Tonight, President Bush will finally have to face the music about his claims that his war in Iraq has made Americans safer. He will repeatedly stress his “resolve” in fighting terrorists, but will he outline how he plans to salvage the mess in Iraq, which has turned into a semi-failed state and a haven for terrorists? Will he discuss how the continuing diversion in Iraq has allowed al Qaeda to regroup and Iran and North Korea to advance their nuclear capacities? Will he take responsibility for America’s shattered image around the globe?
- The Iraq war has increased the threat of terrorist attacks worldwide. President Bush will claim that the Iraq war has made us safer. Yet, every available piece of evidence indicates just the opposite. Al Qaeda recruitment is soaring. Jihadists are rallying to take on Americans in Iraq. Terrorist attacks around the world are on the rise. Saddam may have been captured – as President Bush will repeatedly note – but at a grave cost to America’s fight against global terrorists.
- The Bush administration’s arrogance has left America isolated and bearing nearly all of the world’s security burdens. The administration’s strident effort to question the mettle of world allies has left America on its own. President Bush will claim to have many allies behind his plans, but the facts speak for themselves. Americans are supplying 90 percent of the troops in Iraq and paying 90 percent of the costs for a failed strategy that few others want to support.
- President Bush’s “resolve” has not defeated the terrorists; it has given them strength. With terrorists multiplying worldwide, Osama bin Laden operating freely, the Taliban staging attacks, and insurgents taking over large parts of Iraq, the president’s insistence on staying the course has produced few positive results. On the contrary, global terrorism is spreading as a direct result of the administration’s failed policies and ongoing inability to assess real dangers.
Click here to see the American Progress Action Fund’s 10 debate questions for Jim Lehrer. Click here for a complete list of what the president will say, versus what you should know.
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