    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 10, 2004]
    [Pages 833-836]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With the National Security Team and Military
    Leaders in Arlington, Virginia
    May 10, 2004

        Mr. Secretary, thank you for your
    hospitality, and thank you for your leadership. You are courageously
    leading our Nation in the war against terror. You're doing a superb job.
    You are a strong Secretary of Defense, and our Nation owes you a debt of
    gratitude.
        I've just completed a meeting here at the Pentagon with members of
    my national security team as well as a meeting with generals on the
    ground in Iraq. We discussed the needs of our military personnel, the
    status of current operations in Iraq, and the progress of that nation
    towards security and sovereignty.
        The United States has a vital national interest in the success of
    free institutions in Iraq as the alternative to tyranny and terrorist
    violence in the Middle East. As we carry out this mission, we are
    confronting problems squarely, and we are making changes as needed.
        Our priorities, however, remain the same, the protection of our
    country, the security of our troops, and the spread of freedom
    throughout the world. Like other generations of Americans, we have
    accepted a difficult and historic task.
        We have made clear commitments before the world, and America will
    keep those

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    commitments. First, we will take every necessary measure to assure the
    safety of American and coalition personnel and the security of Iraqi
    citizens. We're on the offensive against the killers and terrorists in
    that country, and we will stay on the offensive. In and around Fallujah,
    U.S. marines are maintaining pressure on Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters and other militants.
    We're keeping that pressure on to ensure that Fallujah ceases to be an
    enemy sanctuary. In northern sectors of the city, elements of the 1st
    Marine Expeditionary Force are prepared to strike at terrorist fighters
    and prevent a resurgence of violence and chaos. South of the city, the
    marines are disrupting enemy attacks on our supply routes and routing
    out anticoalition fighters.
        In the towns of Ramadi and Husabayah and Karmah, marines are on the
    offensive, conducting hundreds of patrols and raids every day. The enemy
    in Fallujah is hiding behind an innocent civilian population and
    calculating that our coalition's use of force will alienate ordinary
    Iraqis. Yet, every day our troops are responding with precision and
    discipline and restraint. We're taking every precaution to avoid hurting
    the innocent as we deliver justice to the guilty.
        We're helping to build Iraqi forces that can take responsibility for
    security, and our forces are also helping to ensure the delivery of
    humanitarian supplies to families that suffer as a result of the chaos
    in certain communities created by the terrorists and those who want to
    halt the advance of freedom. In Najaf, a major Shi'a population center
    and a holy site, our military is systematically dismantling an illegal
    militia that has attempted to incite violence and seize control.
    Soldiers from the 2d Light Cavalry Regiment are conducting
    reconnaissance to learn the precise strength and location of enemy
    forces. The 1st Armored Division is steadily defeating these enemy
    forces while seeking to protect the people and holy sites of that city.
        Elements of this militia have been ejected from the Najaf Governor's
    office, and a legitimate Governor has been
    appointed. The people of Najaf and Shi'a leaders oppose the occupation
    by this illegal militia and are putting pressure on the militia to
    withdraw. We're encouraged to see more Iraqis take responsibility for
    resolving the standoff in Najaf.
        In all these ongoing operations, our troops continue to face serious
    danger, and this Government is giving them every means of protecting
    themselves and every means necessary to gain victory. We're fielding the
    most technologically advanced military forces ever assembled, forces
    that are agile and flexible, able to strike in darkness and in light.
        Supplying and protecting our forces in Iraq is a long-term
    responsibility, so I've asked Congress to provide an additional $25
    billion for a contingency reserve fund that can be used for ongoing
    operations in Iraq. I have pledged, as has the Secretary of
    Defense, to give our troops everything
    that is necessary to complete their mission with the utmost safety, and
    I urge Congress to join me in fulfilling this important commitment.
        Our military, from this building to the streets of Fallujah, is
    performing with exceptional skill and courage. They and their families
    are making tremendous sacrifices for the security of our Nation and for
    the freedom of others. And all the hardships and sacrifices are not
    behind us. Our Nation is caring for the wounded and grieving for the
    lost, praying for families who live in sorrow. We will always remember
    the ones who have died, and we will honor their sacrifice by completing
    the mission.
        Our second great commitment in Iraq is to transfer sovereignty to an
    Iraqi Government as quickly as possible. Decades of oppression destroyed
    every free institution in Iraq but not the desire to live in freedom.
    Like any proud country, the Iraqi people want their independence. The
    Iraqi people need to know that our coalition is

