WASHINGTON, Nov 28: President George W. Bush made a secret visit to Iraq on Thursday and told stunned and cheering US troops that there will be “no retreat” in the face of continued resistance to the US presence there.
The United States, he said, would stay “until the job is done” in ridding the country of terrorist elements and democracy was established.
“We did not charge hundreds of miles through the heart of Iraq, pay a bitter cost of casualties, defeat a ruthless dictator and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins,” he said to a standing ovation.
“We will prevail. We will win because our cause is just. We will win because we will stay on the offensive.”
In a videotape released by the White House, shows Mr Bush entering a mess hall tent and being greeted immediately by a surprise eruption of cheers and applause. The White House later said that tears were clearly visible in his eyes when President Bush greeted his soldiers, saying: “I was just looking for a warm meal somewhere. Thanks for inviting me to dinner.”
He vowed “no retreat” in the face of “thugs and terrorists” who, he said, were determined to drive the United States out of the country before it can be stabilized and a democratic government given the reins of power.
“We will prevail. We will win because our cause is just,” he said. “We will win because we will stay on the offensive. We will win because you are part of the finest military every assembled.
“And we’ll win because the Iraqis want their freedom.”
Mr Bush, who was on the ground in Baghdad for only about 2-1/2 hours, also met briefly with members of the Iraq Governing Council who were being hosted for dinner by US special envoy Paul Bremmer.
Mr Bush, following his remarks, joined officers of the 1st Armoured Division and 82nd Airborne in serving soldiers with traditional holiday fare.
Mr Bush was following an old tradition of the US army. On holidays such as Thanksgiving, Army officers serve food to the enlisted and non-commissioned personnel. Mr Bush, as commander-in-chief, was said to have served up the side dishes of sweet potatoes and corn.
About 600 soldiers were present.
Mr Bush is the first US president to visit Iraq and the first to visit troops in a war zone since Vietnam. His trip upstaged that of Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was in Afghanistan on Thursday and was to travel to Iraq on Friday.
Thanksgiving 2003 comes amid increasing attacks by Democrats and others on the Bush administration’s policy in Iraq and justification for war to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein.
In his remarks to troops, Mr Bush said the American people were fighting against “thugs and assassins.”
He had a message to the Iraqi people, he added: “You have an opportunity to seize the moment and rebuild your great country based on human dignity and freedom.
“The regime of Saddam Hussein is gone forever.
“The United States and our coalition will help you ... so that your children have a bright future,” he added.
Mr Bush said the US “would stay until the job is done.” The line provoked cheers and applause by the troops who face attack every day.
“I bring a message on behalf of America: “We thank you for your service, we are proud of you and America stands solidly behind you,” an emotional Mr Bush told his soldiers.
“It meant little to the Iraqi people. Some are welcoming it, but most are dismissing its importance,” said Kamal Mehdi, a cashier in Baghdad.
Mr Bush said he has assured the members of the Iraqi Governing Council: “We are going to stay the course and get the job done. But I also reminded them ... that it’s up to them to seize the moment, to have a government that recognizes all rights, the rights of the majority and the rights of the minority, to speak to the aspirations and hopes of the Iraqi people.”
Defending his decision to make the trip and the deception surrounding it, Mr Bush said: “I think the American people appreciate me going to express my sympathies to these kids.”
