Radio Address by the President to the Nation, 08-27-05

WhiteHouse.gov ^ | 08-27-05 | George W. Bush

[Salvation]

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2005

President's Radio Address

     Audio
     

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In recent days, we have witnessed remarkable events in the broader Middle East. People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful.

During the past two weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people took a courageous and painful step by removing Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. I congratulate the Prime Minister for his bold leadership.

 Radio Address

• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001

 Radio Interviews

• 2005
• 2004

Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way. We will continue to help the Palestinians to prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.

We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East shows two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security.

As these hopeful events occur in the Holy Land, the people of Iraq are also making the tough choices and compromises necessary for a free and peaceful future. In January, eight-and-a-half million Iraqis defied the terrorists and went to the polls to vote. Iraq's main ethnic and religious groups made the courageous choice to join the political process. And together, they have worked toward a democratic constitution that respects the traditions of their country and guarantees the rights of all their citizens.

Like our own nation's founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the federal government. What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these issues through debate and discussion -- not at the barrel of a gun. The establishment of a democratic constitution in Iraq, just like the establishment of a constitution in Afghanistan last year, will be a landmark event in the history of the broader Middle East. And it will bring us closer to the day when the nation of Iraq can govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself.

The terrorists are trying to stop the rise of democracy in Iraq because they know a free Iraq will deal a decisive blow to their strategy to dominate the Middle East. But the Iraqi people are determined to build a free future for their nation, and they are uniting against the terrorists.

We saw that unity earlier this month when followers of the terrorist Zarqawi tried to force Shiite Muslims to leave the Iraqi city of Ramadi. Sunni Muslims in that city came to the defense of their Shiite neighbors. As one Sunni leader put it, "We have had enough of Zarqawi's nonsense. We don't accept that a non-Iraqi should try to enforce his control over Iraqis."

By choosing to stand with their fellow Iraqis, these Sunnis rejected the terrorists' attempt to divide their nation and incite sectarian violence.

Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed. American and Iraqi forces are on the hunt side by side to defeat the terrorists. As we hunt down our common enemies, we will continue to train more Iraqi security forces.

Our strategy is straightforward: As Iraqis stand up, Americans will stand down. And when Iraqi forces can defend their freedom by taking more and more of the fight to the enemy, our troops will come home with the honor they have earned.

Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve. Yet people across the Middle East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as they take these brave steps, Americans will continue to stand with them because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful nations. By advancing the cause of liberty in the Middle East, we will bring hope to millions and security to our own citizens. And we will lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for listening.

[Salvation]

**We saw that unity earlier this month when followers of the terrorist Zarqawi tried to force Shiite Muslims to leave the Iraqi city of Ramadi. Sunni Muslims in that city came to the defense of their Shiite neighbors. As one Sunni leader put it, "We have had enough of Zarqawi's nonsense. We don't accept that a non-Iraqi should try to enforce his control over Iraqis."**

Glad to hear them speaking out!

[Salvation]

For your reading pleasure as well as your comments!

[Salvation]

Radio Address Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Radio Address Ping List.

[Alia]

Thank you, Salvation! :)

[Salvation]

You're welcome!

 

The mother of four sons currently deployed to Iraq, Tammy Pruett, acknowledges the applause of the crowd at Idaho Center Arena, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 in Nampa, Idaho, after she is introduced by President George W. Bush. White House photo by Paul Morse

[Alia]

My personal blessings and prayers for this mother. What love she has. And courage.

[advance_copy]

Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve. Yet people across the Middle East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as they take these brave steps, Americans will continue to stand with them because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful nations. By advancing the cause of liberty in the Middle East, we will bring hope to millions and security to our own citizens. And we will lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.

The President has laid out a consistent and plain strategy for fighting terrorism. What alternative have Democrats offered? Cut and run? That's not going to work.

[RoadTest]

The Iraqis' courageous stand at the polls is a beautiful companion piece to our President's very positive and courageous initiative to plant Democracy in the Middle East. He must have known he'd be exposed to pot shots from enemies and simpletons alike.

Congratulations to both the Iraqi voters and President Bush, as well as to our brilliantly effective military personnel. They are the best in the world and the greatest army in history!

I pray they be shielded from all the contemptible rabble that congregate in ditches to tell lies!

[upchuck]

Thank you, Salvation, for the ping. And thank GOD for President Bush.

[Christian4Bush]

The President has laid out a consistent and plain strategy for fighting terrorism. What alternative have Democrats offered? Cut and run? That's not going to work.

Ken Mehlman, on one of the talking head Sunday shows, said something really profound, and in what sounded like a non-bragging manner: "We are talking about our agenda, and the Democrats are talking about our agenda..." (as if to say that their only agenda is whizzing on ours).

[inquest]

Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way.

That's different from what Condi was saying to Israel. She said that now that Israel has withdrawn from Gaza, (major chutzpah alert) it needs to do even more, specifically mentioning a corridor between Gaza and the West Bank. Then for the sake of "balance" she threw in a vaguely similar comment to the Palestinians as well.

The pressure on the Palestinians really needs to be racked up, and Israel needs to be given a break for once. Israel took a very bold step for the sake of peace. The Pallies still have done nothing. Their maps still don't even acknowledge the existence of Israel, and their official media and educational organs still spew Jew-hatred and glorify terrorists.

[Salvation]

**Cut and run? That's not going to work.**

But that's all the further the dimocrats are capable of thinking. LOL!

[Salvation]

**I pray they be shielded from all the contemptible rabble that congregate in ditches to tell lies!**

And may our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines be shielded from all the media xyzz that goes around the homeland.

[Salvation]

Yes, thank God for President Bush!

[Salvation]

**The pressure on the Palestinians really needs to be racked up,**

I agree, but I have this empty feeling that they won't come through. What do you think?

[inquest]

I agree, but I have this empty feeling that they won't come through. What do you think?

I think that the Palestinians can be made to come through, if there's proper public pressure brought to bear on them. Now that Israel has swallowed the bitter pill that it has, the message from the administration should be loud, clear, and unmistakable that the Palestinians have to now do their part. And the administration should not be shy about exposing the PA for its lack of commitment to peace, by publicly pointing out the things I mentioned in the earlier post, namely, the various types of propaganda against Jews and in favor of terrorism.

The Palestinians really only have one weapon in this fight - public sympathy. It's there where they're most vulnerable, and it's there where they should be given no quarter. There's no reason left not to do so (if there ever even was to begin with).

[anotherview]

The Palestinians have done something. They had a suicide bombing in a bus station in Beersheva today.

Needless to say I agree with you. Despite a much more sane message coming from President Bush I remain deeply concerned about Secretary Rice's comments.