For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 24, 2004

Excerpts from the President's Remarks on Iraq and the War on Terror

May 24, 2004

Excerpts from the President's Remarks on Iraq and the War on Terror

"I have come here tonight to report to all Americans, and to the Iraqi people, on the strategy our Nation is pursuing in Iraq, and the specific steps we are taking to achieve our goals?"

"America's task in Iraq is not only to defeat an enemy, it is to give strength to a friend -- a free, representative government that serves its people and fights on their behalf. And the sooner this goal is achieved, the sooner our job will be done."

"There are five steps in our plan to help Iraq achieve democracy and freedom. We will hand over authority to a sovereign Iraqi government -- help establish security -- continue rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure -- encourage more international support -- and move toward a national election that will bring forward new leaders empowered by the Iraqi people."

"History is moving, and it will tend toward hope, or tend toward tragedy. Our terrorist enemies have a vision that guides and explains all their varied acts of murder?"

"Our actions, too, are guided by a vision. We believe that freedom can advance and change lives in the Greater Middle East, as it has advanced and changed lives in Asia, and Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and Africa?"

"These two visions have now met in Iraq, and are contending for the future of that country?"

"We will persevere, and defeat this enemy, and hold this hard-won ground for the realm of liberty."

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