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.
Million 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.
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