Adviser Hadley touts Bush legacy in Iraq

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- A policy of American leadership and democratic governance created a strategic partner in the new Iraq, U.S. national security adviser Stephen Hadley said.

Hadley spoke at the Washington-based Center for Strategic & International Studies promoting the foreign policy legacy of departing U.S. President George W. Bush.

The national security adviser told the audience at CSIS the basic tenet of the Bush doctrine was that through American leadership democratic states could bring stability to their regions by building autonomous and effective institutions.

"In the Middle East, President Bush emphatically rejected the widely held view that the Arab world was unsuited for democracy and its people unready for freedom," he said. "Instead, the president has promoted democracy, liberty and tolerance throughout the region, supported our friends and allies, and confronted extremist states and groups."

Hadley said Iraq is a relatively stable country with a bustling democracy where Sunni, Shiites and Kurds can work together to rebuild the country as a regional partner for peace.

A bilateral Status of Forces Agreement between Washington and Baghdad will provide a framework for Iraq to regain its sovereign status with the help of the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

"As the members of the next administration carry out the Status of Forces Agreement, they will have the opportunity to successfully conclude the American effort in Iraq," said Hadley.