Within Iraq, remnants of the Saddam Hussein regime and foreign terrorists have been trying to prevent the emergence of Iraqi democracy. They will not be allowed to succeed.
Despite the ongoing terrorism, there is progress in Iraq. There is an Iraqi interim government in place and elections will be held in January. Iyad Allawi, Iraq's prime minister, says he is focused on "building democracy, defeating the insurgency, and improving life for ordinary Iraqis":
"The Iraqi government now commands almost one-hundred-thousand trained and combat-ready Iraqis, including police, national guard, and army. The government has accelerated the development of Iraqi special forces and established a counter-terrorist strike force to address the specific problems caused by the insurgency."
President George W. Bush says, "The advance of freedom always carries a cost":
"Our coalition is standing beside a growing Iraqi security force. The NATO alliance is providing vital training to that force. More than thirty-five nations have contributed money and expertise to help rebuild Iraq's infrastructure. And as the Iraqi interim government moves toward national elections, officials from the United Nations are helping Iraqis build the infrastructure of democracy. These selfless people are doing heroic work."
The Iraqi people are on a path to democracy and freedom. And, says President Bush, "this progress is good for the long-term security of us all."
