Fred Harteis News Articles - Pressing a broad and vigorous defense of the war in Iraq, President Bush told the nation tonight that while the recent elections in Iraq will not end violence there, they do send a clear message to terrorists who "feel a tightening noose - and fear the rise of a democratic Iraq."

Amid rising tensions in Congress over the war and antiterrorism measures at home, and amid indications of declining public support, the president chose to deliver his televised address from the Oval Office, the first speech from that venue since he announced in March 2003 that he had ordered the invasion of Iraq.

Mr. Bush did not cover significant new ground, but rather used the prime-time television slot and the backdrop of the Oval Office for a summation of the arguments he has advanced in three recent addresses defending and explaining his policies.

The president, mindful that "many Americans have questions about the cost and direction of this war," argued that it is far too early to abandon hopes for the emergence of a stable and peaceful Iraqi democracy, one that would be "an ally of growing strength."

"Some look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude that the war is lost, and not worth another dime or another day," he said. "I don't believe that. Our military commanders do not believe that. Our troops in the field, who bear the burden and make the sacrifice, do not believe that America has lost."

The president also cautioned that the relatively peaceful and popular elections held in Iraq last week will not put an end to the insurgency that has taken the lives of more than 2,000 Americans and thousands more Iraqis. But he argued that the goal is worth the sacrifice.

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Source: NyTimes.com

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