Bush lauds Iraqi security, political gains

DAYTON, Ohio, March 27 (UPI) -- The surge in U.S. troops deployed to Iraq not only improved the country's security, but also its economic and politics outlook, President Bush said Thursday.

"The progress isn't glamorous, but it is important," Bush said during a speech at the U.S. Air Force museum in Dayton, Ohio.

The surge did what it was supposed to do: improve security conditions and offer breathing room for political and economic progress once security was achieved.

The Iraqi security force is growing in its capability, he said. Pointing to the "tough battle" in Basra, Bush said Iraqi military leaders planned and are leading the operation.

The surge also yielded "major changes" in Iraq's political landscape as well, Bush said. Citizens have "restarted the political processes" on the neighborhood and municipal level, which have bubbled up to a national level.

He also pointed to Iraqi lawmakers passing bills that move along reconciliation, a budget, provincial elections and codified revenue-sharing from oil.

"It is a revolutionary undertaking," Bush said.

"The surge is doing what it was designed to do," Bush said. "It is helping Iraqis reclaim security" and restore a normal daily life.