    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 13, 2008]
    [Page 369]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing By Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders
    and Brigade Combat Commanders
    March 13, 2008

        As you can see here on the screen in front of me, we've got
    assembled in Afghanistan--thanks to Ambassador Wood--PRTs, which is Provincial Reconstruction
    Teams, made up of military and civilian personnel, all aiming to help
    the Afghans recover from unbelievable brutality of the Taliban and have
    a society that's capable of meeting the needs of its people. We've also
    got two members of the
    PRT here present with us.
        Our strategy in Afghanistan is, one, to provide enough security so
    civil society can move forward. Any counter--effective counterinsurgency
    strategy will require more than just military action; it requires a
    military-civilian interface. And so if you look on the screen, you see
    brave and courageous Americans in uniform and not in uniform, because
    they're a part of this strategy to help Afghans, one, understand the
    blessings of good governance. In other words, the folks are attempting
    to fight corruption at the local level so that the local citizens are
    able to have a positive outlook about their government. We're also
    working to educate people, build roads, provide good health care. And
    our fellow citizens are there on the ground, in some difficult
    circumstances, all aiming to help this young democracy survive and
    thrive. And there are difficulties, but we're also making progress.
        And the best thing we got going for us--not only do we have brave
    and compassionate citizens willing to serve, but we've also got an
    ideology based upon liberty, which stands in stark contrast to the
    ideology of the thugs and murderers called the Taliban. And the job of
    hand is to help these folks recover, help the Afghans realize there's a
    better future for them. And it's hard work, but it's necessary work for
    the security of our country.
        And so it's been a great pleasure for senior members of my
    administration to hear the stories and to hear the issues that they
    face. I'm enriched by the experience, and I do want to thank you very
    much for serving our country. And as I mentioned to you earlier, please
    thank your families for them standing by you during these--during your
    time of service.
        God bless you all, and thank you for your time.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:27 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House.