For Immediate Release
August 17, 2004

Global Messenger

From remarks by President Bush, Cincinnati, OH, 8/16/04

The United States will continue to work with friends and allies around the world to aggressively pursue the terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

We cannot negotiate with terrorists. In this post-9/11 world, we cannot simply hope for the best. We must aggressively pursue them and defeat them in foreign lands.

America will continue to lead the world with confidence and moral clarity. We have put together a strong coalition to help us pursue the terrorists and to spread the peace.

There are nearly 40 nations involved in Afghanistan, and some 30 nations involved in Iraq. President Bush will continue to build alliances, and work with America's friends for the cause of security and peace. But he will never turn over America's national security decisions to leaders of other countries.

In the long run, our security is not guaranteed by force alone. America must work to change the conditions that give rise to terror: poverty and hopelessness, and resentment.

A free and peaceful Iraq and a free and peaceful Afghanistan will be powerful examples in a neighborhood that is desperate for freedom.

By serving the ideal of liberty, we're bringing hope to others and we're making out own country more secure.

By serving the ideal of liberty, we're spreading peace. Free countries are peaceful countries. Free countries do not export terror.

By serving the ideal of liberty, we're serving our deepest ideals as Americans. We believe that freedom is not America