroying the terrorists
          2) Enlisting the support of other nations for a free Iraq
          3) And helping Iraqis assume responsibility for their own defense and their own
                    future.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-1.  Destroy The Terrorists - by staying on the offensive, and by getting better at what we are doing

First, we are taking direct action against the terrorists in the Iraqi theater, which is the surest way to prevent future attacks on coalition forces and the Iraqi people.

We are staying on the offensive, with a series of precise strikes against enemy targets increasingly guided by intelligence given to us by Iraqi citizens.

Since the end of major combat operations, we have conducted raids seizing many caches of enemy weapons and massive amounts of ammunition, and we have captured or killed hundreds of Saddam loyalists and terrorists. So far, of the 55 most wanted former Iraqi leaders, 42 are dead or in custody. We are sending a clear message: anyone who seeks to harm our soldiers can know that our soldiers are hunting for them.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-2.  Enlisting The Support Of Other Nations For A Free Iraq

Expanding International Cooperation In Iraq:

Second, we are committed to expanding international cooperation in the reconstruction and security of Iraq, just as we are in Afghanistan.

Our military commanders in Iraq advise me that the current number of American troops -- nearly 130,000 -- is appropriate to their mission. They are joined by over 20,000 service members from 29 other countries.

Two multinational divisions, led by the British and the Poles, are serving alongside our forces -- and in order to share the burden more broadly, our commanders have requested a third multinational division to serve in Iraq.

Developing A Third Multinational Division:

Some countries have requested an explicit authorization of the United Nations Security Council before committing troops to Iraq.

I have directed Secretary of State Colin Powell to introduce a new Security Council resolution, which would authorize the creation of a multinational force in Iraq, to be led by America.

I recognize that not all of our friends agreed with our decision to enforce the Security Council resolutions and remove Saddam Hussein from power. Yet we cannot let past differences interfere with present duties.

Expand Role of The United Nations In The War:

Terrorists in Iraq have attacked representatives of the civilized world, and opposing them must be the cause of the civilized world. Members of the United Nations now have an opportunity -- and the responsibility -- to assume a broader role in assuring that Iraq becomes a free and democratic nation.
                                                                                                                                  - go to outline
8-4.  The Orderly Transfer Of Sovereignty And Authority To The Iraqi People

Third, we are encouraging the orderly transfer of sovereignty and authority to the Iraqi people. Our coalition came to Iraq as liberators and we will depart as liberators.

Governing Council:

Right now Iraq has its own Governing Council, comprised of 25 leaders representing Iraq's diverse people.

Cabinet Ministers:

The Governing Council recently appointed cabinet ministers to run government departments. Already more than 90 percent of towns and cities have functioning local governments, which are restoring basic services.

Security Forces:

We're helping to train civil defense forces to keep order, and an Iraqi police service to enforce the law, a facilities protection service, Iraqi border guards to help secure the borders, and a new Iraqi army.

In all these roles, there are now some 60,000 Iraqi citizens under arms, defending the security of their own country, and we are accelerating the training of more.

Drafting A New Constitution & Free Elections - next steps toward self government

Iraq is ready to take the next steps toward self-government. The Security Council resolution we introduce will encourage Iraq's Governing Council to submit a plan and a timetable for the drafting of a constitution and for free elections.

From the outset, I have expressed confidence in the ability of the Iraqi people to govern themselves. Now they must rise to the responsibilities of a free people and secure the blessings of their own liberty.
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9.0  Future Requirements

Request for 87 Billion:

Our strategy in Iraq will require new resources. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our military and reconstruction needs in Iraq, and also in Afghanistan. I will soon submit to Congress a request for $87 billion. The request will cover ongoing military and intelligence operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, which we expect will cost $66 billion over the next year.

This budget request will also support our commitment to helping the Iraqi and Afghan people rebuild their own nations, after decades of oppression and mismanagement. We will provide funds to help them improve security. And we will help them to restore basic services, such as electricity and water, and to build new schools, roads, and medical clinics.

Continue Support of Our Troops:
And Keep Our Word To Iraq People:

This effort is essential to the stability of those nations, and therefore, to our own security. Now and in the future, we will support our troops and we will keep our word to the more than 50 million people of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Conduct Funding Conferences: financial contribution for both Afghanistan & for Iraq

Later this month, Secretary Powell will meet with representatives of many nations to discuss their financial contributions to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Next month, he will hold a similar funding conference for the reconstruction of Iraq. Europe, Japan and states in the Middle East all will benefit from the success of freedom in these two countries, and they should contribute to that success.
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10.  Lessons Learned In War On Terror

10-1.  Today, Nobody Needs To Live Under A Dictator

The people of Iraq are emerging from a long trial. For them, there will be no going back to the days of the dictator, to the miseries and humiliation he inflicted on that good country.

For the Middle East and the world, there will be no going back to the days of fear, when a brutal and aggressive tyrant possessed terrible weapons.
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10-2.  Today, We Can't Have False Comfort In A Dangerous World

And for America, there will be no going back to the era before September the 11th, 2001 -- to false comfort in a dangerous world.
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10-3.  Terrorist Attacks Are Caused by The Perception of Weakness - not through the use of strength

We have learned that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness.
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10-4.  Surest Way To Avoid Attacks Is To Carry The War To Them

And the surest way to avoid attacks on our own people is to engage the enemy where he lives and plans. We are fighting that enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan today so that we do not meet him again on our own streets, in our own cities.
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11.  The Burdens Of This War - are born by our Armed Forces & Intelligence Services

The heaviest burdens in our war on terror fall, as always, on the men and women of our Armed Forces and our intelligence services.

They have removed gathering threats to America and our friends, and this nation takes great pride in their incredible achievements. We are grateful for their skill and courage, and for their acts of decency, which have shown America's character to the world. We honor the sacrifice of their families. And we mourn every American who has died so bravely, so far from home.
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12.  The Front Line of Freedom - is the Middle East

Serving A Just Cause:

The Americans who assume great risk overseas understand the great cause they are in. Not long ago I received a letter from a captain in the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. He wrote about his pride in serving a just cause, and about the deep desire of Iraqis for liberty.

"I see it," he said, "in the eyes of a hungry people every day here. They are starved for freedom and opportunity." And he concluded, "I just thought you'd like a note from the 'front lines of freedom.'"

That Army captain, and all of our men and women serving in the war on terror, are on the front lines of freedom. And I want each of them to know, your country thanks you, and your country supports you.

Accepting The Duties of Our Generation:

Fellow citizens: We've been tested these past 24 months, and the dangers have not passed. Yet Americans are responding with courage and confidence. We accept the duties of our generation.

Believe That We Are Serving In Freedom's Cause:

We are active and resolute in our own defense. We are serving in freedom's cause -- and that is the cause of all mankind.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless America.


End of Speech by
President George W. Bush
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This page was last updated on: September 30, 2003