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Bush Defends War in Iraq at Utah Meeting

Posted on: Monday, 22 August 2005, 15:00 CDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- President Bush defended the war in Iraq on Monday in the face of growing skepticism, asserting that "a policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety" from terrorism.

With U.S. casualties rising and his approval rating falling, Bush urged Americans to stand united in the war in Iraq and against terrorists everywhere.

While the United States has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001, Bush said, "We're not yet safe. Terrorists in foreign lands still hope to attack our country."

"We must confront threats before they fully materialize," Bush said in a speech to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Between 400 and 500 people gathered at an anti-war rally in Pioneer Park, about three blocks from the Salt Palace where Bush spoke. "It's like Vietnam all over again, and I opposed that, too," said George Muller of Salt Lake City, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel dressed in desert fatigues.

Muller, who said he served from 1961-2002, said that he was pleased to see so many people at the rally, and that he believed there has been a shift in the country's attitude toward the war.

"That's what it's going to take - veterans groups, veterans and mothers who have lost kids speaking out," Muller said.

Bush spoke as negotiators in Iraq struggled against a midnight deadline to complete a draft constitution to present to parliament. He said it was a difficult process that required debate and compromise. He expressed confidence that negotiators would produce a constitution "that reflects the values and traditions of the Iraqi people."

Bush said America's own history demonstrates that writing a constitution is a task complicated by political rivalries and regional disagreements.

The president also praised Israel for taking the "courageous and painful step" of removing Israeli settlements in the Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. He said the move reflected the "bold leadership" of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The speech marked Bush's first public appearance in more than a week.

While he has been secluded at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, since Aug. 13, anti-war protesters camped by the roadside have taken the limelight, complete with a Sunday evening concert by folk singer Joan Baez.

Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a prospective presidential candidate, said the war in Iraq has destabilized the Middle East and is looking more like the Vietnam conflict in which he fought a generation ago.

Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., another possible candidate for president, said Bush failed in his speech "to give the American people a realistic assessment of where we stand today, and where we should be going."

"It was more of the same sloganeering that has not made us stronger or safer in the global fight against terrorism," said Feingold, who last week said the U.S. should set a target date of Dec. 31, 2006, for completing the mission in Iraq and withdrawing its troops.

With so much attention focused on Iraq's problems, Bush planned to deliver two speeches this week to reaffirm his plan to stay the course. The Monday speech to the VFW was to be followed by one Wednesday to a National Guard group in Nampa, Idaho.

Bush has strong support in Utah, where he received nearly 70 percent of the vote last fall. But nationwide polls find the public growing more skeptical about his handling of the war.

Hagel, who received two Purple Hearts and other military honors for his service in Vietnam, said Sunday the United States needs to develop a strategy to leave Iraq. He told ABC's "This Week" that "stay the course" is not a policy.

"By any standard, when you analyze 2 1/2 years in Iraq ... we're not winning," he said.

Other Republican senators appearing on Sunday news shows advocated remaining in Iraq until the mission set by Bush is completed, but they also noted that the public is becoming more and more concerned and needs to be reassured.

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Associated Press Writer Debbie Hummel in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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