'As Iraqis Stand Up, We Will Stand Down,' Bush Tells Nation

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2005 – On the one-year anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq to a transitional Iraqi government, President Bush tonight promised that U.S. forces would remain in Iraq until the job is complete, "but not one day longer."

President Bush told troops at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 28 that the terrorists in Iraq will fail. He said "terrorists do not understand America. The American people do not falter under threat. And we will not allow our future to be determined by car bombers and assassins." White House photo by Eric Draper

In a nationally televised speech at Fort Bragg, N.C., the president cited progress in Iraq and emphasized that the best way to complete the mission is to help the Iraqi people build a free nation they can govern and defend themselves.

"The principal task of our military is to find and defeat the terrorists," he said. "And that is why we are on the offense. And as we pursue the terrorists, our military is helping to train Iraqi security forces so that they can defend their people and fight the enemy on their own. Our strategy can be summed up this way: As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down."

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Transcript of President Bush's speech.