    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 28, 2003]
    [Pages 1395-1407]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference
    October 28, 2003

        The President. Good morning. After the 26,000-mile journey last
    week, I hope the members of the traveling press had a restful weekend. I
    have a brief statement. Then I'll be glad to take questions.

    [[Page 1396]]

        On my trip to Asia, I had a series of very productive meetings with
    some of America's closest allies in the war on terror. Nations such as
    Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines are fighting
    terrorism in their own region. Their leaders understand the importance
    of our continuing work in Afghanistan and Iraq. Liberating the people of
    those nations from dictatorial regimes was an essential step in the war
    on terror, and the world is safer today because Saddam Hussein and the Taliban are gone. We're now working with many
    nations to make sure Afghanistan and Iraq are never again a source of
    terror and danger for the rest of the world.
        Our coalition against terror has been strengthened in recent days by
    U.N. Security Council Resolution 1511. This endorses a multinational
    force in Iraq under U.S. command, encourages other nations to come to
    the aid of the Iraqi people. Last week a donor conference in Madrid
    brought together more than 70 nations to discuss future contributions to
    Iraqi reconstruction. America appreciates the recent announcements of
    financial commitments to Iraq offered by many of the donors at the
    conference.
        After decades of oppression and brutality in Iraq and Afghanistan,
    reconstruction is difficult, and freedom still has its enemies in both
    of those countries. These terrorists are targeting the very success and
    freedom we're providing to the Iraqi people. Their desperate attacks on
    innocent civilians will not intimidate us or the brave Iraqis and
    Afghans who are joining in their own defense and who are moving toward
    self-government.
        Coalition forces aided by Afghan and Iraqi police and military are
    striking the enemy with force and precision. Our coalition is growing in
    members and growing in strength. Our purpose is clear and certain: Iraq
    and Afghanistan will be stable, independent nations, and their people
    will live in freedom.
        This essential goal in the war on terror requires continued American
    leadership and the continued support of Congress. The House and the
    Senate are now considering my supplemental request for operations in
    Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of this money is for the safety and success
    of our military, for their pay, for their weapons, ammunition, body
    armor, vehicles, fuel, and for every other resource they need to carry
    out their mission. Part of the money is for reconstruction, from the
    training of Afghan and Iraqi police and military personnel to the
    building of schools and clinics. These funding requests are just as
    critical to the overall success in Iraq.
        I commend the House and the Senate for approving the supplemental
    request. I urged both Houses of Congress to reach agreement soon on a
    final bill so these vital funds can go quickly to where they are needed.
        I also asked Congress to move forward on elements of my agenda for
    growth and jobs. After the shocks of the stock market decline,
    recession, terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, our economy is
    showing signs of broad and gathering strength. America is starting to
    add new jobs. Retail sales are strong. Business profits are increasing.
    The stock market has been advancing. The housing construction is
    surging, and manufacturing production is rising. All of this can--all of
    us can be optimistic about the future of the economy, but we cannot be
    complacent. I will not be satisfied until every American who is looking
    for work can find a job.
        So I proposed additional measures to keep the economy on the path to
    greater job creation: taking action to control the rising cost of health
    care; protecting businesses from junk lawsuits; by cutting needless and
    costly Government regulations; by making permanent the tax cuts that
    have helped our economy.
        One action Congress should take immediately is to pass a
    comprehensive energy bill, which I proposed more than 2 years

    [[Page 1397]]

    ago. Our entire economy depends on steady, affordable supplies of
    energy. We must encourage conservation, promote efficient technology,
    modernize our electricity grid, and increase energy production here at
    home.
        In the closing months of this year, Congress should also complete
    the vital work of strengthening and modernizing Medicare. The best way
    to provide our seniors with modern medicine, including prescription drug
    coverage and better preventative care, is to give them more choices
    under Medicare. When seniors have options, health plans will compete for
    their business by offering better coverage at affordable price. American
    seniors are counting on these reforms. I look forward to signing them
    into law.
        Finally, the United States Senate must step up to serious
    constitutional responsibilities. I've nominated many distinguished and
    highly qualified Americans to fill vacancies on the Federal district and
    circuit courts. Because of a small group of Senators is willfully
    obstructing the process, some of these nominees have been denied up-or-
    down votes for months, even years. More than one-third of my nominees
    for the circuit courts are still awaiting a vote. The needless delays in
    the system are harming the administration of justice, and they are
    deeply unfair to the nominees themselves. The Senate Judiciary Committee
    should give a prompt and fair hearing to every single nominee and send
    every nomination to the Senate floor for an up-or-down vote.
        Finally, of course, we are monitoring the fires in California. FEMA
    Director Brown is in the State. I express my deep concerns and
    sympathies for those whose lives have been hurt badly by these fires.
    The Federal Government is working closely with the State government to
    provide resources necessary to help the brave firefighters do their
    duty.
        With that, I'll be glad to answer some questions, starting with
    Terry Hunt [Terence Hunt, Associated Press].

