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CNN Live Today

Bush Updates Nation on the War on Terror; Hezbollah Supporters Demonstrate by the Tens of Thousands in Lebanon; Iraqi Elections Helped Citizens Continue Life in Limited Ways

Aired March 08, 2005 - 10:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: We have a big couple of hours here, including in about 15 minutes hearing from President Bush.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: And we're going to try and set that up for you by taking you to different venues, different places. Different CNN correspondents, who are positioned in places, that are going to be affected by what the president has to say. Here is what's happening right now in the news.

KAGAN: As we were saying, in just a few minutes, President Bush will update the nation's war on terror. He is due to speak at the National Defense University. That is a center for professional military education at Fort McNair in Washington. We, of course, will have live coverage of the president's speech here on CNN. That's expected to start in about 10 minutes.

Last hour, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took part in a roundtable discussion. Today's State Department event was an honor of International Women's Day. Both also spoke of the president's commitment to freedom and democracy around the world.

The Vatican now says that Pope John Paul II will deliver a blessing at the conclusion of the Easter Mass. The cardinals will be presiding over services of all of Holy Week. The 84-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for two weeks for breathing problems and a tracheotomy.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate has easily killed two different proposals that would increase the nation's minimum wage. That now stands at $5.15. And based on Senate opposition, it may remain there for a few more years. Democrats wanted a hike of just over $2. Republicans called for an increase of more than a dollar.

In just about two hours, jurors in Robert Blake's murder trial are scheduled to resume deliberations. They've already spent 5 1/2 hours discussing the case behind closed doors. The 71-year-old actor is best known for his "Beretta" TV series, is accused of shooting to death his wife nearly four years ago.

And good morning to you on this Tuesday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. President Bush says the war on terror is being won. And he says that the evidence can be seen in some of the democratic developments in places like Lebanon, the West Bank and Iraq. This is what he's going to be talking about in a speech from Fort McNair in about 10 minutes. And we're going to set it up for you by going to some of our correspondents who are positioned in several venues.

Dana Bash, for example, is going to be joining us from the White House. Our senior editor for Arab affairs, Octavia Nasr, is going to be here in Atlanta with us giving us a breakdown. We're also going to be going to Brent Sadler in Beirut, where there are tens of thousands of people on the streets protesting in part against the United States. And Nic Robertson who's going to be standing by in Baghdad. All of that, but first to the White House and our correspondent from there, Dana Bash.

Dana, get us started.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Rick. Well, good morning from a very snowy, very windy White House. And here the White House press secretary was just giving a briefing on exactly what the president will talk about. And essentially the way they're playing it is it is going to be a very broad attempt to try to capitalize on and point out what the White House sees as significant democratic reforms or movements towards democracy throughout the Middle East, and try to put in it the context of the war on terrorism.

The press secretary, Scott McClellan has said that it would be a focus on a long-term strategy to try to root out the rise of terrorism through democracy. And several developments that even White House critics are calling quite remarkable that Mr. Bush will touch on include, of course recently elections in Iraq.

But also areas where there have been changes that have not been the result of war. For example, Palestinian elections. Moves in Saudi Arabia to let women vote. The promise of multiparty elections in Egypt. But the president will also try to continue to put the pressure on one -- or at least a few regimes that he thinks are impediments to this long-term strategy, namely Syria. The president, as we know, has over and over again said how crucial it is for Syria, for example, to get its troops out of Lebanon.

And this morning we do hear from the Lebanese that they are starting to do that. We also are seeing massive demonstrations, not the kind that perhaps the White House had been touting last week that were pro-Lebanon, anti-Syrian demonstrations. Instead we're seeing live pictures now of perhaps as many as 200,000 pro-Syrian demonstrators in Lebanon.

That is something that the White House says is perhaps an example of what they hope will happen in the future, which is a democracy and the ability for people to express themselves. But the president instead will not be focusing on that. Instead we're told will be focusing again on the need for Syria to change its ways to get out of Lebanon. That is among the many things that Mr. Bush will be talking about in this broad speech in just about five minutes from now -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Dana, can we see this possibly as an opportunity that the White House is taking advantage of? All of a sudden we see these positive changes in places, as mentioned in Iraq and Lebanon where they're asking the Syrians to get out. The election, of course, in the West Bank as well between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Here is the White House saying you know what? Let's go and talk to the American people about this?

