[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Pages 1204-1208]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Address to the Nation on the War on Terror 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

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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 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 sheiks, 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.
    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

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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 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

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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 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

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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; 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, USMC (Ret.), chairman, Independent Commission on the 
Security Forces in Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also released 
a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.