    Terrorist Attacks in Iraq

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, you just spoke about the
    suicide bombers in Iraq as being desperate. But as yesterday's attacks
    show, they're also increasingly successful and seem to be trying to send
    a warning to institutions like the police and the Red Cross not to
    cooperate with the United States. Has the United States been able to
    identify who's behind this surge of attacks, where they come from, and
    how to stop them?
        The President. Yes. I think it's a very interesting point you make
    in your question, ``They're trying to send a warning.'' Basically, what
    they're trying to do is cause people to run. They want to kill and
    create chaos. That's the nature of a terrorist. That's what terrorists
    do. They commit suicide acts against innocent people and then expect
    people to say, ``Well, gosh, we better not try to fight you anymore.''
        We're trying to determine the nature of who these people were. But I
    will tell you, I would assume that they're either, or, and probably both
    Ba'athists and foreign terrorists. The Ba'athists try to create chaos
    and fear because they realize that a free Iraq will deny them the
    excessive privileges they had under Saddam Hussein. The foreign terrorists are trying to create conditions
    of fear and retreat because they fear a free and peaceful state in the
    midst of a part of the world where terror has found recruits, that
    freedom is exactly what terrorists fear the most.
        And so I--as I said yesterday, we will not be--I said today again,
    they're not going to intimidate America, and they're not going to
    intimidate the brave Iraqis who are actively participating in securing
    the freedom of their country.
        Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].

    [[Page 1398]]

    Syria and Iran

        Q. Mr. President, if there are foreign terrorists involved, why
    aren't Syria and Iran being held accountable?
        The President. Yes. Well, we're working closely with those countries
    to let them know that we expect them to enforce borders, prevent people
    from coming across borders if, in fact, we catch them doing that. The
    coalition forces have stepped up border patrol efforts. There are now
    more Iraqis patrolling the border. We are mindful of the fact that some
    might want to come into Iraq to attack and to create conditions of fear
    and chaos, and that's why General Abizaid,
    in his briefing to me yesterday, talked about the additional troops we
    have on the borders. And that is why it is important that we step up
    training for Iraqis, border patrol agents, so they can enforce their own
    borders.
        John [John King, Cable News Network].

    National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States

        Q. Mr. President, thank you. As you know, the Chairman of the
    Commission investigating the September 11th attacks wants documents from
    the White House and said this week that he might have to use subpoena
    power. You have said there's some national security concerns about
    turning over some of those documents to people outside of the executive
    branch. Will you turn them over, or can you at least outline for the
    American people what you think is a reasonable compromise so that the
    Commission learns what it needs to know and you protect national
    security, if you think it's that important?
        The President. Yes. It is important for me to protect national
    security. You're talking about the Presidential daily brief. It's
    important for the writers of the Presidential daily brief to feel
    comfortable that the documents will never be politicized and/or
    unnecessarily exposed for public purview. I--and so therefore, the kind
    of the first statements out of this administration were very protective
    of the Presidential prerogatives of the past and to protect the right
    for other Presidents, future Presidents, to have a good Presidential
    daily brief.
        Now, having said that, I am--we want to work with Chairman
    Kean and Vice Chairman Hamilton. And I believe we can reach a proper accord to protect
    the integrity of the daily brief process and, at the same time, allow
    them a chance to take a look and see what was in the--certain--the daily
    briefs that they would like to see.
        Q. Do you need to bring them here so that the Chairman and Vice
    Chairman can see them----
        The President. Well, we're working out--we're working out the
    procedures. My only point is, I do want to be helpful to Chairman
    Kean and Lee Hamilton. These are men of integrity. They're people who understand
    the process. They know the importance of the Presidential daily brief.
    They know the importance of the daily brief to future Presidents. And
    therefore, I think they will be mindful of the need to gather evidence
    and, at the same time, protect the capacity for Presidents to get
    unfettered, real, good intelligence.
        Norah [Norah O'Donnell, NBC News].

