Dec. 6 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005

a time to remember the story of a miracle evening. Our Nation is grateful to the once witnessed in the Holy Temple in Jeru- American troops of all faiths who are serv- salem. ing our country around the world and who More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient are away from their families this holiday. land of Israel was conquered, and Jewish The word ‘‘Hanukkah’’ and the Hebrew people were forbidden to pray, observe word for education both come from the their religious customs, or study the Torah. same root word that means ‘‘to dedicate.’’ In response, a patriot named Judah And earlier today, I met with some of the Maccabee led a revolt against the enemy leaders from our Nation’s Jewish day army. Their numbers were small, yet their schools. As educators who dedicate them- courage in defense of their faith was pow- selves to teaching the faith and to teaching, erful, and they were triumphant. they are fulfilling the true lesson of Hanuk- When the Maccabees returned to reclaim kah every day of the year. Just as the Mac- their Holy Temple, the oil that should have cabees reclaimed their Holy Temple, these lasted only 1 day, instead burned for 8 teachers help ensure that Jewish traditions days. During Hanukkah, Jews across the are passed from generation to generation. world signify this miracle by lighting the Tonight as we prepare to light the can- menorah. This act commemorates the vic- dles, we are grateful for our freedoms as tory of freedom over oppression and of Americans, especially the freedom to wor- hope shining through darkness. Today, that ship. We are grateful that freedom is light still burns in Jewish homes and syna- spreading to still new regions of the world, gogues everywhere. And today, that light and we pray that those who still live in will burn here in the White House. the darkness of tyranny will some day see Laura and I are honored to have a beau- the light of freedom. tiful menorah here from Park Synagogue And now I invite Rabbi Skoff and his in Cleveland, Ohio. Rabbi Skoff, thank you daughter and family to join me for the sym- very much for sharing it with us. I also bolic lighting of the White House menorah. want to thank Rabbi Barry Gelman for his The honor is yours. prayer and thank him for his deep compas- sion. As he mentioned, he is the rabbi from NOTE: The President spoke at 5:37 p.m. in the United Orthodox Synagogues in Hous- the Bookseller’s Area in the East Wing at ton, whose members did so much to help the White House. In his remarks, he referred the victims of Hurricane Katrina. to Rabbi Joshua Skoff, Park Synagogue, I want to thank the West Point Jewish Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and his daughter, Cadet Choir for being here with us this Eden.

Remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations December 7, 2005

Thank you all. Richard, thanks for the Richard is a good man, and he’s doing invitation. Thanks for letting me come by a fine job as the President of the Council and address the Council on Foreign Rela- on Foreign Relations. And I appreciate tions. The Council is one of America’s old- your service to the country. I want to thank est and most admired foreign policy organi- Nancy Roman. I want to thank the board zations, and I appreciate the chance to members of the Council. And I want to come and talk about foreign policy. thank you all for being here today.

