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Bush: Our Goals In Iraq Are Unchanged

October 25, 2006 10:53 AM | |

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Speaking to reporters in the East Room of the White House, Pres. Bush acknowledged a sharp increase in sectarian violence in Iraq but insisted his administration was adapting quickly to the bloodshed and told Americans that pulling troops out of the country would immediately jeopardize nat. sec.

Bush said he was "not satisfied" about the conditions on the ground, calling "the events of the past month" a "serious concern to me and a serious concern to the American people." October was the deadliest month for US troops this year. But he warned against "disillusionment." Bush: "The American people will support the war as long as they see a path to victory. Americans can have confidence that we will prevail because thousands of smart ... dedicated military personnel are working around the clock ... risking their lives to ensure success." More Bush: "If I did not think our mission in Iraq was vital to America's security, I'd bring our troops home tomorrow." The consequences in Iraq will have a decisive impact on the security of our country. Defeating the terrorists in Iraq is essential to turning back the cause of extremists in the Middle East."

Bush, on the admin's posture toward the Iraqi government: "We're making it clear that America's patience is not unlimited. We will not put more pressure on the Iraqi government than it can bear. The way to succeed in Iraq is to help the Iraqi government grow in strength and assume more control of the country as quickly as possible."

Asked if the US is winning, Bush said "this war" is "a different kind of war" than the "fascists in World War II." This war "will take a long time" but said "Yes, I think we're winning." Bush: "As the enemy shifts tactics, we are shifting our tactics as well." More Bush: "Our goals are changing. We are flexible in our methods to achieve those goals."

Bush: "This notion about a fixed timetable for withdrawal means defeat. You can't leave until the job is done. Our mission is to get the job done as quickly as possible."