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 of 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 firefighters 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.