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Today we mark the anniversary of a fate- that our strategy begins with a clear under- ful day in American history. On December standing of the enemy we face. The enemy the 7th, 1941, our peaceful Nation awoke in Iraq is a combination of rejectionists and to an attack plotted in secret and executed Saddamists and terrorists. The rejectionists without mercy. The strike on Pearl Harbor are ordinary Iraqis, mostly Sunni Arabs, was the start of a long war for America— who miss the privileged status they had a massive struggle against those who at- under the regime of Saddam Hussein. They tacked us and those who shared their de- reject an Iraq in which they are no longer structive ambitions. Fortunately for all of the dominant group. We believe that, over us, a great generation of Americans was time, most of this group will be persuaded more than equal to the challenge. Our Na- to support a democratic Iraq led by a Fed- tion pulled together, and despite setbacks eral Government that is strong enough to and battlefield defeats, we did not waver protect minority rights. in freedom’s cause. With courage and de- The Saddamists are former regime loyal- termination, we won a war on two fronts. ists who harbor dreams of returning to We liberated millions. We aided the rise power, and they’re trying to foment anti- of democracy in Europe and Asia. We democratic sentiment amongst the larger watched enemies become allies, and we Sunni community. Yet they lack popular laid the foundation of peace for genera- support, and over time, they can be tions. marginalized and defeated by security On September the 11th, 2001, our Na- forces of a free Iraq. tion awoke to another sudden attack. In The terrorists affiliated with or inspired the space of just 102 minutes, more Ameri- by Al Qaida are the smallest but most lethal cans were killed than we lost at Pearl Har- group. Many are foreigners coming to fight bor. Like generations before us, we accept- freedom’s progress in Iraq. They are led ed new responsibilities, and we confronted by a brutal terrorist named Zarqawi, Al new dangers with firm resolve. Like gen- Qaida’s chief of operations in Iraq, who erations before us, we’re taking the fight has pledged his allegiance to Usama bin to those who attacked us—and those who Laden. The terrorists’ stated objective is to share their murderous vision for future at- drive the United States and coalition forces tacks. Like generations before us, we’ve out of Iraq and to gain control of the coun- faced setbacks on the path to victory, yet try. They would then use Iraq as a base we will fight this war without wavering. from which to launch attacks against Amer- And like the generations before us, we will ica, overthrow moderate governments in prevail. the Middle East, and try to establish a to- Like earlier struggles for freedom, this talitarian Islamic empire that reaches from war will take many turns, and the enemy Indonesia to Spain. must be defeated on every battlefront, from The terrorists in Iraq share the same ide- the streets of Western cities to the moun- ology as the terrorists who struck the tains of Afghanistan, to the tribal regions United States on September the 11th, blew of Pakistan, to the islands of Southeast Asia, up commuters in London and Madrid, and the Horn of Africa. Yet the terrorists murdered tourists in Bali, killed workers have made it clear that Iraq is the central in Riyadh, and slaughtered guests at a wed- front in their war against humanity. So we ding in Amman, Jordan. This is an enemy must recognize Iraq as the central front without conscience; they cannot be ap- in the war on terror. peased. If we’re not fighting and destroying Last week at the Naval Academy, I gave the enemy in Iraq, they would not be lead- the first in a series of speeches outlining ing the quiet lives of good citizens. They our strategy for victory in Iraq. I explained would be plotting and killing our citizens

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across the world and within our own bor- take responsibility for the safety and secu- ders. By fighting the terrorists in Iraq, we rity of their citizens without major foreign are confronting a direct threat to the Amer- assistance. ican people, and we will accept nothing As Iraqi forces become more capable, less than complete victory. they’re taking responsibility for more and We’re pursuing a comprehensive strategy more Iraqi territory. We’re transferring in Iraq. Last week, my administration re- bases for their control, to take the fight leased a document called the ‘‘National to the enemy. That means American and Strategy for Victory in Iraq.’’ Our goal is coalition forces can concentrate on training victory, and victory will be achieved when Iraqis and hunting down high-value targets the terrorists and Saddamists can no longer like Zarqawi. threaten Iraq’s democracy, when the Iraqi On the economic side, we’re helping the security forces can provide for the safety Iraqis rebuild their infrastructure and re- of their own citizens, and when Iraq is not form their economy and build the pros- a safe haven for terrorists to plot new at- perity that will give all Iraqis a stake in tacks against our Nation. a free and peaceful Iraq. In doing this, Our strategy to achieve that victory has we have involved the United Nations, other three elements. On the political side, we’re international organizations, our coalition helping the Iraqis build inclusive demo- partners, and supportive regional states. cratic institutions that will protect the inter- ests of all Iraqis. We’re working with the A week ago at the Naval Academy, I Iraqis to help them engage those who can spoke about our efforts to train the Iraqi be persuaded to join the new Iraq and to security forces. I described the changes we’ve made in the way these forces are marginalize those who never will. In 21⁄2 years, the Iraqi people have made amazing trained and the resulting gains the Iraqi progress. They’ve gone from living under forces have made in the past year. Today the boot of a brutal tyrant to liberation I’m going to talk about how we’re working to free elections to a democratic constitu- with those Iraqi forces and Iraq’s leaders tion. A week from tomorrow, they will go to improve security and restore order, to to the polls to elect a fully constitutional help Iraqis rebuild their cities, and to help government that will lead them for the next the National Government in Baghdad revi- 4 years. By helping Iraqis continue to build talize Iraq’s infrastructure and economy. their democracy, we will gain an ally in Over the course of this war, we have the war on terror. By helping them build learned that winning the battle for Iraqi a democracy, we will inspire reformers cities is only the first step. We also have from Damascus to Tehran. And by helping to win the battle after the battle by helping them build a democracy, we’ll make the Iraqis consolidate their gains and keep the American people more secure. terrorists from returning. Used to be that On the security side, coalition and Iraqi after American troops cleared the terrorists security forces are on the offense against out of a city and moved onto the next mis- the enemy. We’re clearing out areas con- sion, there weren’t enough forces, Iraqi trolled by the terrorists and Saddam loyal- forces, to hold the area. We found that ists, leaving Iraqi forces to hold territory after we left, the terrorists would reenter taken from the enemy, and following up the city, intimidate local leaders and police, with targeted reconstruction to help Iraqis and eventually retake control. This under- rebuild their lives. And as we fight the ter- mined the gains of our military. It thwarted rorists, we’re working to build capable and our efforts to help Iraqis rebuild and led effective Iraqi security forces, so they can local residents to lose confidence in the take the lead in the fight and eventually process and in their leaders.