     Remarks on Iraq Aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln

        Q. Mr. President, if I may take you back to May 1st when you stood
    on the U.S.S. Lincoln under a huge banner that said, ``Mission
    Accomplished.'' At that time you declared major combat operations were
    over, but since that time there have been over 1,000 wounded, many of
    them amputees who are recovering at Walter Reed, 217 killed in action
    since that date. Will you acknowledge now that you were premature in
    making those remarks?
        The President. Norah, I think you ought to look at my speech. I
    said, ``Iraq's a dangerous place, and we've got hard work to do. There's
    still more to be done.'' And

    [[Page 1399]]

    we had just come off a very successful military operation. I was there
    to thank the troops.
        The ``Mission Accomplished'' sign, of course, was put up by the
    members of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, saying that their mission was
    accomplished. I know it was attributed somehow to some ingenious advance
    man from my staff--they weren't that ingenious, by the way.
        But my statement was a clear statement, basically recognizing that
    this phase of the war for Iraq was over and there was a lot of dangerous
    work. And it's proved to be right. It is dangerous in Iraq. It's
    dangerous in Iraq because there are people who can't stand the thought
    of a free and peaceful Iraq. It is dangerous in Iraq because there are
    some who believe that we're soft, that the will of the United States can
    be shaken by suiciders and--suiciders who are willing to drive up to a
    Red Cross center, a center of international help and aid and comfort,
    and just kill.
        It's the same mentality, by the way, that attacked us on September
    the 11th, 2001: ``We'll just destroy innocent life and watch the great
    United States and their friends and allies crater in the face of
    hardship.'' It's the exact same mentality. And Iraq is a part of the war
    on terror. I said it's a central front, a new front in the war on
    terror, and that's exactly what it is. And that's why it's important for
    us to be tough and strong and diligent.
        Our strategy in Iraq is to have our strike forces ready and capable
    to move quickly as we gather actionable intelligence. That's how you
    deal with terrorists. Remember, these are people that are willing to
    hide in societies and kill randomly. And therefore, the best way to deal
    with them is to harden targets, harden assets as best as you can. That
    means blockades and inspection spots. And as you noticed yesterday, one
    fellow tried to--was done in as he tried to conduct a suicide mission.
    In other words, an Iraqi policeman did their job but as well--that we've
    got to make sure that not only do we harden targets but that we get
    actionable intelligence to intercept the missions before they begin.
    That means more Iraqis involved in the intelligence-gathering systems in
    their country so that they are active participants in securing the
    country from further harm.
        Remember, the action in Iraq was--to get rid of Saddam
    Hussein was widely supported by the Iraqi
    people. And the actions that we're taking to improve their country are
    supported by the Iraqi people. And it's going to be very important for
    the Iraqi people to play an active role in fighting off the few who are
    trying to destroy the hopes of the many. You've heard me say that
    before. That's just kind of the motto of the terrorists. It's the way
    they operate.
        Plante [Bill Plante, CBS News].

    U.S. Strategy in Iraq

        Q. Mr. President, in--thank you. In recent weeks, you and your White
    House team have made a concerted effort to put a positive spin on
    progress in Iraq. At the same time, there's been a much more somber
    assessment in private, as with Secretary Rumsfeld's memo. And there are
    people out there who don't believe that the administration is leveling
    with them about the difficulty and scope of the problem in Iraq.
        The President. Yes, I can't put it any more plainly: Iraq is a
    dangerous place. That's leveling. It is a dangerous place. What I was
    saying is, there's more than just terrorist attacks that are taking
    place in Iraq. There's schools opening. There are hospitals opening. The
    electricity--the capacity to deliver electricity to the Iraqi people is
    back up to prewar levels. We're nearly 2 million barrels of oil a day
    being produced for the Iraqi people. I was just saying we've got to look
    at the whole picture, that what the terrorists would like is for people
    to focus only on the conditions which create fear, and that is the death
    and the toll being taken.
        No, Iraq is a dangerous place, Bill. And I can't put it any more
    bluntly than that.

    [[Page 1400]]

    I know it's a dangerous place. And I also know our strategy to rout them
    out--which is to encourage better intelligence and get more Iraqis
    involved and have our strike teams ready to move--is the right strategy.
    People are constantly taking a look at the enemy.
        In other words, one of the hallmarks of this operation in Iraq as
    well as Afghanistan was the flexibility we've given our commanders. You
    might remember the ``stuck in the desert'' scenario that--during the
    dust storms, that we're advancing to Baghdad and all of a sudden there
    was--we got stuck. But remember that at that period of time, it also
    became apparent that Tommy Franks had the
    flexibility necessary to adjust based upon, in this case, weather
    conditions and what he found.
        And that's exactly what's taking place on a regular basis inside of
    Iraq. The strategy remains the same. The tactics to respond to more
    suiciders driving cars will alter on the ground--more checkpoints,
    whatever they decide--how to harden targets will change. And so we're
    constantly looking at the enemy and adjusting. And Iraq's dangerous, and
    it's dangerous because terrorists want us to leave. And we're not
    leaving.
        Let's see, Terry [Terry Moran, ABC News], then you, Stretch [Richard
    Keil, Bloomberg News].

