Bush: Coalition Must Not Waver From Commitment to Iraq

In the opening statement to his news conference late Tuesday, President Bush said America and its allies must not waver in their commitment to help bring about a political transition in Iraq. Mr. Bush said the political transition in Iraq will be completed by December 15, 2005, when Iraqis elect a parliament and a government. He said the success of free government in Iraq is "vital". Mr. Bush insisted that a successful transition matters because it would show that America's word can be relied upon. The president also said that the United States is on the side of Muslims who choose to live in peace. Speaking about the war on terrorism, President Bush says terrorist attacks are the work of what he called a "fanatical ideology," not a religion. In his press conference, he said terrorists seek to oppress and persecute women, and they want the death of Jews and Christians. The president also said terrorist organizations want to set free nations against each other, and they are seeking weapons of mass destruction.