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So we adjusted our approach. As im- The Iraqi Government played an active role provements in training produced more ca- and so did our military commanders and pable Iraqi security forces, those forces diplomats and workers from the U.S. Agen- have been able to better hold onto the cy for International Development. To- cities we cleared out together. With help gether, they worked with Najaf’s Governor from our military and civilian personnel, and other local officials to rebuild the local the Iraqi Government can then work with police force, repair residents’ homes, refur- local leaders and residents to begin recon- bish schools, restore water and other essen- struction, with Iraqis leading the building tial services, reopen a soccer stadium, com- efforts and our coalition in a supporting plete with new lights and fresh sod. Fifteen role. months later, new businesses and markets This approach is working. And today I have opened in some of Najaf’s poorest want to describe our actions in two cities areas, religious pilgrims are visiting the city where we have seen encouraging progress, again, construction jobs are putting local Najaf and Mosul. residents back to work. One of the largest The city of Najaf is located about 90 projects was the rebuilding of the Najaf miles south of Baghdad, and it’s the home Teaching Hospital, which had been looted to one of Shi’a Islam’s holiest places, the and turned into a military fortress by the Imam Ali Shrine. As a predominantly Shi’a militia. Thanks to the efforts by Iraqi doc- city, Najaf suffered greatly during Saddam’s tors and local leaders, and with the help rule. Virtually every element of infrastruc- of American personnel, the hospital is now ture and basic services had been crippled open and capable of serving hundreds of by years of insufficient maintenance. In patients each day. 1991, thousands of Najaf residents were Najaf is now in the hands of elected gov- killed during a brutal crackdown by the ernment officials. An elected provincial dictator. Our troops liberated Najaf in 2003, yet about a year later, the city fell council is at work drafting plans to bring under the sway of a radical and violent more tourism and commerce to the city. militia. Fighting in the streets damaged Political life has returned, and campaigns homes and businesses, and the local econ- for the upcoming elections have begun, omy collapsed as visitors and pilgrims with different parties competing for the stopped coming to the shrine out of fear vote. The Iraqi police are now responsible for their lives. for day-to-day security in Najaf. An Iraqi In the summer of 2004, we discussed battalion has consumed [assumed] * control the growing problem in Najaf with Iraq’s of the former American military base, and political leaders, and the coalition and Iraqi our forces are now about 40 minutes out- Government decided to retake control of side the city. the city. And we did. Together, coalition A U.S. Army sergeant explains our role and Iraqi forces routed out the militia in this way: ‘‘We go down there if they call tough, urban fighting. It was an intense us, and that doesn’t happen very often. battle. Our guys performed great, and so Usually, we just stay out of their way.’’ did the Iraqi forces. Together with the Residents of Najaf are also seeing visible Iraqi Government and the Shi’a clerical progress, and they have no intention of re- community, we forced the militia to aban- turning to the days of tyranny and terror. don the shrine and return it to legitimate One man from Najaf put it this way: Iraqi authority. The militia forces agreed ‘‘Three years ago, we were in ruins. One to disarm and leave Najaf. year ago, we were fighting in the streets. As soon as the fighting in Najaf ended, targeted reconstruction moved forward. * White House correction.

