President George W Bush will say in a nationally televised speech to Americans today night that the Iraq war is vital to US security and there will be "tough moments that test American resolve."
“Amid all this violence, I know Americans ask the question: Is the sacrifice worth it? It is worth it, and it is vital to the future security of our country,” Mr Bush will say, according to speech excerpts released by the White House.
Facing increasing doubts from the American people, Mr Bush planned a stay-the-course message, that US troops must stay in Iraq to complete the mission.
“We have more work to do, and there will be tough moments that test America's resolve,” Mr Bush will say.
The White House said Mr Bush will acknowledge the tough fighting and suicide bombings in Iraq but will also explain “why the terrorists are failing.“
“The terrorists can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom,” Mr Bush will say.
“The only way our enemies can succeed is if we forget the lessons of September 11, if we abandon the Iraqi people to men like Zarqawi,” a reference to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian militant who heads the al-Qaeda wing in Iraq.