Do you believe this:
By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON -
President Bush said Saturday that his administration's determination
to remain in
Iraq and its efforts to end violence in Lebanon are key to protecting
the U.S. from future terrorist attacks.
"It is no coincidence that two nations that are building free
societies in the heart of the Middle East — Lebanon and Iraq — are
also the scenes of the most violent terrorist activity," Bush said in
his weekly radio address. "We will defeat the terrorists by
strengthening young democracies across the broader Middle East."
He acknowledged that "the way forward will be difficult." But, the
president said, "America's security depends on liberty's advance in
this troubled region."
The nation's safety looms as a major issue in the midterm elections
Nov. 7, particularly after last week's news of a foiled plot in
Britain to blow up jetliners over the Atlantic. Both Republicans and
Democrats are maneuvering for the political advantage in an election
ion which control of Congress is at stake.
Democrats have been accusing the Bush administration of trying to
ignite fear among Americans and gain political points by claiming they
alone can keep them safe. Republicans argue that Democrats are weak on
national security.
With American deaths in Iraq over 2,600, the U.S. public growing more
weary of the war, and even some troops frustrated with the pace of
progress, Democrats have been increasingly vocal about what they say
is the lack of a plan for success in Iraq and the need for a timetable
for bringing U.S. forces home.
Bush argued Saturday that his approach is working.
"We will defeat the terrorists and expand freedom across the world,
we'll protect the American homeland and work tirelessly to prevent
attacks on our country," he said. "The terrorists remain determined to
destroy innocent life on a massive scale, and we must be equally
determined to stop them."
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