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Now look at the people, shopping and eat- mate political leaders regain control of the ing and not in fear.’’ city. As the Iraqis have grown in strength There is still plenty of work left to be and ability, they have taken more responsi- done in Najaf. Like most of Iraq, the re- bility for Mosul’s security. Coalition forces construction in Najaf has proceeded with have moved into a supporting role. fits and starts since liberation. It’s been un- As security in Mosul improved, we began even. Sustaining electric power remains a working with local leaders to accelerate re- major challenge, and construction has construction. Iraqis upgraded key roads and begun on three new substations to help bridges over the Tigris River, rebuilt boost capacity. Because there is a shortage schools and hospitals, and started refur- of clean water, new water treatment and bishing the Mosul Airport. Police stations sewage units are now being installed. Secu- and firehouses were rebuilt, and Iraqis have rity in Najaf has improved substantially, but made major improvements in the city’s threats remain. There are still kidnapings, water and sewage network. and militias and armed gangs are exerting Mosul still faces challenges. Like Najaf, more influence than they should in a free Mosul’s infrastructure was devastated dur- society. Local leaders and Iraqi security ing Saddam’s reign. The city is still not forces are confronting these problems, and receiving enough electricity, so Iraqis have we’re helping them. a major new project underway to expand Another area that has seen tremendous the Mosul power substation. Terrorist in- gains is the ancient city of Mosul. Mosul timidation is still a concern. This past week, is one of Iraq’s largest cities, and it’s the people hanging election posters were at- home of a diverse population of Sunni Arabs, Kurds, and other ethnic groups. tacked and killed. Yet freedom is taking Mosul is also the city where our troops hold in Mosul, and residents are making brought justice to Saddam’s sons in the their voices heard. Turnout in the—for the summer of 2003. In the months after lib- October referendum was over 50 percent eration, Mosul was relatively quiet, and so in the Province where Mosul is located. we began to redeploy our forces elsewhere That’s more than triple the turnout in the in the country. And when the terrorists and January election. And there’s heavy cam- Saddamists infiltrated the city, the Iraqi po- paigning going on in Mosul for next week’s lice were not up to the task of stopping election. them. These thugs intimidated residents, In places like Mosul and Najaf, residents and they overwhelmed the police. are seeing tangible progress in their lives. By late last year, terrorists and They’re gaining a personal stake in a peace- Saddamists had gained control of much of ful future, and their confidence in Iraq’s Mosul, and they launched a series of car democracy is growing. The progress of bombings and ambushes, including an at- these cities is being replicated across much tack on a coalition mess tent that killed of Iraq, and more of Iraq’s people are see- 14 American servicemembers. The terror- ing the real benefits that a democratic soci- ists and Saddamists killed innocent Iraqi ety can bring. civilians, and they left them in the streets Throughout Iraq, we’re also seeing chal- with notes pinned to their bodies threat- lenges common to young democracies. Cor- ening others. American and Iraqi forces re- ruption is a problem at both the national sponded with a series of coordinated strikes and local levels of the Iraqi government. on the most dangerous parts of the city. We will not tolerate fraud, so our Embassy Together we killed, captured, and cleared in Baghdad is helping to demand trans- out many of the terrorists and Saddamists, parency and accountability for the money and we helped the Iraqi police and legiti- being invested in reconstruction. We’ve