    Reform of the Palestinian Authority/Israeli Security Fence

        Q. Thank you, sir. Mr. President, your policies on the Middle East
    seem so far to have produced pretty meager results as the violence
    between Israelis and Palestinians----
        The President. Major or meager?
        Q. Meager.
        The President. Oh, okay.
        Q. Meager.
        The President. Meager.
        Q. ----as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians continues.
    And as you heard last week from Muslim leaders in Indonesia, your
    policies are seen as biased towards Israel, and I'd like to ask you
    about that. The Government of Israel continues to build settlements in
    occupied territories, and it continues to build the security fence,
    which Palestinians see as stealing their land. You've criticized these
    moves mildly a couple of times, but you've never taken any concrete
    action to back up your words on that. Will you?
        The President. My policy in the Middle East is pretty clear. We are
    for a two-state solution. We want there to be a Palestinian state living
    side by side with Israel. Now, in order to achieve a two-state solution,
    there needs to be a focused effort by all concerned parties to fight off
    terror. There are terrorists in the Middle East willing to kill to make
    sure that a Palestinian state doesn't emerge. It's essential that there
    be a focused effort to fight off terror.
        Abu Mazen came here at the
    White House--you were here. You witnessed the press conference. He
    pledged a focused and concerted effort to fight terror so that we could
    have a Palestinian state emerge. And he asked for help, which we were
    willing to provide. Unfortunately, he is no longer in power. He was
    eased out of power. And I do not see the same commitment to fight terror
    from the old guard. And therefore, it's going to be very hard to move
    the peace process forward until there's a focused effort by all parties
    to assume their responsibilities.
        You asked about the fence. I have said the fence is a problem to the
    extent that the fence is a opportunity to make it difficult for a
    Palestinian state to emerge. There is a difference between security and
    land acquisition, and we have made our views clear on that issue.
        I've also spoken to Prime Minister Sharon
    in the past about settlement activities. And the reason why--that we
    have expressed concern about settlement activities is because we want
    the conditions for a Palestinian state on the ground to be positive,
    that when the Palestinians finally

    [[Page 1401]]

    get people that are willing to fight off terror, the ground must be
    right so that a state can emerge, a peaceful state.
        This administration is prepared to help the Palestinians develop an
    economy. We're prepared to help the long-suffering Palestinian people.
    But the long-suffering Palestinian people need leadership that is
    willing to do what is necessary to enable a Palestinian state to come
    forth.
        Stretch.

    Iraqi Support for U.S. Efforts

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Senior U.S. intelligence officials on
    the ground in Iraq have estimated that we have, at most, 6 months to
    restore order there and quell the violence, or else we risk losing the
    support of the Iraqi populace, which you've said many times we need to
    make this mission work. Do you share that sense of pessimism? And if
    not, why not? And in addition, are you considering the possibility of
    possibly adding more U.S. troops to the forces already on the ground
    there to help restore order?
        The President. That's a decision by John Abizaid. He makes that--General Abizaid makes the decision as to
    whether or not he needs more troops. I've constantly asked the Secretary
    of Defense, as well as when I was
    visiting with General Abizaid, does he have what it takes to do his
    mission? He told me he does.
        Secondly, I believe the Iraqi people are appreciative of the
    reconstruction efforts. The small-business owners, who are all of a
    sudden beginning to realize there's a market developing, appreciate
    that. The mothers who send their children to the over 1,500 schools
    we've refurbished appreciate that. There are going to be new textbooks
    coming which no longer glorify the tyrant Saddam Hussein but glorify basic education or at least promote basic
    education. They will be there. I think the people of Iraq appreciate
    what is taking place inside the country.
        And what we, of course, are going to do is implement the strategy,
    which is encourage Iraqis to help deal with the security issues. And
    that's what's taking place. We're getting better intelligence, more
    actionable intelligence, and the Iraqi citizens themselves are willing
    to fight off these terrorists. If you look at some of the brave actions
    by the Iraqi police, people who've died for the future of their country,
    you know what I'm talking about. There are people willing to sacrifice
    for the future of their country, the Iraqi citizen--the Iraqi citizens
    willing to sacrifice for the future of their country.
        Rosen [James Rosen, FOX News].

