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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

22 March 2003

Bush: Coalition Is Broad, Cause Just, Mission Clear

(Goal is peace for the world and freedom for the Iraqi people) (710)
In the unfolding campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein,
President George W. Bush declared, the United States is leading a
broad coalition of more than 40 nations in a mission with three
elements: to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass murder, to end Saddam
Hussein's support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people.
In his weekly radio address to the nation on March 22, President Bush
said that, although Iraqi officials were attempting to use innocent
men, women, and children as shields for the regime's army, "I want
Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make
every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm."
Bush predicted that the campaign, being conducted over a large and
harsh terrain, would be longer and more difficult that some had
predicted. Nevertheless, Bush said, "It is a fight for the security of
our nation and the peace of the world, and we will accept no outcome
but victory."
Following is a transcript of President Bush's Radio Address to the
Nation for March 22, 2003:
(begin transcript)
The White House 
Office of the Press Secretary 
March 22, 2003
Radio Address by the President to the Nation
Good morning. American and coalition forces have begun a concerted
campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein. In this war, our
coalition is broad, more than 40 countries from across the globe. Our
cause is just, the security of the nations we serve and the peace of
the world. And our mission is clear, to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass
destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, and to
free the Iraqi people.
The future of peace and the hopes of the Iraqi people now depend on
our fighting forces in the Middle East. They are conducting themselves
in the highest traditions of the American military. They are doing
their job with skill and bravery, and with the finest of allies beside
them. At every stage of this conflict the world will see both the
power of our military, and the honorable and decent spirit of the men
and women who serve.
In this conflict, American and coalition forces face enemies who have
no regard for the conventions of war or rules of morality. Iraqi
officials have placed troops and equipment in civilian areas,
attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for the
dictator's army. 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 harsh terrain in a vast country could be longer and more
difficult than some have predicted. And helping Iraqis achieve a
united, stable, and free country will require our sustained
commitment. Yet, whatever is required of us, we will carry out all the
duties we have accepted.
Across America this weekend, the families of our military are praying
that our men and women will return safely and soon. Millions of
Americans are praying with them for the safety of their loved ones and
for the protection of all the innocent. Our entire nation appreciates
the sacrifices made by military families, and many citizens who live
near military families are showing their support in practical ways,
such as by helping with child care, or home repairs. All families with
loved ones serving in this war can know this: Our forces will be
coming home as soon as their work is done.
Our nation entered this conflict reluctantly, yet with a clear and
firm purpose. 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. Now that conflict has come, the
only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. This will
not be a campaign of half-measures. It is a fight for the security of
our nation and the peace of the world, and we will accept no outcome
but victory.
Thank you for listening.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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