Quote

In the span of three years, the Iraqi people participated in three elections, drafted a constitution, and elected a new government. While more work remains, this is remarkable progress.

The men and women of our armed forces played an instrumental role in the election process - securing polling sites and providing security - that allowed so many Iraqis the opportunity to vote freely for the first time ever.

Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.

Last month, the Iraqi people went to the polls, voting in their first free election in more than 50 years.

It's now clear that from the very moment President Bush took office, Iraq was his highest priority as unfinished business from the first Bush Administration. His agenda was clear: find a rationale to get rid of Saddam.

We got rid of a terrible dictator. We gave the Iraqi people an opportunity for a new life under a representative form of government.

The advent of self-government for the Iraqi people is a watershed moment in their history.

I believe very deeply in the proposition that what we did in Iraq was the right thing to do. It was hard to do. It took a long time. There were significant costs involved.

On Jan. 30, millions of Iraqis will cast ballots in the country's first fair and free election in decades, marking continued progress in Iraq's transition toward a country built on the pillars of democracy and freedom for all.

Victory is the most important aspect in Iraq, because victory in Iraq will help us have victory in the War on Terror.