    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [September 13, 2007]
    [Pages 1194-1199]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation on Military Operations in Iraq
    September 13, 2007

        Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments
    that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its
    people. We are now at such a moment.
        In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival.
    Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are
    seeking to topple Iraq's Government, dominate the region, and attack us
    here at home. If Iraq's young democracy can turn back these enemies, it
    will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America. This
    ally has placed its

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    trust in the United States. And tonight our moral and strategic
    imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its
    future and also threaten ours.
        Eight months ago, we adopted a new strategy to meet that objective,
    including a surge in U.S. forces that reached full strength in June.
    This week, General David Petraeus and
    Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before
    Congress about how that strategy is progressing. In their testimony,
    these men made clear that our challenge in Iraq is formidable. Yet they
    concluded that conditions in Iraq are improving, that we are seizing the
    initiative from the enemy, and that the troop surge is working.
        The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is
    the foundation for all other progress. For Iraqis to bridge sectarian
    divides, they need to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. For
    lasting reconciliation to take root, Iraqis must feel confident that
    they do not need sectarian gangs for security. The goal of the surge is
    to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain
    it. As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives
    now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.
        Since the surge was announced in January, it has moved through
    several phases. First was the flow of additional troops into Iraq,
    especially Baghdad and Anbar Province. Once these forces were in place,
    our commanders launched a series of offensive operations to drive
    terrorists and militias out of their strongholds. And finally, in areas
    that have been cleared, we are surging diplomatic and civilian resources
    to ensure that military progress is quickly followed up with real
    improvements in daily life.
        Anbar Province is a good example of how our strategy is working.
    Last year, an intelligence report concluded that Anbar had been lost to
    Al Qaida. Some cited this report as evidence that we had failed in Iraq
    and should cut our losses and pull out. Instead, we kept the pressure on
    the terrorists. The local people were suffering under the Taliban-like
    rule of Al Qaida, and they were sick of it. So they asked us for help.
        To take advantage of this opportunity, I sent an additional 4,000
    marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheikhs, Iraqi
    forces, and coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of
    Ramadi and other population centers. Today, a city where Al Qaida once
    planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who
    once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now
    come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding. Young Sunnis
    who once joined the insurgency are now joining the army and police. And
    with the help of our Provincial Reconstruction Teams, new jobs are being
    created and local governments are meeting again.
        These developments do not often make the headlines, but they do make
    a difference. During my visit to Anbar on Labor Day, local Sunni leaders
    thanked me for America's support. They pledged they would never allow Al
    Qaida to return. And they told me they now see a place for their people
    in a democratic Iraq. The Sunni Governor of Anbar Province put it this way: ``Our tomorrow
    starts today.''
        The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible when
    extremists are driven out. They show Al Qaida that it cannot count on
    popular support, even in a Province its leaders once declared their home
    base. And they show the world that ordinary people in the Middle East
    want the same things for their children that we want for ours, a decent
    life and a peaceful future.
        In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly. Earlier today one of
    the brave tribal sheikhs who
    helped lead the revolt against Al Qaida was murdered. In response, a
    fellow Sunni leader declared, ``We are
    determined to strike back and continue our work.'' And as they do, they
    can count on the continued support of the United States.

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        Throughout Iraq, too many citizens are being killed by terrorists
    and death squads. And for most Iraqis, the quality of life is far from
    where it should be. Yet General Petraeus
    and Ambassador Crocker report that the
    success in Anbar is beginning to be replicated in other parts of the
    country.
        One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege. Schools were closed,
    markets were shuttered, and sectarian violence was spiraling out of
    control. Today, most of Baghdad's neighborhoods are being patroled by
    coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many
    schools and markets are reopening. Citizens are coming forward with
    vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down, and ordinary life is
    beginning to return.
        One year ago, much of Diyala Province was a sanctuary for Al Qaida
    and other extremist groups, and its capital of Baqubah was emerging as
    an Al Qaida stronghold. Today, Baqubah is cleared. Diyala Province is
    the site of a growing, popular uprising against the extremists. And some
    local tribes are working alongside coalition and Iraqi forces to clear
    out the enemy and reclaim their communities.
        One year ago, Shi'a extremists and Iranian-backed militants were
    gaining strength and targeting Sunnis for assassination. Today, these
    groups are being broken up, and many of their leaders are being captured
    or killed.
        These gains are a tribute to our military, they are a tribute to the
    courage of the Iraqi security forces, and they are the tribute to an
    Iraqi Government that has decided to take on the extremists.
        Now the Iraqi Government must bring the same determination to
    achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more
    than three decades of tyranny and division. The Government has not met
    its own legislative benchmarks, and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I
    have made it clear that they must.
        Yet Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done. For
    example, they have passed a budget. They're sharing oil revenues with
    the Provinces. They're allowing former Ba'athists to rejoin Iraq's
    military or receive Government pensions. Local reconciliation is taking
    place. The key now is to link this progress in the Provinces to progress
    in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.
        Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly. Along with the Iraqi
    forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy
    fighters per month since January. Yet ultimately, the way forward
    depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According
    to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by
    retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi
    Army is becoming more capable--although there is still a great deal of
    work to be done to improve the National Police. Iraqi forces are
    receiving increased cooperation from local populations, and this is
    improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.
        Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can
    maintain our security gains with fewer American forces. He has
    recommended that we not replace about 2,200 marines scheduled to leave
    Anbar Province later this month. In addition, he says it will soon be
    possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force
    reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas. And he expects that by July, we
    will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades
    to 15.
        General Petraeus also recommends that
    in December, we begin transitioning to the next phase of our strategy in
    Iraq. As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root, and the
    Iraqis assume more control over their own security, our mission in Iraq
    will evolve. Over time, our troops will shift from leading operations to
    partnering with Iraqi forces and, eventually, to overwatching those
    forces. As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will
    focus on a more limited set of tasks, including

