Now
that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The Palestinians
must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a
peaceful way. We will continue to help the Palestinians to prepare for
self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and
oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.
We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being of
our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and violence
in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror.
And we will continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East
shows two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by
side in peace and security.
As these hopeful events occur in the Holy Land, the people of Iraq
are also making the tough choices and compromises necessary for a free
and peaceful future. In January, eight-and-a-half million Iraqis defied
the terrorists and went to the polls to vote. Iraq's main ethnic and
religious groups made the courageous choice to join the political
process. And together, they have worked toward a democratic constitution
that respects the traditions of their country and guarantees the rights
of all their citizens.
Like our own nation's founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis are
grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the federal
government. What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these
issues through debate and discussion -- not at the barrel of a gun. The
establishment of a democratic constitution in Iraq, just like the
establishment of a constitution in Afghanistan last year, will be a
landmark event in the history of the broader Middle East. And it will
bring us closer to the day when the nation of Iraq can govern itself,
sustain itself, and defend itself.
The terrorists are trying to stop the rise of democracy in Iraq
because they know a free Iraq will deal a decisive blow to their
strategy to dominate the Middle East. But the Iraqi people are
determined to build a free future for their nation, and they are uniting
against the terrorists.
We saw that unity earlier this month when followers of the terrorist
Zarqawi tried to force Shiite Muslims to leave the Iraqi city of Ramadi.
Sunni Muslims in that city came to the defense of their Shiite
neighbors. As one Sunni leader put it, "We have had enough of Zarqawi's
nonsense. We don't accept that a non-Iraqi should try to enforce his
control over Iraqis."
By choosing to stand with their fellow Iraqis, these Sunnis rejected
the terrorists' attempt to divide their nation and incite sectarian
violence.
Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes
to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed.
American and Iraqi forces are on the hunt side by side to defeat the
terrorists. As we hunt down our common enemies, we will continue to
train more Iraqi security forces.
Our strategy is straightforward: As Iraqis stand up, Americans will
stand down. And when Iraqi forces can defend their freedom by taking
more and more of the fight to the enemy, our troops will come home with
the honor they have earned.
Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more
time, more sacrifice and continued resolve. Yet people across the Middle
East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as
they take these brave steps, Americans will continue to stand with them
because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful nations.
By advancing the cause of liberty in the Middle East, we will bring hope
to millions and security to our own citizens. And we will lay the
foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.
Thank you for listening.