    Flexibility in Foreign Policy

        Q. Thank you, sir. Perhaps the clearest, strongest message you have
    ever sent from any podium has been what you like to call the Bush
    doctrine, that is to say, if you feed a terrorist, if you clothe a
    terrorist, if you harbor a terrorist, you are a terrorist. And I'd like
    to follow up on the Middle East. You have noted that Yasser Arafat is
    compromised by terror. Condi Rice has said he ``cavorts with terror.''
    You've both noted that he is an obstacle to peace. He has, in political
    terms, choked off your last two Palestinian interlocutors. What is it
    that prevents you from concluding that he is, in fact, under your own
    definition of what a terrorist is, a terrorist and should be dealt with
    in the same way that you've dealt with Saddam Hussein and Charles
    Taylor?
        The President. Yes. Well, not every action requires military action,
    Jim. We--as you noticed, for example in North Korea, we've chosen to put
    together a multinational strategy to deal with Mr. Kim Chong-il. Not every action requires military action. As a
    matter of fact, military action is the very last resort for us. And a
    reminder: When you mentioned Saddam Hussein,
    I just wanted to remind you that the Saddam Hussein military action took
    place after innumerable United Nations Security Council resolutions were
    passed, not one, two, or

    [[Page 1402]]

    three but a lot. And so this Nation is very reluctant to use military
    force. We try to enforce doctrine peacefully or through alliances or
    multinational forums, and we will continue to do so.
        Yes, Elisabeth [Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times].

    Iraq Stabilization Group

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. You recently put Condoleezza Rice, your
    National Security Adviser, in charge of the management of the
    administration's Iraq policy. What has effectively changed since she's
    been in charge? And the second question, can you promise a year from now
    that you will have reduced the number of troops in Iraq?
        The President. The second question is a trick question, so I won't
    answer it. The first question was Condoleezza Rice. Her job is to coordinate interagency. She's doing
    a fine job of coordinating interagency. She's doing what--the role of
    the National Security Adviser is to not only provide good advice to the
    President, which she does on a regular basis--I value her judgment and
    her intelligence--but her job is also to deal interagency and to help
    unstick things that may get stuck, is the best way to put it. She's an
    unsticker. And--is she listening? Okay, well, she's doing a fine job.
        Dana [Dana Milbank, Washington Post].

    Disclosure of CIA Employee's Identity

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. You have said that you were eager to
    find out whether somebody in the White House leaked the identity of an
    undercover CIA agent. Many experts in such investigations say you could
    find out if there was a leaker in the White House within hours if you
    asked all staff members to sign affidavits denying involvement. Why not
    take that step?
        The President. Yes. Well, the best person to do that, Dana, so that
    the--or the best group of people to do that so that you believe the
    answer is the professionals at the Justice Department, and they're
    moving forward with the investigation. It's a criminal investigation. It
    is an important investigation. I'd like to know if somebody in my White
    House did leak sensitive information. As you know, I've been outspoken
    on leaks. And whether they happened in the White House or happened in
    the administration or happened on Capitol Hill, it is a--they can be
    very damaging. And so this investigation is ongoing and--by
    professionals who do this for a living, and I hope they--I'd like to
    know.
        Judy [Judy Keen, USA Today].

    Partial-Birth Abortion Legislation/Theresa M.``Terri'' Schiavo Case

        Q. Sir, in your last campaign, you said that the American public was
    not ready for a complete ban on abortion. You're about to sign
    legislation that will ban a certain abortion procedure known as partial-
    birth. Do you believe that the climate has changed since the last
    campaign and all abortions should be banned? And do you believe your
    brother made the correct decision in Florida when he intervened in the
    case of a woman who had been ordered by the courts to be taken off life
    support?
        The President. Yes, I believe my brother made
    the right decision. Yes, I'll sign the ban on partial-birth abortion.
    And no, I don't think the culture has changed to the extent that the
    American people or the Congress would totally ban abortions.
        Let's see. Who's--Mark Smith [Associated Press Radio], a radio man.

    Iraqi Aid Legislation

        Q. Thank you very much, sir, for including our radio folks here.
        The President. A face for radio. [Laughter]
        Q. I wish I could say that was the first time you told me that, sir.
    [Laughter]
        The President. The first time I did it to a national audience,
    though. [Laughter]
        Q. Actually it was my wife the last time. [Laughter]

    [[Page 1403]]

