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Kerry, John

Bush Vows to "Finish the Work of the Fallen" in Iraq, Defying Critics and Doubts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Speaking from the White House in a rare prime-time news conference, President George W. Bush confronted his critics at home and abroad, vowing to "finish the work of the fallen" in Iraq, even if it means sending more troops and suffering more casualties. Bush's mission to change Iraq and the world is a historic endeavor, he said, with a free and secure Iraq being an opportunity to make America more secure and the world a safer place.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bush announced a renewed campaign to garner support for the US-led coalition in Iraq, including a possible expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) involvement.
  • The President stated that Washington has no imperial ambitions in Iraq, but rather aims to create a beacon for regional democracy.
  • Bush acknowledged that the US military may not have been adequately prepared for the Iraq mission, and he vowed to investigate any failings.
  • He also raised the specter of more months of violence in Iraq, saying, "Our work may become more difficult before it is finished."
  • The President rejected the comparison of the Iraq war to Vietnam, stating, "I think the analogy is false."
  • Bush reaffirmed his commitment to transferring power to Iraqis on June 30 and vowed to disarm radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
  • The President acknowledged that the recent spike in US deaths in Iraq and the kidnappings have been tough on his administration and the American people.
  • Bush stated that he is prepared to add to the roughly 135,000 US troops already in Iraq, and he is considering General John Abizaid's request for two more brigades (approximately 10,000 troops).

Statistics:

  • 135,000: The approximate number of US troops currently in Iraq.
  • 10,000: The number of additional troops demanded by General John Abizaid to support the war effort.
  • 15: The number of questions asked by reporters during the news conference.
  • 59%: The support for Bush's handling of terrorism according to a Newsweek poll conducted last week, down from 70% in January.
  • 70%: The support for Bush's handling of terrorism in January, according to a Newsweek poll.
  • 46%: The support for Kerry in the latest Newsweek poll.
  • 42%: The support for Bush in the latest Newsweek poll.
  • 4%: The support for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader in the latest Newsweek poll.
  • 12: The number of formal news conferences given by President Bush in his presidency so far.
  • 3.5 years: The duration of President Bush's presidency as of the news conference.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Bush Vows to 'Finish the Work of the Fallen' in Iraq", by Barrie McKenna.
  • Newsweek, "Bush's Waning Support", by poll results.
  • Various polls, including Gallup, Ipsos, Fox News, and Zogby, cited in the article.

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