Good Progress in Iraq, But More Work to be Done, Bush Says
By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2003 — One hundred days after major combat ended, the United States and coalition partners are making "good progress" in Iraq, President Bush said. But, he acknowledged, "We've got a lot more work to do."
Accompanied by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld during a press conference at his Crawford, Texas, ranch, the president cited improvements in security, democratic processes and the economy as signs of progress in Iraq. In many cases, he said, infrastructure is up to pre-war conditions, which he called "satisfactory" but not "the ultimate aim."
"The ultimate aim is for the infrastructure to be the best in the region," he said.
In response to a reporter's question about continuing deaths among American troops in Iraq, Bush said the United States is "a country that grieves with those who sacrifice."
He offered "heartfelt sympathies and appreciation … to the loved ones of any soldier who's willing to defend the security of the United States." Bush then noted that the fighting in Iraq remains part of the broader war on terrorism. More Remarks
'Screaming Eagles' Doing 'Great Job' Under Tough Conditions
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2003 — Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade are "doing a better than great" job providing security across northern and western Iraq, the brigade's commander said today.
Speaking to reporters from Iraq via a video teleconference hookup at the Pentagon, Army Col. Michael Linnington said his soldiers understand their mission and their morale is high as they carry out stabilization operations in and around Mosul and along the Turkish and Syrian borders.
The infantry colonel observed that his troops are performing their duties under "tough, sometimes dangerous, and complex conditions that most of us wouldn't have imagined just a few short months ago." More Remarks
U.S. Views — Quotes by President Bush & other U.S. leaders
Defense Views — Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
Maps of Iraq — Maps of the nation of Iraq and the region
Women of Iraq — U.S. committed to women's participation in rebuilding Iraq
Demining Iraq — U.S. committed to demining program in Iraq
President George W. Bush
"We learned a lesson on September the 11th, and that is, our nation is vulnerable to attack. And we're doing everything we can to protect the homeland ... But the best way to secure America is to get the enemy before they get us. And that's what's happening in Iraq. And we're grateful for the sacrifices of our soldiers. ... This war on terror is a different kind of war, and it's going to take a while to win the war on terror. However long it takes to win the war on terror, this administration is committed to doing that, because our most solemn obligation is the protection of the American people."
Remarks during a press availability, Aug.8, 2003
America Pays Tribute to the Troops
Join the OTF Team Find an Event
America Sends Best Wishes
Sign an On-line Thank You Note
Radio
Air Force Radio
AFRTS - Radio
Soldiers Radio
Television
Air Force TV
AFRTS - TV
Navy-Marines TV
Soldiers Radio&TV
Sec. Powell: 'World Must Come Together to Defeat' Terrorism
By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2003 — Recent terrorist bombings of a major hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, and at the Jordanian embassy in Baghdad underline the need for nations to unite to fight global terrorism, the senior U.S. diplomat said here today.
These, and other terrorist acts conducted around the globe serve as a reminder that "the civilized world must come together to defeat this scourge of terrorism in whatever manner it manifests itself," U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell told reporters gathered at the Foreign Press Center. More
Coalition Raids, Patrols in Iraq More Focused, Sophisticated
By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2003 — Improvements in the security situation in Iraq have allowed local commanders to become more focused and more sophisticated in their actions against the remnants of the former regime, Pentagon officials said today.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Joint Staff operations director, and Pentagon spokesman Larry Di Rita expressed condolences to the families of two 1st Armored Division soldiers killed in a firefight in Baghdad and the Iraqi policemen killed in a terrorist bombing of the Jordanian embassy. More
Medical Supplies Make A World of Difference in al Hillah, Iraq
By U.S. Army Spc. Melissa Walther / 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
AL HILLAH, Iraq — In an effort to build goodwill with local residents, members of the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade from Philadelphia, Pa. and the 1st Marine Division are working to rehabilitate medical clinics in the area.
About $200,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment has been donated to four clinics in the northern Babil Province.
“We thought it would be a good idea for the coalition forces to present a new face in the area,” said Navy Cmdr. Miles Merwin, 1st Marine Division forward surgeon. “This program shows them another side of us.” More
'The Straight Scoop'
A Seabee’s First Hand Account of Life in Iraq
Senior Chief Art Messer, a Navy Seabee serving with 22 Naval Construction Regiment (Forward) Task Force Charlie in southern Iraq, shared his perspective on post-war life in Iraq in a recent letter to American Legion Post 45. With Messer’s permission, DefendAmerica now shares his views with you.
Dear Post 45,
I caught wind of and read the recent news articles being circulated back there in the states. I figured I could clarify some things for you.
As usual the news media has blown some things way out of proportion. The countryside is getting more safe by the day despite all the attacks you are hearing about. Imagine every shooting incident or robbery committed in LA or Portland being blown way out of proportion.
This is a country where most of the Saddam Hussein thugs are being chased around like scared rabbits by Coalition forces. It is literally open season on them! We hunt them down like animals.
There were about a million soldiers in the Iraqi army at the beginning of hostilities and most of them took off before we attacked. More
Citizen Soldiers Honored at State Legislatures Annual Meeting
By Casie Vinall / Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2003 — The nation's citizen-soldiers wear two hats. While maintaining civilian jobs, these men and women also serve in the armed forces.
The National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Meeting and Exhibition in San Francisco recently recognized members of the reserves and National Guard among its legislative ranks.
Matt Rexroad, a senior consultant in California's Assembly Minority Office, was one such citizen-soldier recognized at the conference.
Rexroad was activated Jan. 14, traveled to Kuwait in February, and served between Iraq and Kuwait, returning July 25. More
U.S. Military’s Top Multimedia Artist Captures Iraq’s Freedom
By U.S. Army Spc. Petersi Liu / U.S. Central Command
Camp Doha, Kuwait — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Elzie Ray Golden has gone to Iraq armed with a sketchbook, color pencils and a camera.
During his month-long “raid,” this award-winning multimedia illustrator intends to capture images and impressions that he will transform eventually into paintings that visually tell the story of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More
defendamerica.mil |