        Your package of reconstruction aid, sir, that the Congress, as you
    point out, is considering--that's an emergency package, meaning it's not
    budgeted for. Put another way, that means the American taxpayer and
    future generations of American taxpayers are saddled with that. Why
    should they be saddled with that? I know you don't want the Iraqis to be
    saddled with large amounts of debt, but why should future generations of
    Americans have that----
        The President. Well, first of all, it's a one-time expenditure, as
    you know, and secondly, because a secure--a peaceful and free Iraq is
    essential to the security, future security of America.
        First step was to remove Saddam Hussein
    because he was a threat, a gathering threat, as I think I put it. And
    secondly is to make sure that in the aftermath of removing Saddam
    Hussein, that we have a free and peaceful country in the midst of a very
    troubled region. It's an historic opportunity. And I will continue to
    make that case to the American people. It's a chance to secure--have a
    more secure future for our children. It's essential we get it right.
        You know, I was struck by the fact when I was in Japan recently that
    my relations with Prime Minister Koizumi
    are very close and personal. And I was thinking about what would happen
    if, in a post-World War II era, we hadn't won the peace as well as the
    war. I mean, would I have had the same relationship with Mr. Koizumi?
    Would I be able to work closely on crucial relations? I doubt it. I
    doubt it.
        In other words, we've got very close alliances now as a result of
    not only winning a war but doing the right things in the postwar period.
    And I believe a free and peaceful Iraq will help effect change in that
    neighborhood. And that's why I've asked the American people to foot the
    tab for $20 billion of reconstruction. Others are stepping up as well:
    $13 billion out of the Madrid Conference, which may be just only a
    beginning.
        And by the way, in the Madrid Conference, most of the money came
    from the World Bank and the IMF, which are lending institutions, as you
    know. The Iraqi oil revenues, excess Iraqi oil revenues, coupled with
    private investment, should make up the difference to fund the estimates
    of what the World Bank thought was necessary to help that country.
        Q. Another radio? Another radio, Mr. President?
        The President. Excuse me--particularly since you interrupted me, no.
        And that's what the World Bank estimated it would cost, and it looks
    like we'll be able to help the Iraqis get on their feet and have a
    viable marketplace.
        Bill Douglas [William Douglas, Newsday].

    Reform of the Palestinian Authority/Iraq

        Q. Speaking of--in speaking on Abu Mazen, do you feel this
    administration did everything it could to help him out with his
    situation?
        The President. Yes, I do.
        Q. And secondly, on Iraq, do you feel that the attacks that have
    happened recently will discourage some countries to contribute troops or
    manpower?
        The President. Good question. I hope not. That's what the terrorists
    want. They want countries to say, ``Oh, gosh, well, we better not send
    anybody there because somebody might get hurt.'' That's precisely what
    they're trying to do. And that's why it's important for this Nation and
    our other coalition partners to stand our ground, to improve our
    intelligence, to move quickly when we find good intelligence, and to
    bring people to justice.
        The terrorists rely on the death of innocent people to create the
    conditions of fear that, therefore, will cause people to lose their
    will. That's their strategy, and it's a pretty clear strategy to me. And
    this country will stay the course. We'll do our job, and it's to our
    interest that we do our job. It's in our interest we do our job for a

    [[Page 1404]]

    free world. A free Iraq is essential to creating conditions of peace.
    See, that's what this is all about. This is, how do we achieve a
    peaceful tomorrow? How do we do our duty for our children and our
    grandchildren?
        We must never forget the lessons of September the 11th. The
    terrorists will strike, and they will kill innocent life--not only in
    front of a Red Cross headquarters. They will strike and kill in America
    too. We are at war. I said right after September the 11th, this would be
    a different kind of war; sometimes you'd see action, and sometimes you
    wouldn't. It's a different kind of war than what we're used to. And Iraq
    is a front on the war on terror, and we will win this particular battle
    in the war on terror.
        And it's dangerous, and it's tough. And at the same time that we're
    confronting the danger, we're also helping rebuild a society. We put in
    a new currency, in place. For the financial types who are here, you'll
    understand how difficult that assignment is. And yet it seems to be
    going well. It's an achievement that is a very important achievement for
    the future of Iraq. A stable currency, a new currency, a currency
    without the picture of the dictator or the tyrant or the torturer,
    however you want to define him, is important for the future. And that's
    taking place. There's a market developing. There are women-owned small
    businesses now beginning to flourish in Iraq. And there's positive
    things happening in the midst of the danger.
        And I hope that countries, when they take a look at the situation
    there, understand the nature of the terrorists and the strategy of the
    terrorists, and don't back off.
        Tom Hamburger [Wall Street Journal], you got a question? If not,
    make one up.

    Meeting With Religious Leaders in Indonesia/Lieutenant General Boykin

        Q. Mr. President, tonight you're meeting with Muslim leaders----
        The President. Yes.
        Q. ----at an Iftaar dinner, and I wondered if you could tell us your
    reaction when you encountered Muslim leaders in Indonesia. Were you
    surprised at the hostility they expressed towards the United States and
    towards your policies, both in the Middle East--and also, I understand
    that some of them brought up specific comments made by General Boykin--
    --
        The President. Yes, they did.
        Q. ----and I wondered if you would address those comments and
    whether you think that General Boykin ought to be disciplined or resign.
        The President. Sure, I appreciate that. First, the characterization
    of hostility, that just wasn't the case. It was not a hostile meeting,
    nor did I sense hostility. Quite the contrary, I--the five leaders I met
    with were appreciative for a chance to express their views. But it was a
    very positive meeting, very hopeful.
        Two things that came out of there that I think will interest you:
    One was that--the question was, ``Why do Americans think Muslims are
    terrorists?'' That was the universal question from the three Muslim
    leaders. And my answer was, ``That's not what Americans think. Americans
    think terrorists are evil people who have hijacked a great religion.''
    That's why Mr. Boykin's comments were--
    General Boykin's comments don't reflect the administration's comments.
    And by the way, there's an IG investigation going on inside the Defense
    Department now about that. He doesn't reflect my point of view or the
    view of this administration.
        Our war is not against the Muslim faith. As a matter of fact, as you
    mentioned, tonight we're celebrating the Iftaar dinner with Muslim
    leaders. But we welcome Muslims in our country. In America, we love the
    fact that we are a society in which people can pray openly or not pray
    at all, for that matter. And I made that point to the Muslim leaders.

