Bush: U.S. Must Be Aggressive in Pursuit of Democracy in Iraq

American Forces Press Service ^ | Sgt. Sara Wood, USA

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2006 – Victory in the war on terror will require not only the defeat of terrorists overseas, but also the spread of liberty and freedom around the world, President Bush said here today. "The freedom agenda is a powerful part of our country's desire to lay the foundation for peace, and it's making a difference," Bush said at a meeting with the National Governors Association.

The U.S. must stay on the offensive against terrorists and keep them on the run, Bush said, and to that end he thanked the governors for their support of the National Guard.

"Many of you have been overseas and have seen our Guard troops in action, and I can't thank you enough for not only supporting the troops in harm's way but providing great comfort to their families as well," he said.

Elections are only the beginning of Iraq's journey toward democracy, and they must be paired with a focused foreign policy to defeat terrorists' ideology, Bush said. The U.S. must be aggressive in pursuit of democracy in the Middle East, keeping in mind the belief in universal human rights that founded this country, he said.

"We shouldn't be surprised when 11 million Iraqis go to the polls and demand freedom in the face of unbelievable terrorist attacks," he said. "That shouldn't surprise America. We ought to say, 'We recognize that spirit,' and it is that spirit that's ultimately going to be able to say we've kept the peace for our children and grandchildren."

[SandRat]

Transcript of President Bush's Remarks