In the first in a series of speeches designed to rally flagging support for the war effort in Iraq, President Bush called on Iraqis to find compromises instead of turning to violence.
As usual, he also asked the American people to show patience with the war despite continuing reports and 'images of violence and anger and despair' especially since the bombing of a Shi'ite shrine on February 22. The resulting violence has moved the country to the brink of civil war.
Bush admitted the situation in Iraq 'was still tense.' But he believed the country would find its way out of the escalating violence there.
'The Iraqi people made their choice. They looked into the abyss and did not like what they saw,' Bush claimed. 'By their response over the last two weeks, Iraqis have shown the world they want a future of freedom and peace and they will oppose a violent minority.'
The key, according to Mr. Bush, is the formation of a new Iraqi government. Negotiations have been delayed because of the continuing bloodshed.
'Forming a government will demand negotiation and compromise by the Iraqis; it will require patience on the part of America and her allies,' he said. 'Out of this process, a free government will emerge that represents the will of the Iraqi people instead of the will of one cruel dictator.'
The president is facing increasing skepticism from the public with regard to his handling of the war in Iraq. The latest AP-Ipsos poll shows that only 39 percent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of the war. In addition, close to 80 percent of Americans feel Iraq will face a civil war.
The war is nearly three years old. More than 2,300 American troops have been killed since the start of the war in March 2003.
