    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 13, 2007]
    [Pages 966-967]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing By Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders
    and Brigade Combat Commanders
    July 13, 2007

        As part of our strategy to succeed in Iraq, I not only reinforced
    our military efforts with more troops, we also surged civilians to work
    with our military to help the reconciliation efforts in a country that
    is still recovering from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein.
        And today my Security Council here had a opportunity not only to
    speak with our Ambassador in Iraq but also
    five members of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, three civilians and two
    military--colonels. They have briefed us on the grassroots effort to
    improve services, to improve the economy,

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    to encourage local government, all aiming at enhancing this concept of
    reconciliation from the bottom up.
        We heard from the PRT leader in Anbar. I
    had the honor of speaking to him months ago, and now he has briefed us
    on the progress that he has seen. Listen, there is still a lot of work
    to be done. But these people at the grassroots understand that most
    Iraqis want to live in peace and that, with time, we'll be able to help
    them realize that dream.
        And so I want to thank you once again for your outstanding service
    to our Nation in the cause of peace. What happens in Iraq matters to the
    United States of America. A violent, chaotic Iraq will affect our
    security at home. An Iraq that can self-govern, provide basic services
    to its people, and be an ally in the war on terror will mean that all of
    us have accepted a great challenge and laid a foundation of peace for
    our children and grandchildren.
        And so thank you for your service. I appreciate your--I want to
    thank your families who are supporting you in this just and noble cause.
    And may God bless you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan
    C. Crocker.