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    counterterrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting
    Iraqi forces.
        I have consulted with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other members of my
    national security team, Iraqi officials, and leaders of both parties in
    Congress. I have benefited from their advice, and I have accepted
    General Petraeus's recommendations. I have
    directed General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to update their joint campaign plan for Iraq so we can
    adjust our military and civilian resources accordingly. I have also
    directed them to deliver another report to Congress in March. At that
    time, they will provide a fresh assessment of the situation in Iraq and
    of the troop levels and resources we need to meet our national security
    objectives.
        The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is
    ``return on success.'' The more successful we are, the more American
    troops can return home. And in all we do, I will ensure that our
    commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to
    defeat the enemy.
        Americans want our country to be safe and our troops to begin coming
    home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential
    to our security and those who believe we should begin bringing our
    troops home have been at odds. Now, because of the measure of success we
    are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home. The way
    forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time
    in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult
    debate to come together.
        This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of
    Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand
    that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security
    engagement that extends beyond my Presidency. These Iraqi leaders have
    asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to
    begin building that relationship in a way that protects our interests in
    the region and requires many fewer American troops.
        The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United
    States. A free Iraq will deny Al Qaida a safe haven. A free Iraq will
    counter the destructive ambitions of Iran. A free Iraq will marginalize
    extremists, unleash the talent of its people, and be an anchor of
    stability in the region. A free Iraq will set an example for people
    across the Middle East. A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight
    against terror, and that will make us safer here at home.
        Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our
    military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can
    succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must
    succeed.
        If we were to be driven out of Iraq, extremists of all strains would
    be emboldened. Al Qaida could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries.
    Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts
    to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region. Extremists could
    control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a
    humanitarian nightmare. Democracy movements would be violently reversed.
    We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world. And as
    we saw on September the 11th, 2001, those dangers can reach our cities
    and kill our people.
        Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on
    Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in
    preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East. We should be
    able to agree that we must defeat Al Qaida, counter Iran, help the
    Afghan Government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our
    military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and
    extremists.
        So tonight I want to speak to Members of the United States Congress:
    Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East. I thank
    you for providing crucial

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    funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in
    supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.
        To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are
    liberating your country from terrorists and death squads. You must
    demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve
    reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon
    our friends, and we will not abandon you.
        To Iraq's neighbors who seek peace: The violent extremists who
    target Iraq are also targeting you. The best way to secure your
    interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of
    Iraq. That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to
    strengthen the Government in Baghdad. And it means the efforts by Iran
    and Syria to undermine that Government must end.
        To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters
    to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on
    the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young
    democracy. We encourage all nations to help by implementing the
    International Compact to revitalize Iraq's economy, by participating in
    the Neighbors Conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences
    in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the
    United Nations in Iraq.
        To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and
    civilians on the frontlines in Iraq: You have done everything America
    has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large
    part because of your courage and hard effort. You are serving far from
    home, and our Nation is grateful for your sacrifices and the sacrifices
    of your families.
        Earlier this year, I received an e-mail from the family of Army
    Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the
    National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad. His family has
    suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose. His wife
    Audrey says that Brandon felt called to serve
    and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: ``We
    believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win even if it cost
    the life of our own son. Freedom is not free.''
        This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who
    make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm. They are doing
    so in a fight that is just and right and necessary. And now it falls to
    us to finish the work they have begun.
        Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are
    mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to Al Qaida. It is never
    too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our
    troops in a fight they can win.
        Good night, and God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:01 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA,
    commanding general, Multi-National Force--Iraq; Governor Maamun Sami
    Rashid, Al Anbar Province, Iraq; Sheikh Abdul Sattar Bezia al-Rishawi,
    leader, Anbar Salvation Council, who was killed in Al Anbar Province on
    September 13; Jubeir Rashid, member, Anbar Salvation Council; and Gen.
    James L. Jones, Jr., USMC (Ret.), chairman, Independent Commission on
    the Security Forces of Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also
    released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.

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