For Immediate Release
August 27, 2005
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In recent days, we have witnessed
remarkable events in the broader Middle East. People are making the
tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make
the region and the world more peaceful.
During the past two weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people
took a courageous and painful step by removing Israeli settlements in
Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. I congratulate the Prime
Minister for his bold leadership.
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Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear.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.
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