[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
[March 20, 2004]
[Pages 414-416]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



The President's Radio Address
March 20, 2004

    Good morning. One year ago this week, ground forces of a strong 
coalition entered Iraq to liberate that country from the rule of a 
tyrant. For the Iraqi people, it was the beginning of their deliverance. 
For the world, it was the moment when years of

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demands and pledges turned to decisive action.
    The liberation of Iraq was good for the Iraqi people. It was good 
for America and good for the world. The fall of the Iraqi dictator has 
removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability from the 
Middle East. The worst regime in the region was given way to what will 
soon be among the best. The demands of the United Nations were enforced, 
not ignored with impunity. Years of illicit weapons development by the 
dictator have come to an end. The Iraqi people are now receiving aid 
instead of suffering under sanctions. And men and women across the 
Middle East, looking to Iraq, are getting a glimpse of what life in a 
free country can be like.
    Helping Iraq emerge as a free nation is a global responsibility, and 
the nations of the world are meeting their responsibilities. Troops from 
Britain and Poland and Japan are securing important areas of the 
country. Special Forces from El Salvador, Macedonia, and other nations 
are helping to find and defeat Ba'athist and terrorist killers. In all, 
more than 50 nations are helping the Iraqi people emerge from decades of 
tyranny and realize a democratic future.
    There are still violent thugs and murderers in Iraq, and our 
coalition is dealing with them. Not long ago, we intercepted a planning 
document being sent to leaders of Al Qaida by a terrorist named 
Zarqawi. Along with the usual threats, 
he had a complaint: ``Our enemy,'' said Zarqawi, ``is growing stronger, 
and his intelligence data are increasing day by day. This is 
suffocation!'' Zarqawi is getting the idea. The resolve of our coalition 
is firm. We will never turn over Iraq to terrorists who intend our own 
destruction. We will not fail the Iraqi people, who have placed their 
trust in us. Whatever it takes, we will fight and work to assure the 
success of freedom in Iraq.
    The terrorists hate and target a free Iraq. They also hate and 
target every country that stands for democracy and tolerance and freedom 
in the world. The murders in Madrid have revealed, once again, the 
agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the innocent--
they kill children and their mothers on a commuter train--without 
conscience or mercy. They cause suffering and grief and rejoice in it.
    The war on terror is not a figure of speech. It is the inescapable 
calling of our generation. The terrorists are offended not merely by our 
policies. They are offended by our existence as free nations. No 
concession will appease their malice. No accommodation will satisfy 
their endless demands. No course of therapy will cure them of their 
hatred. There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy. 
Whatever it takes, we will seek and find and destroy the terrorists.
    Earlier this week, I traveled to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where I 
met with Green Berets and Special Force soldiers and members of the 
101st Airborne, the ``Screaming Eagles.'' These men and women are 
defending their fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. They have 
liberated millions from oppression and added to the momentum of freedom 
across the world. Like all of their brothers and sisters in uniform, 
they are making America safer and more secure. Because of their service 
and sacrifice, I know that justice and freedom will prevail over terror 
and tyranny.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 10:36 a.m. on March 19 in the Cabinet 
Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 20. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
March 19 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his 
address, the President referred to senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab 
Al Zarqawi. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of this address.

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