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helped the Iraqi people establish institu- ing and building large-scale infrastructure, tions like a Commission on Public Integrity such as electrical plants and large water and a stronger Supreme Board of Audit treatment facilities. We moved forward with to improve oversight of the rebuilding proc- some of those large projects, yet we found ess. Listen, the Iraqi people expect money our approach was not meeting the priorities to be spent openly and honestly, and so of the Iraqi people. In many places, espe- do the American people. cially those targeted by the terrorists and Another problem is the infiltration of mi- Saddamists, the most urgent needs were litia groups into some Iraqi security forces, smaller, localized projects, such as sewer especially the Iraqi police. We’re helping lines and city roads. Delivering visible Iraqis deal with this problem by embedding progress to the Iraqi people required us coalition transition teams in Iraqi units to to focus on projects that could be com- mentor police and soldiers. We’re also pleted rapidly. working with Iraq leaders at all levels of And so in consultation with the Iraqi government to establish high standards for Government, we started using more re- police recruiting. In a free Iraq, former mi- sources to fund smaller, local projects that litia members must shift their loyalty to could deliver rapid, noticeable improve- the National Government and learn to op- ments and offer an alternative to the de- erate under the rule of law. structive vision of the terrorists. We in- As we help Iraq’s leaders confront these creased the amount of money our military challenges, we’re also helping them rebuild commanders had at their disposal for flexi- a sound economy that will grow and deliver ble use. We worked with Iraqi leaders to a better life for their people. Iraq is a na- provide more contracts directly to Iraqi tion with the potential for tremendous pros- firms. And by adapting our reconstruction perity. The country has a young and edu- efforts to meet needs on the ground, we’re cated workforce; they’ve got abundant land helping Iraqi leaders serve their people, and water; and they have among the largest and Iraqis are beginning to see that a free oil resources in the world. Yet for decades, life will be a better life. Saddam Hussein used Iraq’s wealth to en- Reconstruction has not always gone as rich himself and a privileged few. As he well as we had hoped, primarily because built palaces, Saddam neglected the coun- of the security challenges on the ground. try’s infrastructure. He ruined the econ- Rebuilding a nation devastated by a dictator omy, and he squandered the most valuable is a large undertaking. It’s even harder resource in Iraq, the talent and the energy when terrorists are trying to blow up that of the Iraqi people. which the Iraqis are trying to build. The So we’re helping the new Iraq Govern- terrorists and Saddamists have been able ment reverse decades of economic destruc- to slow progress, but they haven’t been able tion, reinvigorate its economy, and make to stop it. responsible reforms. We’re helping Iraqis In the space of 21⁄2 years, we have to rebuild their infrastructure and establish helped Iraqis conduct nearly 3,000 renova- the institutions of a market economy. The tion projects at schools, train more than entrepreneurial spirit is strong in Iraq. Our 30,000 teachers, distribute more than 8 mil- policies are aimed at unleashing the cre- lion textbooks, rebuild irrigation infrastruc- ativity of the Iraqi people. ture to help more than 400,000 rural Iraqis, Like our approach to training Iraqi secu- and improve drinking water for more than rity forces, our approach to helping Iraqis 3 million people. rebuild has changed and improved. When Our coalition has helped Iraqis introduce we started the reconstruction progress in a new currency, reopen their stock ex- the spring of 2003, our focus was on repair- change, extend $21 million in microcredit

