FT. BRAGG, N.C., June 28 (UPI) -- President Bush told the nation Tuesday night U.S. forces will remain in Iraq until the Iraqis are able to defend themselves.
"As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down," Bush told an audience of soldiers at Fort Bragg, N.C.
But the president rejected a timetable for U.S. withdrawal, saying that would encourage the enemy. "We will stay in Iraq as long as we are needed, and not a day longer," Bush said, adding later, "We will stay in the fight till the fight is won."
The president repeatedly linked the Iraqi conflict to the world war on terror, and to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror strikes in the United States.
"They are trying to shake our will in Iraq, just as they tried to shake our will on Sept. 11, 2001," Bush said. "They will fail. The terrorists do not understand America."
Bush also stressed international cooperation in rebuilding Iraq, and said Iraq's 160,000 security forces are improving.
Bush's speech came as polls show support for the U.S. presence in Iraq eroding.
