President George W. Bush meets with Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at the presidential palace in Kabul. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush is presented the Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan Insignia by Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, for his efforts in rebuilding the country. The presentation came during a surprise visit to Kabul about which the President said, "I want to be in Afghanistan to say 'thank you' to President Karzai, to let the people of Afghanistan know that the United States has stood with them and will stand with them." White House photo by Eric Draper
Troops at Bagram Air Base listen to remarks by President George W. Bush early Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, after his arrival in Afghanistan. The President told his audience, "I am confident we will succeed in Afghanistan because our cause is just, our coalition and Afghan partners are determined; and I am confident because I believe freedom is a gift of an Almighty to every man, woman, and child on the face of the Earth. Above all, I know the strength and character of you all. As I conclude this final trip, I have a message to you, and to all who serve our country: Thank for making the noble choice to serve and protect your fellow Americans." White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush pauses for photos with troops at Bagram Air Base Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Afghanistan. The President made the pre-dawn visit to the base before meeting with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul. During his remarks to the troops, the President said, "What you're doing in Afghanistan is important, it is courageous, and it is selfless. It's akin to what American troops did in places like Normandy and Iwo Jima and Korea. Your generation is every bit as great as any that has come before. And the work you do every day is shaping history for generations to come." White House photo by Eric Draper