My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early
stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend
the world from grave danger.
On my orders, coalition forces have begun
striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's
ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and
concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support -- from
the use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence and logistics, to the
deployment of combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear
the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense.
To all
the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the
peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on
you. That trust is well placed.
The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people
you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American
military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for
conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops
and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and
children as shields for his own military -- a final atrocity against his people.
I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will
make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign on the harsh
terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult
than some predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country
will require our sustained commitment.
We come to Iraq with respect for
its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they
practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore
control of that country to its own people.
I know that the families of
our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon.
Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and
for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude
and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be
coming home as soon as their work is done.
Our nation enters this
conflict reluctantly -- yet, our purpose is sure. The people of the United
States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime
that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder. We will meet that threat
now, with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not
have to meet it later with armies of fire fighters and police and doctors on the
streets of our cities.
Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply
decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures,
and we will accept no outcome but victory.
My fellow citizens, the
dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this
time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We
will bring freedom to others and we will prevail.
May God bless our
country and all who defend her.