I am the commander in chief of the United States armed forces, and Iraq is gonna have to ultimately provide for its own security.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within.
Our troops are committed to bringing security to Iraq while its government matures. American forces will continue to accomplish their mission with caution, precision and honor with the thanks of a grateful nation.
Leaving Iraq without military assistance during its transition, and before it is stable enough to ensure its own citizens' security, would pose a tremendous risk. We must complete our mission.
It has been my aim throughout present operations to afford the greatest amount of protection to life and property interests, and troops have been stationed accordingly.
Myself, I don't think you will ever get security in the Mideast until you have what on the surface appears to be fair to both sides. You have to have leaders committed to peace, on both sides. One side can't impose a solution.
But, as you have intimated, I am among those who would be very wary of any military action in the light of Saddam Hussein's willingness to allow the weapons inspectors to go in.
We are at war, and our security as a nation depends on winning that war.
We must provide all kinds of freedom, personal and economic, to all Iraqis. I will fight for that.
We will strengthen our security by building missile defense, restoring our military might, and standing by and strengthening our intelligence officers.
The Iraqis need help establishing a government. We have to provide them with security.