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Bush optimistic about troop surge, points to signs of progress
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ShareJune 30, 2007 12:10 PM
ABC News' Jon D. Garcia reports: After defections on Iraq this week from lawmakers in his own party, President Bush defended the military’s strategy in his weekly radio address this morning. The President’s optimistic viewpoint echoed similar remarks made in a speech at the US Naval War College two days ago.
He cited signs of progress that have been made since the completion of a troop surge earlier this month. "We're still at the beginning of this offensive, but we're seeing some hopeful signs," Bush said. "We're engaging the enemy, and killing or capturing hundreds."
Other accomplishments Bush cited included a decrease in suicide attacks and car bombings over the past two months, a significant increase in discovery of arms caches since last year, and a reduction in sectarian murders since January. The president did not refer to the Pentagon report of 230 American deaths in April and May, the deadliest two-month period since the start of the war.
The increase in troops, according to Bush, will help the military achieve its goal of making Iraq a country that "respects the rights of its people, upholds the rule of law and is an ally in the war on terror."
In anticipation of the Fourth of July, the president tied his defense of the troop surge with sacrifices the signers of the Declaration of Independence made and acknowledged the hardships troops and their families have faced since the start of the surge. Bush cited the example of Luke Yepsin, college-aged Marine from Texas who died in combat six months ago, and thanked those currently serving in the armed forces.
"On this Fourth of July, we remember Luke Yepsen and all the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in this struggle," Bush said.
June 30, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (3)
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It is difficult for me to believe that the president is still in a sound mental state of mind. His empire is crumbling around him, and he is oblivious to it. The surge might work for a while, but we are in their country, and the tide will turn. They belong there and we don't.
Posted by: cliff J | Jun 30, 2007 3:39:39 PM
As someone who just returned from Iraq i can tell you the surge is working, i have seen it. The demorcrats promised to give the troops a chance and let the surge work, its unfortunate that they are not doing that, Politics over national interest is a democratic keystone.
Posted by: john | Jul 1, 2007 12:46:23 PM
Bush's idea of progress must be "only 4 troops killed today, there were 5 yesterday, 6 day before..." etc. The only progress being made here is Bush's disintegration into complete madness.
Posted by: Ron | Jul 2, 2007 4:51:20 PM
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