BASH: That's exactly right. And it has been interesting to watch their stance as we've seen some of these changes go across the Middle East. And to see whether or not the president does see it as vindication, or at least will take credit for it. Because since his inauguration speech he's been focused on the need for democracy and how people around the world really do want democracy.

He's going to walk a fine line, they say here at the White House and not essentially take credit for it. A: because things could change, as we're seeing perhaps on the streets of Lebanon today. And what looks positive from the White House point of view now might look quite different from tomorrow.

They understand that perhaps the president overtly taking credit might not be helpful in places, particularly in the Middle East, where he's not popular. And they do not like the idea of U.S. intervention, even if it means -- even if they're talking about issues that they agree with, some of them, like moving to democracy.

SANCHEZ: Yes. This is going to be interesting stuff. Dana, how about this? We're going to get you out of those weather conditions for a little while. Give you a break and perhaps bring you back perhaps a little bit later when the president concludes his speech.

BASH: OK. Thank you.

SANCHEZ: Dana Bash from the White House.

Daryn, over to you.

KAGAN: While we let Dana mop off the snow there at the White House, let's talk a little bit more about those live pictures out of Beirut today. Our editor for senior Arab affairs Octavia Nasr here with us this morning.

Octavia, so today we see hundreds of thousands -- we're hearing the numbers reported of people who are in favor of the Syrian-backed government that has been in place and of the Syrian troops. How do you explain these pictures of what we're seeing today?

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN SENIOR ARAB AFFAIRS EDITOR: Well, these pictures shouldn't be surprising anyone in any way, shape or form. This is a demonstration that was called by Hezbollah. Hezbollah commands a lot of respect in Lebanon and the region. And they do have a big pull. Anyone who is surprised at this definitely doesn't understand what's going on in the area.

KAGAN: Explain the connection between Hezbollah and Syria.

NASR: Hezbollah is a Shiite party and it also has a militia. This is the only militia that is allowed to operate in Lebanon. It is backed by Syria, backed by Iran. They receive weapons and cash from Syria and Iran. So obviously Syria that controlled Lebanon for all these years since the end of the war in 1990, supports and empowers Hezbollah. So a demonstration like this is something to be expected.

The interesting thing here is that Hezbollah stayed quiet for a long time, for about three weeks since the assassination of the former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. And they waited to hear from the Syrian president before they even called for this demonstration. Basically, they were waiting for a cue, some experts were saying. They were waiting to see what Syria is going to say.

Now, experts also tell us they are shocked, dismayed that No. 1, the opposition was able to bring down the Lebanese government. And that the Syrian president went to parliament and said we're going to pull out of Lebanon.

KAGAN: Well, let's talk about the offer or the plan. Because it appeared to be one thing at first when Syrian President Assad said OK, we're pulling out the troops. Now it's like two steps back, one step forward.

NASR: Right. And basically, people who follow the Middle East closely, especially the Lebanese/Syrian relationship, understand that there are several agreements on the table. There was the Taif Agreement, which effectively ended the civil war in Lebanon that calls on the Syrian troops to pull out of Lebanon gradually.

And then there was a U.N. resolution that was passed last year in 2004. It is called Resolution 1559. That's why you're hearing the words 1559 a lot these days. That resolution asked Syria to pull out completely and immediately out of Lebanon, and called for the dismantling of all militias, Lebanese and non-Lebanese. Lebanese meaning Hezbollah. Non-Lebanese meaning the Palestinian armed forces in Lebanon.

So of course, Hezbollah is not going to be happy with that. And they are kind of concerned. Experts still are very concerned at this point because a pullout of Syrian troops under Taif, the agreement that ended the war, means power for Hezbollah, power for Syria, a role for Syria in Lebanon. A pullout under 1559 means Syria has to pull out completely or face consequences and Hezbollah has to be dismantled.

