Bush calls for patience on Iraq mission

CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush on Saturday asked Americans to be patient with the U.S. military mission in Iraq, a request issued as less than half of those polled supported his war policy and thousands of pro-Bush and anti-war demonstrators competed for attention in his tiny hometown.

"Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

Only confidence

He gave no sign of dismay at serious snags in Iraq's democratic process.

In his radio address, Bush showed only confidence that the problems would be overcome, saying a new democratic constitution "will be a landmark event" in the Mideast.

"Like our own nation's founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the federal government," he said. "What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these issues through debate and discussion -- not at the barrel of a gun."

The president also hailed Israel's "courageous and painful" removal of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank, linking that move with Iraq's efforts toward democracy as causes for renewed hope for the broader Middle East.

"People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful," Bush said.

The president spoke in unusually strong terms about the Palestinians' obligation to crack down on terrorist attacks in the wake of the Gaza pullout.

"The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way," he said. "We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror."

Countering the polls

The radio address devoted to optimism about developments in the region was one of a series of remarks by Bush aimed at countering declining poll standings and questions about how long U.S. troops will be kept in Iraq.

Earlier this week, Bush delivered speeches in Idaho and Utah. He plans a third in San Diego on Tuesday focusing on the war on terror and Iraq -- part of a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The president has repeatedly said that the United States cannot withdraw from Iraq now, because doing so would dishonor the sacrifice of the fighting men and women who have perished there and would endanger America's security.

"Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve," he said. "Yet people across the Middle East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as they take these brave steps, Americans will continue to stand with them because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful nations."

On Monday, the president will speak on Medicare twice, in El Mirage, Ariz., and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Back in Texas, he will hold an event on combating identity theft.

He plans to return to Washington on Sept. 2, after spending more than four weeks operating from his ranch. Three days later, he travels to Piney Point, Md., for Labor Day events.