Bush: Iraq conflict ‘will take time and patience’

‘National strategy’
Bush’s speech did not break new ground or present a new strategy. Instead, it was intended to bring together in one place the administration’s arguments for the war and explain existing strategy on a military, economic and political track. The president’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.

Bush said that Iraqis are stepping forward to provide security for their embattled country, torn by suicide bombings, kidnappings and other violence. “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 already in the fight against insurgents, and that 80 of those battalions are fighting side by side with coalition forces and 40 are taking the lead in the fight.

“They’re helping to turn the tide in the struggle in freedom’s favor,” the president said.

Calls for withdrawal timetable ‘sincerely wrong’
Turning to criticism at home, Bush said, “Some are calling for a deadline for withdrawal. The many advocating an artificial timetable for withdrawing are sincere. But I believe they’re sincerely wrong. Pulling our troops out before they achieve their purpose is not a plan for victory.”

“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,” Bush declared.

The 35-page fighting strategy released Wednesday maintains increasing numbers of Iraqi troops have been equipped and trained, a democratic government is being forged, Iraq’s economy is being rebuilt and U.S. military and civilian presence will change as conditions improve.

“We expect, but cannot guarantee that our force posture will change over the next year, as the political process advances and Iraqi security forces grow and gain experience,” it said. “While our military presence may become less visible, it will remain lethal and decisive, able to confront the enemy wherever it may organize.”

First Lady hopes for quick resolution
Bush’s wife, Laura, said earlier Wednesday she “absolutely” would like to see an acceptable resolution there. “We want our troops to be able to come home as soon as they possibly can,” she said during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” while giving a White House Christmas tour.

“It’s really remarkable how far they’ve come,” she said, “but I really feel very, very encouraged that we’re going to see a very great ending when we see a really free Iraq right in the heart of the Middle East.”

Sixty-two percent of Americans, in an AP-Ipsos poll taken in November, said they disapproved of Bush’s Iraq policy. Thirty-seven percent approved of his policy — down from 43 percent in May. The president’s overall job approval rating is at 37 percent, the lowest level of his presidency.

There are about 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The Pentagon has not committed to any specific drawdown of U.S. forces next year beyond the announced plan to pull back 28,000 troops that were added this fall for extra security during the election.

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