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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 20, 2004
President's Radio Address
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. One year ago this week, ground
forces of a strong coalition entered Iraq to liberate that country from
the rule of a tyrant. For the Iraqi people, it was the beginning of
their deliverance. For the world, it was the moment when years of
demands and pledges turned to decisive action.
The liberation of Iraq was good for the Iraqi people, good for
America, and good for the world. The fall of the Iraqi dictator has
removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability from the
Middle East. The worst regime in the region was given way to what will
soon be among the best. The demands of the United Nations were
enforced, not ignored with impunity. Years of illicit weapons
development by the dictator have come to an end. The Iraqi people are
now receiving aid, instead of suffering under sanctions. And men and
women across the Middle East, looking to Iraq, are getting a glimpse of
what life in a free country can be like.
Helping Iraq emerge as a free nation is a global responsibility,
and the nations of the world are meeting their responsibilities.
Troops from Britain, and Poland, and Japan, are securing important
areas of the country. Special Forces from El Salvador, Macedonia, and
other nations are helping to find and defeat Baathist and terrorist
killers. In all, more than 50 nations are helping the Iraqi people
emerge from decades of tyranny, and realize a democratic future.
There are still violent thugs and murderers in Iraq, and our
coalition is dealing with them. Not long ago, we intercepted a
planning document being sent to leaders of al Qaeda by a terrorist
named Zarqawi. Along with the usual threats, he had a complaint: "Our
enemy," said Zarqawi, "is growing stronger and his intelligence data
are increasing day by day. This is suffocation!" Zarqawi is getting
the idea. The resolve of our coalition is firm. We will never turn
over Iraq to terrorists who intend our own destruction. We will not
fail the Iraqi people, who have placed their trust in us. Whatever it
takes, we will fight and work to assure the success of freedom in
Iraq.
The terrorists hate and target a free Iraq. They also hate and
target every country that stands for democracy, and tolerance, and
freedom in the world. The murders in Madrid have revealed, once again,
the agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the
innocent -- they kill children and their mothers on a commuter train --
without conscience or mercy. They cause suffering and grief, and
rejoice in it.
The war on terror is not a figure of speech. It is the inescapable
calling of our generation. The terrorists are offended not merely by
our policies. They are offended by our existence as free nations. No
concession will appease their malice. No accommodation will satisfy
their endless demands. No course of therapy will cure them of their
hatred. There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy.
Whatever it takes we will seek, and find, and destroy the terrorists.
Earlier this week, I traveled to Fort Campbell, in Kentucky, where
I met with Green Berets and special force soldiers, and members of the
101st Airborne -- the "Screaming Eagles." These men and women are
defending their fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. They have
liberated millions from oppression, and added to the momentum of
freedom across the world. Like all of their brothers and sisters in
uniform, they are making America safer and more secure. Because of
their service and sacrifice, I know that justice and freedom will
prevail over terror and tyranny.
Thank you for listening.
END
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