Bush Says, “Iraq War May Be Longer than Expected”

George W. Bush said on March 22 that the war in Iraq could last longer than planned, and that the establishment of a democratic government there might need longer-term intervention.

In a weekly radio speech today, President Bush emphasized that “the military operation deployed in a vast country on rough terrain might be harder and take longer than expected”. He added, “It will necessitate our consistent efforts to help Iraqis build a free, stable and unified nation. We will, however, assume all the responsibilities no matter what they are.”

“National security and world peace are justifiable causes we must embrace,” Mr. Bush continued, “Our role is to neutralize Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein`s sponsoring of terrorism and to free the Iraqi people.” (Washington=AFP)