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and small-business loans to Iraqi entre- poll showing that, ‘‘two-thirds of Iraqis say preneurs. As a result of these efforts and they are better off than they were under Iraq’s newfound freedom, more than Saddam Hussein.’’ 30,000 new Iraqi businesses have registered Senator Lieberman goes on, ‘‘Does since liberation. And according to a recent America have a good plan for doing this, survey, more than three-quarters of Iraqi a strategy for victory in Iraq? Yes, we do. businessowners anticipate growth in the na- And it’s important to make clear to the tional economy over the next 2 years. American people that the plan has not re- This economic development and growth mained stubbornly still, but has changed will be really important to addressing the over the years.’’ The Senator says that mis- high unemployment rate across parts of takes have been made, but he goes on to that country. Iraq’s market-based reforms say that he is worried about a bigger mis- are gradually returning the proud country take. He writes, ‘‘What a colossal mistake to the global economy. Iraqis have nego- it would be for America’s bipartisan polit- tiated significant debt relief. And for the ical leadership to choose this moment in first time in 25 years, Iraq has completed history to lose its will and, in the famous an economic report card with the Inter- phrase, to seize defeat from the jaws of national Monetary Fund, a signal to the the coming victory.’’ Senator Lieberman is world financial community that Iraqis are right. serious about reform and determined to There is an important debate going on take their rightful place in the world econ- in our Nation’s Capital about Iraq, and the omy. fact that we can debate these issues openly With all these improvements, we’re help- in the midst of a dangerous war brings ing the Iraqi Government deliver meaning- credit to our democracy. In this debate, ful change for the Iraqi people. This is some are calling for us to withdraw from another important blow against the Iraq on a fixed timetable, without regard Saddamists and the terrorists. Iraqis who to conditions on the ground. Recently, one were disillusioned with their situation are Democratic leader came out in support of beginning to see a hopeful future for their an artificial deadline for withdrawal and country. Many who once questioned de- said an immediate withdrawal of our troops mocracy are coming off the fence; they’re would ‘‘make the American people safer, choosing the side of freedom. This is quiet, our military stronger, and bring some sta- steady progress. It doesn’t always make the bility to the region.’’ That’s the wrong pol- headlines in the evening news. But it’s real, icy for our Government. Withdrawing on and it’s important, and it is unmistakable an artificial deadline would endanger the to those who see it close up. American people, would harm our military, One of those who has seen that progress and make the Middle East less stable. It is Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman. Sen- would give the terrorists exactly what they ator Lieberman has traveled to Iraq 4 times want. in the past 17 months, and the article he In a letter to the terrorist leader Zarqawi, wrote when he returned from his most re- the Al Qaida leader Zawahiri has outlined cent trip provides a clear description of the his goals in Iraq with these steps: ‘‘Expel situation on the ground. Here’s what Sen- the Americans from Iraq; establish an Is- ator Lieberman wrote about the Iraq he lamic authority over as much territory as saw: ‘‘Progress is visible and practical. you can, to spread its power in Iraq; extend There are many more cars on the streets, the jihad wave.’’ The terrorists hope Amer- satellite television dishes on the roofs, and ica will withdraw before the job is done, literally millions more cell phones in Iraq so they can take over the country and turn hands than before.’’ He describes an Iraqi it into a base for future attacks. Zawahiri

