“ The swift removal of Saddam Hussein's regime last spring had
an unintended effect. Instead of being killed or captured on the battlefield,
some of Saddam's elite guards shed their uniforms and melted into the
civilian population.
“These elements of Saddam's repressive regime and secret police
have reorganized, rearmed and adopted sophisticated terrorist tactics.
They've linked up with foreign fighters and terrorists. In a few cities,
extremists have tried to sow chaos and seize regional power for themselves.
“These groups and individuals have conflicting ambitions, but
they share a goal: They hope to wear out the patience of Americans,
our coalition and Iraqis before the arrival of effective self-government
and before Iraqis have the capability to defend their freedom. Iraq
now faces a critical moment. As the Iraqi people move closer to governing
themselves the terrorists are likely to become more active and more
brutal. There are difficult days ahead. And the way forward may sometimes
appear chaotic. Yet our coalition is strong. Our efforts are focused
and unrelenting. And no power of the enemy will stop Iraq's progress.”
—
“We believe that when all Middle Eastern peoples are finally allowed
to live and think and work and worship as free men and women they will
reclaim the greatness of their own heritage. And when that day comes
the bitterness and burning hatreds that feed terrorism will fade and
die away. America and all the world will be safer when hope has returned
to the Middle East.”
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