    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 1, 2008]
    [Page 1168]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Military Operations in Iraq
    September 1, 2008

        Today in Iraq, responsibility for security in Anbar Province was
    transferred to Iraqi civilian authorities. Iraqi forces will now take
    the lead in security operations in Anbar, with American troops moving
    into an overwatch role. Not long ago, Anbar was one of the most
    dangerous Provinces in Iraq. Al Qaida was in control of almost every
    major population center, and its leaders intended to turn Anbar Province
    into a safe haven from which to plan and launch further attacks against
    Iraqis and others in the region as well as here at home.
        Today, Anbar is no longer lost to Al Qaida; it is Al Qaida that lost
    Anbar. Iraqis, like countless other Muslims across the world, witnessed
    Al Qaida's brutality firsthand and rejected it. As a result, Anbar has
    been transformed and reclaimed by the Iraqi people. This achievement is
    a credit to the courage of our troops, the Iraqi Security Forces, and
    the brave tribes and other civilians from Anbar who worked alongside
    them.
        Today's ceremony returns the 11th of 18 Provinces to Provincial
    Iraqi control. Al Qaida and Iranian-backed special groups remain a
    threat, but the United States and the nations of Multi-National Forces--
    Iraq continue to stand with the Iraqis as they work to defeat these
    enemies and build a democracy in the heart of the Middle East. The
    success of Iraq will make the American people more secure and help yield
    the peace we all desire.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this statement.