The
new Iraqi government will face many challenges. Iraqi leaders agree that
the new government must continue to build up the Iraqi Security Forces
to defeat the terrorists and must establish control over militias. They
also agree that the new government must rebuild critical infrastructure,
strengthen the Iraqi economy, and ensure that all Iraqis benefit as
their nation grows in security and prosperity.
During their meetings in Baghdad, Secretaries Rice and Rumsfeld made
clear that Iraq will have the continued support of America and our
coalition partners, as we begin the new chapter in our relationship. We
will help the new Iraqi government assume growing responsibility for the
nation's security. And as Iraqis continue to make progress toward a
democracy that can govern itself, defend itself, and sustain itself,
more of our troops can come home with the honor they have earned.
The terrorists clearly recognize the threat that the new unity
government poses to their dark plans for Iraq and the broader Middle
East. This week the terrorist Zarqawi, leader of al Qaeda in Iraq,
released a video in which he denounced the new government and promised
further acts of terrorist violence. Zarqawi lashed out at what he called
"this rotten play of democracy" and declared that Iraq's new government
will become "a poisoned dagger" in the heart of his plans for the Muslim
world.
On Wednesday, Iraq's leaders united to strongly condemn Zarqawi's
statements. One Iraqi official declared that the terrorists and
insurgents, quote, "are feeling this might be the last chance they have
to survive. They're fighting everyone in Iraq -- every Iraqi. I think
that shows how weak they are." End quote. A newly appointed first Deputy
Speaker of the Iraqi parliament said that Zarqawi fears the new
government will unify Shiites and Sunnis and Kurds. He said, quote, "I
believe that Zarqawi was caught off guard by the new government taking
shape because it will be a very strong one representing all Iraqis." End
quote.
The new leaders of Iraq are showing great courage in the face of
terrorist threats. In recent weeks, terrorists have assassinated three
siblings of top Iraqi politicians -- but the new leaders of Iraq remain
determined to lead their nation toward a future of democracy and peace.
These brave leaders deserve our continued support -- and I have told
them they can count on America to stand with them.
The enemy is resorting to desperate acts of violence because they
know the establishment of democracy in Iraq will be a double defeat for
them. First, it will deny the terrorists their immediate aim of turning
Iraq into what Afghanistan was under the Taliban -- a safe haven where
they can plot and plan more attacks against free nations. Second, in the
long term, a democratic Iraq will be a major blow to the terrorists'
hateful ideology because it will send a powerful message across the
region that the future of the Middle East belongs to freedom.
There will be more tough fighting ahead in Iraq and more days of
sacrifice and struggle. Yet the enemies of freedom have suffered a real
blow in recent days, and we have taken great strides on the march to
victory. Iraq's leaders now have laid the foundations for a democratic
government of, by, and for the Iraqi people. By helping the Iraqi people
build their democracy, America will deal the terrorists a crippling blow
and establish a beacon of liberty in the Middle East -- and that will
make our Nation and the world more secure.
Thank you for listening.