[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.