The war in Iraq could last longerthan planned and the installation of a democratic government therewill require a long-term commitment, President George Bush saidtoday.
"A campaign on harsh terrain in a vast country could be longerand more difficult than some have predicted," Mr Bush said in hisweekly radio address to the nation.
"And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free countrywill require our sustained commitment. Yet, whatever is required ofus, we will carry out all the duties we have accepted.
"Our nation entered this conflict reluctantly, yet with a clearand firm purpose," said Mr Bush. "The people of the United States andour friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlawregime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.
"Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its durationis to apply decisive force. This will not be a campaign ofhalf-measures," said the president.
"It is a fight for the security of our nation and the peace ofthe world, and we will accept no outcome but victory.
"Our cause is just, the security of the nations we serve and thepeace of the world," said Bush. "And our mission is clear, to disarmIraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's supportfor terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people."
He reiterated that Saddam's regime has "no regard for theconventions of war or rules of morality. Iraqi officials have placedtroops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocentmen, women and children as shields for the dictator's army.
"I want Americans and all the world to know that coalitionforces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians fromharm," said Mr Bush.