Bush: Iraq, Afghanistan making progress

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Progress in Iraq and Afghanistan, while not moving as fast as the United States may like, is being made, U.S. President George Bush said Thursday.

During a news conference, Bush also said he understood why some countries may be reluctant to commit troops for a number of reasons.

"Is there progress" in Afghanistan and Iraq?" Bush asked rhetorically, answering that the United States is pressing governments of both countries to set aside internal difference and work for their citizens.

Progress can be measured in improvements in quality of life, he said, such as children attending schools, improved healthcare and better roads in Afghanistan.

"This is a society that is evolving," he said, "and it's going to take a while."

Bush praised Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia for providing troops, calling them "brave souls."

He said he could understand why some countries won't provide manpower, saying he hoped their leaders would consider a mission they're comfortable fulfilling. The United States, he said, "must convince them that it takes time" for Iraq and Afghanistan to achieve freedom.

He said a strategy founded on "an ideology based on liberty" is in place and that "we will prevail."