For Immediate Release
December 1, 2004

Global Message
Iraqis Dying for Iraq

Iraq wants its forces to be trained, and to take over for the Multinational Force.

Iraqi soldiers want to give to their country. "What we are doing as soldiers is a small price for our country," said one soldier.

There is still more work that needs to be done, which is what the Iraqi armed forces are doing.

Iraqi forces moved into buildings alone, cleared those buildings, found weapons, disposed of them, and captured or killed insurgents.

Iraqi security forces must grow in skill and confidence. The performance of many Iraqi troops in Fallujah -- including those who gave their lives for a free Iraq -- warrants optimism.

There are a substantial number of Iraqis fighting for Iraq. They are fighting and dying for their own country. They want to win the war on their own.