President Bush on Iraq war

[0:12] ..." now on our third consecutive month. With reduced violence levels. Holding steady. General Petraeus and ambassador Crocker question. That the progress is still reversible. They reported that now appears to be a degree of durability. The"...

[0:57] ..." We show the capability of those forces earlier this year. When the Iraqi Government launched successful military operations against Shia extremist groups in Basra. Amara. And Sadr City area of Baghdad. Because these operations extremist who"...

[1:27] ..." not have been possible just a few months ago. This week the Iraqi Government is launching a new offensive in parts of the -- province. That contain some of Al Qaeda a few remaining safe havens in the country. This operation is Iraqi led. Forces are playing a supporting role. In the moments in the months ahead. The Iraqis will continue taking the lead in more military operations across the country. And security in Iraq is improve. Iraqi Government has made political progress is well. Iraqi council of representatives has passed several major pieces of legislation this year. And Iraqi leaders are preparing for provincial elections. Prime Minister Maliki recently returned from a successful visit to Europe. Where he held important diplomatic discussions"...

[2:43] ..." Last of these surge brigades. Returned home this month. And this year General Petraeus will present its recommendations on future troop levels. Including further reductions in combat forces as conditions permit. As part of the return"...

[0:00]" Good morning. This is the same month of encouraging news from Iraq. Violence is down to a slow. Those levels since the spring of 2004. And we're now on our third consecutive month. With reduced violence levels. Holding steady. General Petraeus and ambassador Crocker question. That the progress is still reversible. They reported that now appears to be a degree of durability. The games that we had made. Significant reason for this sustained progress is the success of the search. And others increasing capability. Of the Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces now have a 192 combat battalions in the fight. And more than a hundred -- battalions are taking the lead in combat operations. Against terrorists and extremists. We show the capability of those forces earlier this year. When the Iraqi Government launched successful military operations against Shia extremist groups in Basra. Amara. And Sadr City area of Baghdad. Because these operations extremist who wants terrorized this citizens of these communities have been driven from their strongholds. We -- our ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker. Was able to walk the streets of Sadr City last Wednesday. That's something that would not have been possible just a few months ago. This week the Iraqi Government is launching a new offensive in parts of the -- province. That contain some of Al Qaeda a few remaining safe havens in the country. This operation is Iraqi led. Forces are playing a supporting role. In the moments in the months ahead. The Iraqis will continue taking the lead in more military operations across the country. And security in Iraq is improve. Iraqi Government has made political progress is well. Iraqi council of representatives has passed several major pieces of legislation this year. And Iraqi leaders are preparing for provincial elections. Prime Minister Maliki recently returned from a successful visit to Europe. Where he held important diplomatic discussions with chancellor Merkel. Prime Minister Berlusconi. And his holy father Pope Benedict. The sixteenth. Progress in Iraq is allowed us to continue our policy of return on success. We have brought home all five of the combat brigades. And the three marine units that were sent to Iraq as part of the search. Last of these surge brigades. Returned home this month. And this year General Petraeus will present its recommendations on future troop levels. Including further reductions in combat forces as conditions permit. As part of the return on success policy. We're also reducing the length of combat tumors in Iraq. Beginning to our troops deploying to Iraq will serve twelve month tumors. And set a fifteen minutes tutors. This released a burden on our forces. And it will make life easier for a wonderful military families. We're also making progress in our discussion with Prime Minister Maliki Government on a strategic framework agreement. This agreement will serve as the foundation for America's presence in Iraq. Once the United Nations resolution authorizing a multinational forces there expires. On December the 31. We remain. A nation at war. Qaeda is on the run in Iraq. But the terrorists remain dangerous and they are determined to strike our country and our allies again. -- war America's grateful. To all the men and women who stepped forward to defend us. They understand we have no greater responsibility than to stop the terrorists before they launch another attack on her homeland. Every day they make great sacrifices. Keep the American people safe here at home. The north thanks to those who wear the uniform. And family should support them in their vital work. The best way to honor them. To support their mission. Bring -- home with a victory thank you very much."