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called the Vietnam war as a reason to be- ety, because it’s the only system that gives lieve the terrorists can prevail. He wrote, every citizen a voice in determining its fu- quote, ‘‘The aftermath of the collapse of ture. American power in Vietnam and how they Before our mission in Iraq is accom- ran and left their agents is noteworthy.’’ plished, there will be tough days ahead. In the past, Al Qaida has said that Amer- Victory in Iraq will require continued sac- ican pullouts from Lebanon and Somalia rifice by our men and women in uniform showed them that America was weak and and the continued determination of our could be made to run. And now the terror- citizens. There will be good days, and there ists think they can make America run in will be bad days in this war. I reject the Iraq, and that is not going to happen so pessimists in Washington who say, ‘‘We long as I’m the Commander in Chief. can’t win this war.’’ Yet every day, we can We are not going to yield the future be confident of the outcome, because we of Iraq to men like Zarqawi, and we’re know that freedom has got the power to not going to yield the future of the Middle overcome terror and tyranny. We can be East to men like bin Laden. We will com- confident about the outcome, because we plete our mission in Iraq and leave behind know the character and strength of the men a democracy that can govern itself, sustain and women in the fight. Their courage itself, and defend itself. Our military will makes all Americans proud. continue to hunt down the terrorists in Iraq This generation of Americans in uniform and to prepare the Iraqi security forces to is every bit as brave and determined as take over more of the fight and control the generation that went to war after the more of the territory on their own. We attack on our Nation 64 years ago today. will continue to help the Iraqis rebuild Like those who came before, they are de- their cities and their lives so they can enjoy feating a dangerous enemy, bringing free- the prosperity that freedom brings. We will dom to millions, and transforming a trou- continue to stand with the Iraqi people as bled part of the world. And like those who they move forward on the path of democ- came before, they will always have the grat- racy. And when victory is achieved, our itude of the American people. troops will then come home with the honor Our Nation will uphold the cause for they’ve earned. which our men and women in uniform are Next week, I’ll discuss the political ele- risking their lives. We will continue to hunt ment of our strategy in greater detail, how down the terrorists wherever they hide. We we’re helping Iraqis build a democracy that will help the Iraqi people so they can build will be a strong ally in this global war a free society in the heart of a troubled against the terrorists. One of the great les- region. And by laying the foundations of sons of history is that free societies are freedom in Iraq and across the broader peaceful societies, and free nations give Middle East, we will lay the foundation their citizens a path to resolve their dif- of peace for generations to come. ferences peacefully through the democratic Thanks for giving me a chance to come process. and speak to you today. May God continue Democracy can be difficult and com- to bless our country. plicated and even chaotic. It can take years of hard work to build a healthy civil society. NOTE: The President spoke at 10:44 a.m. at Iraqis have to overcome many challenges, the Omni Shoreham Hotel. In his remarks, including longstanding ethnic and religious he referred to Richard N. Haass, president, tensions and the legacy of brutal repression. and Nancy E. Roman, vice president and di- But they’re learning that democracy is the rector, Council on Foreign Relations; former only way to build a just and peaceful soci- President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Usama

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bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist founder of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and organization; Gov. Asaad Abu Gelal of Najaf senior Al Qaida associate. The Office of the Province, Iraq; senior Al Qaida associate Abu Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- Musab Al Zarqawi; and Ayman Al-Zawahiri, guage transcript of these remarks.

Statement on the Death of Carroll Campbell December 7, 2005

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the was a tireless advocate for the State he loss of Governor Carroll Campbell. Carroll loved and was known for his integrity and Campbell was a strong leader, a committed character. We join South Carolinians and public servant, and a good friend. For more Americans around the Nation in mourning than two decades, he represented the peo- the passing of Carroll Campbell, and we ple of South Carolina as a State legislator, send our thoughts and prayers to Iris and Member of Congress, and Governor. He the entire Campbell family.

Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Consolidated Report on the Deployment of United States Combat-Equipped Armed Forces December 7, 2005

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) in support of those operations and of other I am providing this supplemental consoli- operations in our war on terror. dated report, prepared by my Administra- I will direct additional measures as nec- tion and consistent with the War Powers essary in the exercise of the right of the Resolution (Public Law 93–148), as part of United States to self-defense and to protect my efforts to keep the Congress informed U.S. citizens and interests. Such measures about deployments of U.S. combat- may include short-notice deployments of equipped armed forces around the world. special operations and other forces for sen- This supplemental report covers operations sitive operations in various locations in support of the war on terror, Kosovo, throughout the world. It is not possible to and Bosnia and Herzegovina. know at this time either the precise scope or duration of the deployment of U.S. The War on Terror Armed Forces necessary to counter the ter- Since September 24, 2001, I have re- rorist threat to the United States. ported, consistent with Public Law 107– United States Armed Forces, with the 40 and the War Powers Resolution, on the assistance of numerous coalition partners, combat operations in Afghanistan against al- continue to conduct the U.S. campaign to Qaida terrorists and their Taliban sup- pursue al-Qaida terrorists and to eliminate porters, which began on October 7, 2001, support to al-Qaida. These operations have and the deployment of various combat- been successful in seriously degrading al- equipped and combat-support forces to a Qaida’s training capabilities. United States number of locations in the Central, Pacific, Armed Forces, with the assistance of nu- and Southern Command areas of operation merous coalition partners, ended the

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