President Bush Discusses Progress In Iraq, Afghanistan During Speech In Ohio

Dayton, OH (AHN)-President Bush took to the pulpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Thursday morning to discuss the war on terrorism, including military progress in both Iraq and Afghanistan, saying the U.S. has come far since beginning their military offenses in the wake of September 11, 2001.

President Bush urged the nation to continue to have patience in Iraq, saying the so-called temporary troop surge is doing what it was supposed to do, including helping to quell the sectarian violence and pave the way for economic, political progress and reconstructive efforts. President Bush also praised the troop surge and the efforts of the U.S. military to help wrestle former terrorist strongholds from the grip of al-Qaeda and other extremist groups.

President Bush also voiced his support for the Iraqi people who have come forward to help the United States in its fight to make Iraq a free, democratic society, including the approximately 100,000 who have joined the U.S. security forces to help provide both military strength and intelligence information to the U.S.

Bush also expressed optimism over what he called the rebirth of Iraqi civil society, which had gone into hibernation under Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, including the emergence of civic organizations, community programs, and other signs of a return to normalcy for the citizens of Iraq. He urged both the people of the United States and Iraq not to lose faith, despite the challenges along the way, saying the fight for freedom was a necessary one and essential to international security.