    [[Page 1405]]

        Secondly, the question was about the Middle Eastern policy. ``Why is
    your policy so slanted toward Israel,'' was the question. And I informed
    them I was the first President ever to have advocated a Palestinian
    state. I did so at the United Nations. I also informed them that in
    order for a Palestinian state to go forward, as I told Terry, there must
    be a focused, concerted effort to destroy the terrorist networks who are
    trying to prevent a Palestinian state from emerging--which requires
    good, strong, capable leadership, is what it requires.
        And so those were the two main points that were brought up. There
    was concern about General Boykin. It
    seemed like to me that we've got a challenge to make sure that people in
    countries like Indonesia understand the nature of the American people,
    that how we think is going to be an important part of good diplomacy in
    the long run, that we've got to fight off the imagery of a society which
    condemns entire swaths of people because of the acts of a few, which is
    not the way we are.
        And I was pleased to get the opportunity to make that case to the
    leaders that were there. It was a very cordial and good discussion, and
    I'm going to drop them a note thanking them for showing up and giving me
    a chance to talk about the America I know and love.
        Bill [Bill Sammons, Washington Times].

    Aid Package for Iraq

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. After more than a year of being accused
    by your critics of waging war for oil, is it frustrating to now hear
    some of those same critics demand that you essentially take that oil in
    the form of loans instead of grants for reconstruction?
        The President. Well, that's exactly the point I made to the Members
    of Congress who have come here to the White House to talk about loans or
    grants. I said, ``Let's don't burden Iraq with loans. The only thing
    they'll be able to repay their loans with is oil.'' And hopefully, we'll
    get a good solution out of the Congress on this issue. We're making
    progress. We're working hard with the Members to make the case that it's
    very important for us not to saddle Iraq with a bunch of debt early in
    its--in the emergence of a market-oriented economy, an economy that has
    been wrecked by Mr. Saddam Hussein. I mean,
    he just destroyed their economy and destroyed their infrastructure,
    destroyed their education system, destroyed their medical system, all to
    keep himself in power. He was the ultimate----
        Q. [Inaudible]--on the part of your critics?
        The President. No, that's my answer there.
        Hillman [G. Robert Hillman, Dallas Morning News].

    Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. You have repeatedly urged Americans to
    have patience when they view postwar operations in Iraq. But isn't there
    a limit to American patience, particularly in an election year, when
    your foreign policies----
        The President. Interesting question.
        Q. ----will be the center of debate?
        The President. Well, I think the American people are patient during
    an election year, because they tend to be able to differentiate between
    politics and reality. As a matter of fact, the American people are--the
    electorate is a heck of a lot smarter than most politicians.
        And the only thing I know to do is just keep telling people what I
    think is right for the country and stand my--stand on what I believe,
    and that's what I'm going to do. And there's no question politics can--
    will create--get a lot of noise and a lot of balloon drops and a lot of
    hot air. I'll probably be right in the mix of it, by the way. But I will
    defend my record at the appropriate time and look forward to it. I'll
    say that the world is more peaceful and more free under my leadership
    and America is more secure. And that will be

    [[Page 1406]]

