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The Oval Office
10:16 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: My fellow citizens, at this hour, American andcoalition forces are in the early stages of military operations todisarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from gravedanger.
On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targetsof military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wagewar. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concertedcampaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support -- fromthe use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence andlogistics, to the deployment of combat units. Every nation in thiscoalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving inour common defense.
To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now inthe Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of anoppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed.
The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery.The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit ofthe American military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy whohas no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. SaddamHussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas,attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for hisown military -- a final atrocity against his people.
I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forceswill make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. Acampaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California couldbe longer and more difficult than some predict. And helping Iraqisachieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustainedcommitment.
We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their greatcivilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have noambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of thatcountry to its own people.
I know that the families of our military are praying that all thosewho serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans arepraying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for theprotection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitudeand respect of the American people. And you can know that our forceswill be coming home as soon as their work is done.
Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly -- yet, our purposeis sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allieswill not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peacewith weapons of mass murder. We will meet that threat now, with ourArmy, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not haveto meet it later with armies of fire fighters and police and doctors onthe streets of our cities.
Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration isto apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaignof half measures, and we will accept no outcome but victory.
My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world willbe overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on thework of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom toothers and we will prevail.
May God bless our country and all who defend her.
END 10:20 P.M. EST
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