US President Bush, facing growing crticism about his Iraq policy, said Wednesday that Iraqi troops are increasingly taking the lead in battle but that "this will take time and patience."
In his speech, Bush stated that Iraqi forces have not always performed well in combat but have made substantial progress in the past year. "As the Iraqi forces grow more capable, they are increasingly taking the lead in the fight against the terrorists," the president stated at the U.S. Naval Academy. "Our goal is to train enough Iraqi forces so they can carry the fight against the terrorists."
"To all who wear the uniform, I make you this pledge: America will not run in the face of car bombers and assassins so long as I am your commander-in-chief," he said. Bush characterized the enemy in Iraq as "a combination of rejectionists, Saddamists and terrorists." The terrorist group, he said, "is the smallest but the most lethal" of the three. "To assure victory over such enemies, we are pursuing a comprehensive strategy in Iraq," Bush said in his address.
Bush's address was accompanied by the release of a 35-page White House document titled "National Strategy for Victory in Iraq." "Americans should have a clear understanding of this strategy," Bush said. He said the document was an unclassified version of the strategy that was being pursued in Iraq.
The plan covers three tracks: political, security and economic. They are broken down into eight pillars, including "defeating terrorists and neutralizing the insurgency;" helping Iraq strengthen its economy; and increasing international support for Iraq.
According to the AP, Bush said that Iraqis are stepping forward to provide security for their country. "Iraqi forces have made real progress," the president said. "We will stay as long as necessary to complete the mission. If our military leaders there tell us we need more troops, I will send them."
He said that more than 120 army and police combat battalions are ready to fight on their own, while 80 other Iraqi battalions are fighting side by side with US forces. "They're helping to turn the tide in the struggle in freedom's favor," the US leader noted.
