Helpful: The mission in Iraq

How can anyone wonder why we're in Iraq? Bush has made it crystal clear:

"Our mission is clear in Iraq. Should we have to go in, our mission is very clear: disarmament."

- Bush, March 6, 2003

"In Iraq today, our military is focused and unwavering. We have an effective plan of battle and the flexibility to meet every challenge. Nothing--nothing--will divert us from our clear mission."

- Bush, March 26, 2003

"Our forces have been given a clear mission--to end a regime that threatened its neighbors and the world with weapons of mass destruction, and to free a people that had suffered far too long."

- Bush, April 14, 2003

"Our coalition has a clear goal, understood by all--to see the Iraqi people in charge for the first time in generations."

- Bush, May 24, 2004

"Well, as I stated earlier, the clear mission of the multinational force, and in particular, the United States military is to help the new Iraqi government stabilize a country, deal with the security threat, and help improve the lives of the Iraqi people."

- "Senior Administration Official", June 28, 2004

"The United States military and our coalition partners have made a clear, specific and continuing mission in Iraq. As we train Iraqi security forces, we'll help those forces to find and destroy the killers."

- Bush, June 28, 2004

"Some of tomorrow's veterans are in combat in Iraq at this hour. They have a clear mission: to defeat the terrorists and aid the rise of a free government that can defend itself."

- Bush, November 11, 2004

"And our mission is clear there, as well, and that is to train the Iraqis so they can do the fighting; make sure they can stand up to defend their freedoms, which they want to do."

- Bush, June 2, 2005

"Our goal is clear: a democratic and peaceful Iraq that represents all Iraqis."

- Bush, June 24, 2005

"Our military strategy is clear: We will train Iraqi security forces so they can defend their freedom and protect their people, and then our troops will return home with the honor they have earned."

- Bush, June 25, 2005

"Our mission in Iraq is clear: We're hunting down the terrorists. We're helping Iraqis build a free nation that is an ally in the war on terror. We're advancing freedom in the broader Middle East. We are removing a source of violence and instability and laying the foundation of peace for our children and our grandchildren."

- Bush, June 28, 2005