For Immediate Release
April 2, 2003
Global Message
It has been 13 days since the major ground war began. In this short
time, Coalition forces have taken control of most of western and
southern Iraq, seized key bridges, opened a northern front, achieved
complete air superiority, and we are delivering tons of humanitarian
aid.
By quick and decisive action, our troops are preventing Saddam
Hussein from destroying the Iraqi people's oil fields. Our forces
moved into Iraqi missile launch areas that threatened neighboring
countries. Many dangers lie ahead, but day by day, we are moving
closer to Baghdad and closer to victory.
Our victory will mean the end of a tyrant who rules by fear and
torture and will remove a sponsor of terror, armed with weapons of
terror. Our victory will uphold the just demands of the United Nations
and the civilized world. And when victory comes, it will be shared by
the long-suffering people of Iraq, who deserve freedom and dignity.
The Iraqi regime has ruled with fear as a tool of domination to the
end. Many Iraqis have been ordered to fight or die by Saddam's death
squads. Others are pressed into service by threats against their
children. Civilians attempting to flee to liberated areas have been
shot from behind by Saddam's thugs.
Our enemies are desperate and dangerous. The dying regime in Iraq
and other parts of the global terror network may try to bring terror to
American shores. The United States and allied troops are shattering the
al Qaeda network, meeting threats and acting to prevent dangers.
The people of Iraq have lived in this nightmare world for more than
two decades. Fear and distrust run deep.
We give this pledge to the citizens of Iraq: We're coming with a
mighty force to end the reign of your oppressors. We are coming to
bring you food and medicine and a better life, and we will not relent
until your country is free.
