Transcript: Bush Speaks About War on Terror

(APPLAUSE)

Iraq, which once had the worst government in the Middle East, is now becoming an example of reform to the region. And Iraqi security forces are fighting beside coalition troops to defeat the terrorists and foreign fighters who threaten their nation and the world.

Today, because America and our coalition helped to end the violent regime of Saddam Hussein, and because we’re helping to raise a peaceful democracy in its place, the American people are safer.

(APPLAUSE)

Three years ago, the nation of Libya, a longtime supporter of terror, was spending millions to acquire chemical and nuclear weapons. Today, thousands of Libya’s chemical munitions have been destroyed. And nuclear processing equipment that could ultimately have threatened the lives of hundreds of thousands is stored away, right here in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Today, because the Libyan government saw the seriousness of the civilized world and correctly judged its own interests, the American people are safer.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Three years ago, a private weapons proliferation network was doing business around the world. This network, operated by the Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan, was selling nuclear plans and equipment to the highest bidder and found willing buyers in places like Libya, Iran and North Korea.

Today, the A.Q. Khan network is out of business. We have ended one of the most dangerous sources of proliferation in the world, and the American people are safer.

(APPLAUSE)

Breaking this proliferation network was possible because of the outstanding work done by the CIA. Dedicated intelligence officers were tireless in obtaining vital information; sometimes at great personal risk.

Our intelligence services do an essential job for America. I thank them for their dedication and hard work.

(APPLAUSE)

The Senate Intelligence Committee has identified some shortcomings in our intelligence capabilities. The committee’s report will help us in the work of reform.

Our nation needs more intelligence agents, what is called human intelligence, to cover the globe.

BUSH: We must have the best cutting-edge technology to listen and look for dangers. We must have better coordination among intelligence services. I need, the Congress needs, the best possible intelligence in order to protect the American people. We’re determined to make sure we get it.

Three years ago, the world was very different. Terrorists planned attacks with little fear of discovery or reckoning. Outlaw regimes supported terrorists and defied the civilized world without shame and with few consequences. Weapons proliferators sent their deadly shipments and grew wealthy, encountering few obstacles to their trade.

The world changed on September the 11th, and since that day we have changed the world.

(APPLAUSE)

We are leading a steady, confident, systematic campaign against the dangers of our time.

There are still terrorists who plot against us, but the ranks of their leaders are thinning and they know what fate awaits them. There are still regimes actively supporting the terrorists but fewer than there used to be. There are still outlaw regimes pursuing weapons of mass destruction but the world no longer looks the other way.

Today, because America has acted and because America has led, the forces of terror and tyranny have suffered defeat after defeat and America and the world are safer.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: All this progress has been achieved with the help of other responsible nations. The case of Libya’s nuclear disarmament is a good example.