Only the Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and
secure their people. Their leaders understand this, and they are
stepping forward to do it. But they need our help, and it is in our
interests to provide that help. The changes in our strategy will help
the Iraqis in four main areas:
First, we will help the Iraqis execute their aggressive plan to
secure their capital. Eighty percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs
within 30 miles of Baghdad. The new plan to secure Baghdad fixes the
problems that prevented previous operations from succeeding. This time,
there will be adequate Iraqi and U.S. forces to hold the areas that have
been cleared, including more Iraqi forces and five additional brigades
of American troops committed to Baghdad. This time, Iraqi and American
forces will have a green light to enter neighborhoods that are home to
those fueling sectarian violence. Prime Minister Maliki has pledged that
political or sectarian interference with security operations will not be
tolerated.
Second, America will step up the fight against al Qaeda in its home
base in Iraq -- Anbar province. Our military forces in Anbar are killing
and capturing al Qaeda leaders, and protecting the local population.
Recently, local tribal leaders have begun to show their willingness to
take on al Qaeda. And as a result, our commanders believe we have an
opportunity to deal a serious blow to the terrorists, so I've given
orders to increase American forces in Anbar province by 4,000 troops.
These troops will work with Iraqi and tribal forces to increase the
pressure on the terrorists. America's men and women in uniform took away
al Qaeda's safe haven in Afghanistan, and we will not allow them to
reestablish it in Iraq.
Third, America will hold the Iraqi government to benchmarks it has
announced. These include taking responsibility for security in all of
Iraq's provinces by November, passing legislation to share oil revenues
among all Iraqis, and spending $10 billion of its own money on
reconstruction projects that will create new jobs. These are strong
commitments. And the Iraqi government knows that it must meet them, or
lose the support of the Iraqi and the American people.
Fourth, America will expand our military and diplomatic efforts to
bolster the security of Iraq and protect American interests in the
Middle East. We will address the problem of Iran and Syria allowing
terrorists and insurgents to use their territory to move in and out of
Iraq. We will encourage countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and
the Gulf states to increase their economic assistance to Iraq. Secretary
Rice has gone to the region to continue the urgent diplomacy required to
help bring peace to the Middle East.
My national security team is now making our case on Capitol Hill. We
recognize that many members of Congress are skeptical. Some say our
approach is really just more troops for the same strategy. In fact, we
have a new strategy with a new mission: helping secure the population,
especially in Baghdad. Our plan puts Iraqis in the lead.
Others worry that we are pursuing a purely military solution that
makes a political solution less likely. In fact, the sectarian violence
is the main obstacle to a political solution, and the best way to help
the Iraqis reach this solution is to help them put down this violence.
Members of Congress have a right to express their views, and express
them forcefully. But those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work
have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for
success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible.
Whatever our differences on strategy and tactics, we all have a duty
to ensure that our troops have what they need to succeed. Thousands of
young men and women are preparing to join an important mission that will
in large part determine the outcome in Iraq. Our brave troops should not
have to wonder if their leaders in Washington will give them what they
need. I urge members of Congress to fulfill their responsibilities, make
their views known, and to always support our men and women in harm's
way.
Thank you for listening. |