For Immediate Release
October 9, 2003

Global Message

From remarks by NSA Rice to the Chicago Council On Foreign Relations, 10/8/03

Because President Bush, Prime Minister Blair, Prime Minister Howard, President Kwasniewski, President Aznar and other leaders took action, Saddam Hussein is gone. He will never again use weapons of mass destruction, and his support for terrorism is over.

The Iraqi people are free, and working toward self-government. Step by step, normal life in Iraq is being reborn, as basic services are restored -- in some cases for the first time in decades.

Iraq is now the central front in the war on terror. Enemies of freedom are making a desperate stand there, and there they must be defeated.

The United States and our friends and allies can help build a Middle East where hope triumphs over bitterness by working in full partnership with those in the region who share our commitment to human freedom.

A free, successful Iraq can help create momentum toward a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and set in motion progress toward the realization of the vision President Bush outlined on June 24th, 2002, of two states living side by side in peace and security.

Terrorists in the Palestinian territories have lost the patronage of Saddam Hussein. Other regimes in the region have been given clear warning that support for terror will not be tolerated. Without this outside support for terrorism, Palestinians who are working for reform and long for democracy will, over the long term, be strengthened, and encouraged.