For Immediate Release
October 30, 2003

Global Message

From remarks by President Bush, 10/28/03

We will continue to support the people of Iraq and Afghanistan as they build a more hopeful future. We will not allow criminals or terrorists to stop the advance of freedom.

Liberating the people of Iraq and Afghanistan from dictatorial regimes was an essential step in the war on terror. The world is safer today because Saddam Hussein and the Taliban are gone.

The citizens of these countries have survived decades of tyranny and fear. Now, new leaders are emerging in Iraq in the form of medical workers and teachers and citizens of all backgrounds who are coming together to guide their country's future. They are moving toward self-government and practicing their faith as they see fit.

We're now working with many nations to ensure that Afghanistan and Iraq are never again sources of terror and danger for the rest of the world.

After decades of oppression and brutality in Iraq and Afghanistan, reconstruction is difficult, and freedom still has its enemies in both of those countries.

Terrorists are targeting the very success and freedom we are providing to the Iraqi people. Their desperate attacks on innocent civilians will not intimidate us, or the brave Iraqis and Afghans who are joining in their own defense and who are moving toward self-government.

Our purpose is clear and certain: Iraq and Afghanistan will be stable, independent nations and their people will live in freedom.