WASHINGTON: In a shift of emphasis, President Bush on Friday termed the war against Iraq “a noble purpose” that would not only make the world safer but “free the people of Iraq from the clutches of Saddam Hussein and his murderous allies.”

Speaking to war veterans in the White House East Room, Bush said that when the war is won, “All who have joined this cause will be able to say to the Iraqi people: ‘We were proud to fight for your freedom.’ “

The president has spoken previously of his desire to foster democracy in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East after ousting Saddam’s regime. But he has justified the war largely on the basis of ridding Iraq of weapons of mass destruction that might be used against the United States or other countries.

The president’s focus Friday on freedom for the Iraqi people was a clear appeal to the 22 million citizens of that country, where thus far fewer Iraqis than expected by US officials have defected or welcomed the US-led coalition as liberators.

In his remarks, Bush also provided a terse war update, saying that US troops were “making great progress” and that Saddam’s forces now control only “a small portion” of that country.

“We are now fighting the most desperate units of the dictator’s army.”—Dawn/LAT-WP News Service (c) Los Angeles Times