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    fully committed to their independence and we're fully committed to their
    national dignity. This is a reason the June 30th transfer of sovereignty
    is vital. The Iraqi people and men and women across the Middle East are
    watching closely, and they will see America keep its word.
        The United Nations special envoy, Mr. Brahimi, is now back in Iraq, consulting with diverse groups
    of Iraqis. In the next few weeks, important decisions will be made on
    the makeup of the interim government. As of June 30th, Iraq's interim
    government will assume duties now performed by the coalition such as
    providing water and electricity and health care and education.
        A key strategic goal of our coalition is to help build a new Iraqi
    army and civil defense corps and police force and facilities protection
    service and a border guard capable of defending and securing the
    country. Major General Dave Petraeus, who
    commanded the 101st Airborne in Iraq, has returned to oversee the
    training and equipping of these all-Iraqi forces. Once constituted, they
    will protect a free Iraq from external aggression and internal
    subversion. Yet, the vital mission of our military in helping to provide
    security will continue on July 1st and beyond. Having brought freedom to
    Iraq, America will make sure that freedom succeeds in Iraq, a nation we
    will be proud to call a friend and partner in the pursuit of peace.
        Third, because America is committed to the equality and dignity of
    all people, there will be a full accounting for the cruel and
    disgraceful abuse of Iraqi detainees. The conduct that has come to light
    is an insult to the Iraqi people and an affront to the most basic
    standards of morality and decency. One basic difference between
    democracies and dictatorships is that free countries confront such
    abuses openly and directly.
        In January, shortly after reports of abuse became known to our
    military, an investigation was launched. Today, several formal
    investigations led by senior military officials are underway. Secretary
    Rumsfeld has appointed several former
    senior officials to review the investigations of these abuses. Some
    soldiers have already been charged, and those involved will answer for
    their conduct in an orderly and transparent process. We will honor rule
    of law. All prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to
    make certain that such offenses are not repeated.
        Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well
    beyond the walls of a prison. It has given some an excuse to question
    our cause and to cast doubt on our motives. Yet, who can doubt that Iraq
    is better for being free from one of the most bloodiest tyrants the
    world has ever known? Millions of Iraqis are grateful for the chance
    they have been given to live in freedom, a chance made possible by the
    courage and sacrifice of the United States military.
        We have great respect for the people of Iraq and for all Arab
    peoples, respect for their culture and for their history and for the
    contribution they can make to the world. We believe that democracy will
    allow these gifts to flourish, that freedom is the answer to
    hopelessness and terror, that a free Iraq will lead the way to a new and
    better Middle East, and that a free Iraq will make our country more
    secure.
        I understand the difficulty of the mission of our men and women in
    uniform. They're facing an enemy in sand and heat and blasting winds,
    often unable to tell friend from foe. I know how painful it is to see a
    small number dishonor the honorable cause in which so many are
    sacrificing. What took place in the Iraqi prison does not reflect the
    character of the more than 200,000 military personnel who have served in
    Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
        All Americans know the goodness and the character of the United
    States Armed Forces. No military in the history of the

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    world has fought so hard and so often for the freedom of others. Today,
    our soldiers and sailors and airmen and marines are keeping terrorists
    across the world on the run. They're helping the people of Afghanistan
    and Iraq build democratic societies. They're defending America with
    unselfish courage. And these achievements have brought pride and credit
    to this Nation.
        I want our men and women in uniform to know that America is proud of
    you and that I'm honored to be your Commander in Chief.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. at the Pentagon. In his remarks,
    he referred to former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Adnan al-Zurufi,
    Governor of the Najaf province in Iraq; Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Adviser
    to the U.N. Secretary-General; and Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA,
    incoming chief, Office of Security Transitions--Iraq.