    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [August 27, 2005]
    [Pages 1352-1353]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    August 27, 2005

        Good morning. In recent days, we have witnessed remarkable events in
    the broader Middle East. People are making the tough choices necessary
    for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the
    world more peaceful.
        During the past 2 weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people took a courageous and painful
    step by removing Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern
    West Bank. I congratulate the Prime Minister for his bold leadership.
        Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The
    Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and
    govern in a peaceful way. We will continue to help the Palestinians to
    prepare for self-government and to defeat the terrorists who attack
    Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.
        We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being
    of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and
    violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending
    terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the
    Middle East shows two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living
    side by side in peace and security.
        As these hopeful events occur in the Holy Land, the people of Iraq
    are also making the tough choices and compromises necessary for a free
    and peaceful future. In January, 8\1/2\ million Iraqis defied the
    terrorists and went to the polls to vote. Iraq's main ethnic and
    religious groups made the courageous choice to join the political
    process. And together, they have worked toward a democratic constitution
    that respects the traditions of their country and guarantees the rights
    of all their citizens.
        Like our own Nation's Founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis
    are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the Federal
    Government. What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these
    issues through debate and discussion, not at the barrel of a gun. The
    establishment of a democratic constitution in Iraq, just like the
    establishment of a constitution in Afghanistan last year, will be a
    landmark event in the history of the broader Middle East. And it will
    bring us closer to the day when the nation of Iraq can govern itself,
    sustain itself, and defend itself.
        The terrorists are trying to stop the rise of democracy in Iraq
    because they know a free Iraq will deal a decisive blow to their
    strategy to dominate the Middle East. But the Iraqi people are
    determined to build a free future for their nation, and they are uniting
    against the terrorists.
        We saw that unity earlier this month when followers of the terrorist
    Zarqawi tried to force Shiite Muslims
    to leave the Iraqi city of Ramadi. Sunni Muslims in that city came to
    the defense of their Shiite neighbors. As one Sunni leader put it: ``We have had enough of Zarqawi's nonsense. We
    don't accept that a non-Iraqi should try to enforce his control over
    Iraqis.'' By choosing to stand with their fellow Iraqis, these Sunnis
    rejected the terrorists' attempt to divide their nation and incite
    sectarian violence.
        Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes
    to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed.
    American and Iraqi forces are on the hunt, side by side to defeat the
    terrorists. As we hunt down our common enemies, we will continue to
    train more Iraqi security forces.
        Our strategy is straightforward: As Iraqis stand up, Americans will
    stand down. And when Iraqi forces can defend their freedom

    [[Page 1353]]

    by taking more and more of the fight to the enemy, our troops will come
    home with the honor they have earned.
        Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more
    time, more sacrifice, and continued resolve. Yet people across the
    Middle East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope.
    And as they take these brave steps, Americans will continue to stand
    with them because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful
    nations. By advancing the cause of liberty in the Middle East, we will
    bring hope to millions and security to our own citizens. And we will lay
    the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on August 26 at the Bush
    Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August 27. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    August 26 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    address, the President referred to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of
    Israel; and senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.