[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 35 (Monday, September 5, 2005)]
[Pages 1309-1310]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

August 27, 2005

    Good morning. In recent days, we have witnessed remarkable events in 
the broader Middle East. People are making the tough choices necessary 
for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the 
world more peaceful.
    During the past 2 weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli 
people took a courageous and painful step by removing Israeli 
settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. I congratulate 
the Prime Minister for his bold leadership.
    Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The 
Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and 
govern in a peaceful way. We will continue to help the Palestinians to 
prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack 
Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.
    We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being 
of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and 
violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending 
terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the 
Middle East shows two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living 
side by side in peace and security.
    As these hopeful events occur in the Holy Land, the people of Iraq 
are also making the tough choices and compromises necessary for a free 
and peaceful future. In January, 8\1/2\ million Iraqis defied the 
terrorists and went to the polls to vote. Iraq's main ethnic and 
religious groups made the courageous choice to join the political 
process. And together, they have worked toward a democratic constitution 
that respects the traditions of their country and guarantees the rights 
of all their citizens.
    Like our own Nation's Founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis 
are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the Federal 
Government. What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these 
issues through debate and discussion, not at the barrel of a gun. The 
establishment of a democratic constitution in Iraq, just like the 
establishment of a constitution in Afghanistan last year, will be a 
landmark event in the history of the broader Middle East. And it will 
bring us closer to the day when the nation of Iraq can govern itself, 
sustain itself, and defend itself.
    The terrorists are trying to stop the rise of democracy in Iraq 
because they know a free Iraq will deal a decisive blow to their 
strategy to dominate the Middle East. But the Iraqi people are 
determined to build a free future for their nation, and they are uniting 
against the terrorists.
    We saw that unity earlier this month when followers of the terrorist 
Zarqawi tried to force Shiite Muslims to leave the Iraqi city of Ramadi. 
Sunni Muslims in that city came to the defense of their Shiite 
neighbors. As one Sunni leader put it, ``We have had enough of Zarqawi's 
nonsense. We don't accept that a non-Iraqi should try to enforce his 
control over Iraqis.'' By choosing to stand with their fellow Iraqis, 
these Sunnis rejected the terrorists' attempt to divide their nation and 
incite sectarian violence.
    Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes 
to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed. 
American and Iraqi forces are on the hunt, side by side to defeat the 
terrorists. As we hunt down our common enemies, we will continue to 
train more Iraqi security forces.
    Our strategy is straightforward: As Iraqis stand up, Americans will 
stand down. And when Iraqi forces can defend their freedom by taking 
more and more of the fight to the enemy, our troops will come home with 
the honor they have earned.
    Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more 
time, more sacrifice,

[[Page 1310]]

and continued resolve. Yet people across the Middle East are choosing a 
future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as they take these brave 
steps, Americans will continue to stand with them because we know that 
free and democratic nations are peaceful nations. By advancing the cause 
of liberty in the Middle East, we will bring hope to millions and 
security to our own citizens. And we will lay the foundation of peace 
for our children and grandchildren.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on August 26 at the Bush 
Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August 27. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
August 26 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his 
address, the President referred to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of 
Israel; and senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. The Office 
of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of 
this address.