Premature Iraq Pullout ‘Would Be A Huge Mistake,’ Bush Says

American Forces Press Service ^ | Gerry Gilmore

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2006 – Amid national debate about whether or not to stay the course in Iraq, President Bush today firmly placed himself in the “stay” category.

It’s imperative America continues to support the new Iraqi government in its struggle against an insurgency that seeks to divide and topple it, Bush told White House reporters here.

“A failed Iraq would make America less secure,” Bush declared. The end of democracy in Iraq, he said, would provide a haven for terrorists and extremists in the heart of the Middle East.

Bush acknowledged that some Americans are saying it’s time for U.S. forces to leave Iraq. However, a premature troop withdrawal before the job is completed would prove disastrous, he said.

“It would be a huge mistake for this country,” Bush said. And, things would only get worse in Iraq, he added, if U.S. troops depart before the Iraqi government, its armed forces and police are firmly established.

Bush said Iraqi government leaders are “determined to thwart the efforts of the extremists and the radicals and al Qaeda.”

Additionally, “Iraqis want a unified country,” Bush pointed out, downplaying talk of civil war precipitated by sectarian strife.

The U.S. strategy includes assisting the Iraqis to establish democracy, Bush said, and to help them defeat extremists in their country.

“We’re not going to leave before the mission is complete,” the president said.

U.S. commanders have changed tactics, Bush said, since sectarian violence erupted across Iraq after the bombing of a holy mosque in Samarra on Feb. 22, noting more U.S. forces have flowed into Baghdad to confront the escalating violence there.

Bush predicted the Iraqis would succeed in establishing a free society and defeating the extremists.

“And, our job is to help them succeed,” Bush concluded.

Related Sites:
President Bush’s Aug. 21, 2006, News Conference

[SandRat]

Well,...that explains the DNC's problem, premature.... OOPS! < / Shecky Green Shtick

[xcamel]

There are always "severe penalties for early withdrawal..."

[the invisib1e hand]

he also said, "...seersucker's coming back!" which I thought was absolutely hilarious.

They may write that they hate him, but I think they love him.

[ConservaTexan]

Premature Pullout ‘Would Be A Huge Mistake,’ Bush Says

"I wish I someone had told me this in 1995"-Bill Clinton

[jdm]

This writer hit a home-run by managing to position "Premature," "Pullout," "Huge," and "Bush" all in the same headline. </dirty old man>

[beyond the sea]

Premature .....Pullout ‘Would Be A Huge Mistake,

............ wouldn't have been such a bad idea for Mr. Rodham of Park Ridge back around '47.

[Dosa26]

If we aren't going to do the early withdrawal, we will have to time the actual withdrawal very carefully to avoid a pregnant peace.

[xzins]

Given the status quo, the president is right that a premature pullout would be disastrous.

Personally, though, I prefer we invade Iran and knock off its government. We would need the troops currently in Iraq, and without this Iranian government in place, the situation in Iraq would ease up. We probably wouldn't have to return.

So, in exchange for about a 4 week foray into Persia, we get rid of Iranian president Ahmamadjihadist, and we get out of Iraq.

Then we can go kick King Fraud's A$$ in Saudi.

[varyouga]

A friend of mine has a shirt with a picture of Bush Sr. and a caption that says "I should've pulled out".

I don't agree with the politics but I thought it was clever. lol

[true_blue_texican]

Best damn laugh I've had in a long time!!!

[WideGlide]

Well,...that explains the DNC's problem, premature.... OOPS!

These San Francisco DNC members are seen having a heated discussion about premature withdrawal.