A defiant US President George W. Bush unapologetically defended his decision to invade Iraq last year, insisting it had made the United States safer and vowing never to seek permission to wage war in self-defense. Taking on critics at home and abroad who argue that Bush acted alone and in the face of an unproven threat, the president said he would not shy from conflict even if, after wooing friends and allies to the cause, he lacked broad support. "From the beginning, America has sought international support for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and we have gained much support," Bush...