Reply #74: WP: As Iraq War Heads Into 4th Year, Bush Pledges 'Complete Victory' [View All]

As Iraq War Heads Into 4th Year, Bush Pledges 'Complete Victory'
By Guy Gugliotta
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 19, 2006; Page A16

On the eve of the third anniversary of the Iraq invasion, President Bush yesterday promised to "finish the mission" with "complete victory," urging the American public to remain steadfast but offering no indication when victory may be achieved.

"More fighting and sacrifice will be required," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "For some, the temptation to retreat and abandon our commitments is strong. Yet there is no peace, there's no honor and there's no security in retreat. So America will not abandon Iraq to the terrorists who want to attack us again."

Bush's address comes at a time when confidence in the administration's Iraq strategy appears to have reached a new low. A Washington Post-ABC News poll this month found that 65 percent of Americans think Bush has no plan for victory, while 35 percent -- the lowest level ever recorded by the poll -- think he does.

Bush used the radio address to draw attention to speeches he is giving to rally support for the war. Last week, he focused on efforts to train Iraqi troops and success at mitigating the threat of terrorist bombings and casualties caused by roadside "improvised explosive devices."...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content//article/2006/03/18/AR2006031801256.html