    the--that will be how I'll begin describing our foreign policy.
        Ed [Ed Chen, Los Angeles Times], and then Bob [Bob Deans, Cox
    Newspapers], and then I'm going to go eat lunch.
        Q. Are we invited? [Laughter]
        The President. It depends on your question.
        Q. Fair enough. Mr. President, you talked about politics. For weeks,
    if not months now, when questions have been posed to members of your
    team, those questions have been dismissed as politics, and a time will
    come later to address those questions. You, indeed, have said that
    yourself. How can the public differentiate between reality and politics
    when you and your campaign have raised over $80 million and you're
    saying that the season has not started?
        The President. Yes. You're not invited to lunch. [Laughter]
        Look, we are--we're arming, raising money to wage a campaign. And
    there will be an appropriate time for me to engage politically; that is,
    in the public forum. Right now, I'm--yes, no question, I'm going out to
    our friends and supporters and saying, ``Would you mind contributing to
    the campaign for the year '04?'' To me, that's--and that's a part of
    politics, no question about it. And as you know, these are open forums;
    you're able to come and listen to what I have to say.
        To me, there's a difference between that and actually engaging
    potential opponents in a public discourse in a debate, and there will be
    ample time for that. There will be ample time to differentiate views and
    to defend records in the face of political criticism. And I know that
    the campaign has started for some, in terms of the public debate from a
    political perspective. It just hasn't for me yet.
        And we'll continue to lay the groundwork for the campaign. I mean,
    there's organizing efforts going on in States right now. There are
    people being put in place that are going to work hard to turn out the
    vote. I mean, after all, the election is nearly a year away. There will
    be--we're preparing different strategies in order to run a viable
    campaign.
        But I'm focused on security of the American people, working with
    Congress to get a Medicare bill and an energy bill, and will continue to
    use the platform I have to urge passage of those two pieces of
    legislation. As a matter of fact, tomorrow I'll be giving a speech on
    Medicare, and the next day I'll be talking about energy and will
    continue to talk about job creation. But in terms of the balloon drops
    and all that business, it's going to take--it will be a little while for
    me to be catching the confetti, as they say.
        Bob, last question.

    Iraqi Weapons Program

        Q. Thank you, sir. Mr. President----
        The President. Fine-looking vest, fine-looking vest.
        Q. Thank you, sir. [Laughter] It's inspired by some of the attire
    from your APEC colleagues last week. [Laughter]
        The President. Yes. [Laughter]
        Q. Sir, David Kay's interim report cited substantial evidence of a
    secretive weapons program. But the absence of any substantial stores of
    chemical or biological weapons there have caused some people, even who
    supported the war, to feel somehow betrayed. Can you explain to those
    Americans, sir, whether you were surprised those weapons haven't turned
    up, why they haven't turned up, and whether you feel that your
    administration's credibility has been affected in any way by that?
        The President. David Kay's report said that
    Saddam Hussein was in material breach of
    1441, which would have been casus belli. In other words, he had a
    weapons program. He's disguised a weapons program. He had ambitions. And
    I felt the report was a very interesting first report--because he's
    still looking for--to find the truth.

    [[Page 1407]]

        And the American people know that Saddam Hussein was a gathering danger, as I said. And he was a
    gathering danger, and the world is safer as a result for us removing him
    from power--``us'' being more than the United States, of course--Britain
    and other countries who were willing to participate, Poland, Australia,
    all willing to join up to remove this danger.
        And the intelligence that said he had a
    weapons system was intelligence that had been used by a multinational
    agency, the U.N., to pass resolutions. It had been used by my
    predecessor to conduct bombing raids. It was intelligence gathered from
    a variety of sources that clearly said Saddam Hussein was a threat.
        And given the attacks of September the 11th, it was--we needed to
    enforce U.N. resolution for the security of the world. And we did. We
    took action based upon good, solid intelligence. It was the right thing
    to do to make America more secure and the world more peaceful.
        And David Kay continues to ferret out the
    truth. This is a man--Saddam Hussein is a man
    who hid programs and weapons for years. He's a master at hiding things.
    And so David Kay will continue his search, but one of the things that he
    first found was that there is clear violation of the U.N. Security
    Council Resolution 1441. Material breach, they call it in the diplomatic
    circles. Casus belli, it means a--that would have been a cause for war.
    In other words, he said it's dangerous.
        And we were right to enforce U.N. resolutions as well. It's
    important for the U.N. to be a credible organization. You're not
    credible if you issue resolutions and then nothing happens. Credibility
    comes when you say something is going to happen and then it does happen.
    And in order to keep the peace, it's important for there to be
    credibility in this world, credibility on the side of freedom and hope.
        Thank you all very much.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 11:15 a.m. in the Rose
    Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to former
    President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Mike Brown, Under Secretary of
    Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response; Gen. John P.
    Abizaid, USA, combatant commander, and Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USA (Ret.),
    former combatant commander, U.S. Central Command; Thomas H. Kean,
    Chairman, and Lee H. Hamilton, Vice Chairman, National Commission on
    Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission); former Prime
    Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian Authority; Prime
    Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel; Chairman Kim Chong-il of North Korea;
    Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan; Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin,
    USA, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence; and David Kay,
    CIA Special Advisor for Strategy Regarding Iraqi Weapons of Mass
    Destruction Programs. The President also referred to Gov. Jeb Bush's
    order on October 21 for doctors to resume tube feeding of Theresa M.
    ``Terri'' Schiavo, a brain-damaged Florida patient. Reporters referred
    to Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority; and former
    President Charles Taylor of Liberia.