Posted on 12/14/2005 6:23:31 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2005 – The Dec. 15 parliamentary elections in Iraq represent "a watershed moment in the story of freedom" that's important not only to Iraq's security and democratic future, but also to America's, President Bush said today at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars here. "Iraqis will go to the polls to choose a government that will be the only constitutional democracy in the Arab world," the president said. "Yet, we need to remember that these elections are also a vital part of a broader strategy for protecting the American people against the threat of terrorism."
Bush called the upcoming national elections a major milestone in Iraq's transition to a constitutional democracy. Already, the coalition has transferred sovereignty to the Iraqis and Iraqis have held elections for a transitional government and adopted a democratic constitution, he noted. On Dec. 15, they will hold elections for a new government under that constitution.
All this has occurred despite terrorist efforts designed to derail these efforts, Bush noted. "In spite of the violence, Iraqis have met every milestone, and this is changing the political landscape in Iraq," he said.
The U.S. goal in Iraq has always been more than simply to remove a brutal dictator, Bush said. "It is to leave a free and democratic Iraq in place," he explained.
Bush expressed optimism that Sunni Arabs, who boycotted the January elections, are campaigning vigorously and expected to turn out to vote in large numbers. "As Sunnis join the political process, Iraqi democracy becomes more inclusive and the terrorists and Saddamists are becoming marginalized," he said.
A free and democratic Iraq will help bring stability to a troubled part of the world and ensure a better life for the Iraqi people, Bush said. It also will ensure a safer America, he said.
"I strongly believe a democratic Iraq is a crucial part of our strategy to defeat the terrorists, because only democracy can bring freedom and reconciliation to Iraq and peace to this troubled part of the world," he said. "A liberated Iraq can show the power of freedom to transform the Middle East by bringing hope and progress to the lives of millions."
"History has shown that free nations are peaceful nations," Bush said. "And as Iraqi democracy takes hold, Iraqi citizens will have a stake in a common and peaceful future."
The people of Iraq still face many challenges, including security, reconstruction and economic reform, the president acknowledged. "But they're building a strong democracy that can handle these challenges, and that will be a model for the Middle East," he said.
This is helping establish Iraq as a long-term partner for peace in the region, he said. "By helping Iraqis build a nation that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself, we will gain an ally in the war on terror and a partner for peace in the Middle East."
GW,....the Modern Winston Churchill
History will be very kind to this great leader. God Bless George W. Bush & God Bless America
Once again the reality of what is happening in Iraq comes through the media filter, and people are on side with the Iraq war. I wish the media would stop asking "Do you agree with sending troops to Iraq"...it's over, it's happened, we should be more focused on where we go from here.
We just might create a peaceful and democratic nation in the process...not bad for two terms of work.
That's why there is so much hysteria coming from the Pelosi and Murtha DemocRATS. They cannot allow President Bush, the U.S. military and the Iraqi people to succeed in this endeavor. If they do, the 'RATS will NEVER regain control over the American people's wallets.
You got that right Sandrat Dubya is modern day Winnie churchill Rack ittt
I see the libs guilty of the soft bigotry of low expectations here. He called that one too.
I live in area full of libs, Montgomery Kounty Maryland. Slowly but surely they are starting to wake up. The stupid, evil Bush is turning into a guy who makes some sense.
The political rats have failed to noticed that a chunk of their base are genetic democrats, voters who vote what their grandparents and parents voted for but they are starting to notice the the rats hypocrisy. It's fun to see.
IMHO: History will be astonished by what this great leader accomplished; and eternally grateful for the courage of our military heroes.
I firmly believe he is comparable.
Churchill wished to do what G.W.B. has with Iraq. Take pre-emptive action against an enemy (Hitler). If the world had listened it could have spared many lives.
I see the strongest comparisons of this President to Churchill and Lincoln.
Bush understands what is possible and within our grasp if we just have the will to do so.
Democratic peace.....
http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/DP.CLOCK.HTM
All this has occurred despite terrorist efforts designed to derail these efforts, Bush noted. "In spite of the violence, Iraqis have met every milestone, and this is changing the political landscape in Iraq," he said.
Well said.
And most important, the surrounding countries will be wondering what hit them. That is why they are supporting and supplying insurgents today. To protect their kingdoms. It is over boys.
Worth repeating.
Thanks for the ping!
Bush Calls Iraqi Elections Historic Time for Iraq, the World
Oh what does he know! Everyone knows he's (a) an idiot (b) Hitler (c) a puppet of Karl Rove.
Forgot to close my sarcasm tag. my bad
No sarcasm clause is needed for me :)
There are some here who need to see the /sarcasm or else they take it seriously, and flame me......of course that can be fun too.
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