For Immediate Release
March 21, 2003
Global Message
American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military
operations to disarm Iraq, free its people, and to defend the world
from grave danger.
In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for
conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed
Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, and is attempting to use
innocent men, women and children as shields for his military - a final
atrocity against his people.
American and coalition forces will make every effort to spare
innocent civilians from harm. We come to Iraq with respect for its
citizens, their great civilization, and the religious faiths they
practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and
restore control of the country to its own people.
Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is
sure. The people of the US and our friends and allies will not live at
the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of
mass murder.
Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is
to apply decisive force. This will not be a campaign of half measures,
and we will accept no outcome but victory.
The dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will
pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will
defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will
prevail.