Bush Links U.S.-Iraqi Security

U.S. President George Bush promised the United States wouldn’t abandon Iraq because its security is linked to the security of the United States.

Bush spoke Monday to the City Club of Cleveland in one of his series of talks marking the third anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. He admitted that the situation on the ground remains tense saying, I understand how some Americans have had their confidence shaken.

The president used the example of Tal Afar as a city where post-Saddam inroads have been made after it was once a base for al-Qaida. Success in political, security and economic arenas has helped secure the city.

Bush said as that kind of success spreads fewer U.S. forces will be needed to complete the mission. But it’s important for the Iraqis to hear this: The United States will not abandon Iraq … We will leave Iraq but when we do it will be from a position of strength, not weakness.

He warned of more days of sacrifice and tough fighting, adding, Yet by helping the Iraqis defeat the terrorist in their land, we bring greater security to our own.