Remarks at the Farm Progress Show in Alleman, Iowa

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Sept 6, 2004

We are winning this war against these terrorists, and we will win this war against these terrorists. In order to do so, America must continue to lead the world with confidence and moral clarity. We put together a strong coalition to help us defeat these people. There's nearly 40 nations involved in Afghanistan, some 30 nations involved in Iraq. Over the next 4 years, I will continue to build coalitions so we can work together. It's in our interest. We have good, strong coalitions. It's in the interest of others that we work together. But I will never turn over America's national security decision to leaders of other countries.

We'll keep our commitment to help the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. We set a clear goal. Those countries will be peaceful. They'll be democratic, and they'll be allies in the war on terror. We'll keep our commitment because when America gives its word, America must keep its word. We'll keep our commitment because it's in our interest that free societies emerge in those countries. Our strategy is clear. We'll provide enough security so they can head for elections. And at the same time, we'll help Afghans and Iraqis assume the duties necessary for a free society to emerge. We're training their troops. We're training their police, so they can do the hard work of defeating the few who want to deny the hopes and ambitions of the many. Our military will complete this mission as quickly as possible so our troops do not stay a day longer than necessary.

Our troops are keeping our commitments around the world. We have got a fantastic United States military. I've seen their great decency and their unselfish courage. And I have made a pledge to them and their loved ones that our Government will support them in their missions. And that's why, last September, I went to the United States Congress, while our troops were in combat in Afghanistan and in Iraq, and proposed supplemental funding to support them in their mission. The legislation provided funding for body armor and vital equipment, hazard pay, health benefits, ammunition, fuel, and spare parts. It was a very important piece of legislation and funding. It was necessary. We had great bipartisan support. As a matter of fact, the support was so strong that only 12 Members of the United States Senate voted against it, 2 of whom are my opponent and his runningmate.

So they said, "Why did you vote against this vital legislation?" He said, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion, before I voted against it." I spend a lot of time here in this State. I've never heard anybody talk like that in Iowa. [Laughter] They pressed him further, and he said, well, he's proud of the vote. And finally, he said it's just a complicated matter. There's nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.

In the long run, our security is not guaranteed by force alone. We will work to change the conditions that give rise to terror, poverty and hopelessness and resentment. See, a free and democratic Iraq and a free and democratic Afghanistan will serve as powerful examples in a part of the world that is desperate for freedom. Free countries do not export terror. Free countries provide hope for their people. The best way to defeat terror in the long run is to spread liberty around the world.