So a lot at stake here and you can see that through those demonstrations. I mean they called on their supporters, hundreds of thousands, as you say, you can see them, I mean they're right there in the streets. But analysts looking at these pictures are saying also that this is more the politicians than the people, unlike the opposition demonstration, which was more people than politicians.

KAGAN: All right. Well, Octavia, you're our people, and we have you sitting here with us, as we watch the president's speech. Meanwhile with more, here's Rick.

SANCHEZ: Yes. As a matter of fact, we're going to pick up on the very same thing that you all were talking about. We're going to do this. We're going to be hooking up with Brent Sadler. He's our international correspondent who is standing by in Beirut. While we do that, let's put those pictures back up, just so our viewers can get a sense of what we're talking about. Some of the tens of thousands of people that seem to be on the street.

And Brent, if you could help us understand. Because when we see these people we want to know immediately, of course, what is it that they really want? Is this a rally that's really against the occupation by the Syrians in Lebanon? Or is it in part, as well, against the United States? Or possibly both?

BRENT SADLER, CNN SR. INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Yes. It is actually both, Rick. I've been able to talk to a large number of people on the streets here. They say they're very well organized and well- disciplined show of support for Syria, organized by the Hezbollah Islamic Resistance, as it is referred to here in Lebanon.

Now people here are saying here that they are wanting to see the Syrian troops withdraw. They have no problems on that issue. But what they want to see maintained is a very strong Syrian/Lebanese dynamic. That means two countries that see themselves in parallel when it comes to Arab interests in the Middle East.

And that means Syria wanting a return of the Golan Heights captured by Israel back in 1967 annexed by the Israelis. The Lebanese want to see land at the foot of the Golan Heights, known as the Sheeba Farms, also relinquished by Israeli occupation troops in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution. They want to see a solid base in that relationship between Syria and Lebanon.

They also do not want to see the resistance, Hezbollah labeled terrorist by the U.S., as being stripped of its resistance powers to Israel. Because if they take that out of the equation, argue the Syrian, that will be to the advantage of Israel.

So it is not just a question of the rise of democracy in Lebanon. Many of these people on the streets here that you are seeing say listen, we support what the anti-Syrian opposition has been saying about democracy, about freedom of rights and so forth. But we want to do it in a different way, with Syria standing very closely next to us, not having the U.S. drive Syria and Lebanon apart through a wedge of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559. That is the fundamental difference -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Brent Sadler following developments. Stay with there, Brent, because we're going to be getting back with you from time to time, as we continue to follow this ongoing story, as we prepare to hear the president's words in about five minutes or so -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And we continue our conversation now focusing on Iraq. We expect President Bush will mention the Iraqi elections, as he addresses the war on terror. But as the National Assembly prepares to meet for the first time, we're asking what difference has the election actually made in Iraq.

For that let's head to Baghdad and CNN's Nic Robertson.

Nic, hello.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I think it has made a psychological difference to the people here. The insurgents threatened all manner of violence to Iraqi people on the day of the elections, January 30. There were some 300 attacks around the country that day, but they didn't stop the elections. And a lot of people were incredibly fearful about what would happen that day.

Because the people were able to go out and vote, because they saw the insurgents only had so much capability, that there was a limit to it, that it wasn't as bad as peoples' fears, if you like, there was some sort of a psychological watershed. Certainly not a watershed in the battle against the insurgents in the Iraqi government and the U.S. forces here. The insurgents continue with their attacks.

But it seems to have mark a moment for people here that they can get on with their lives in a limited way, that the insurgency continues but that is something that they have to put to one side and enjoy, if I can, perhaps sports or whatever it is they would do outside of their normal routine. And there is more evidence that that is happening here.

So if you will, there has been a psychological watershed. One wouldn't describe it though, as incredibly dramatic. But we do notice that people were uplifted by that day. And really, that optimism created then, despite all the ongoing concerns and they're very real to many people, it has helped improve their outlook, if you will.

KAGAN: Nic Robertson live from Baghdad, just thank you.

SANCHEZ: And once again, just to remind you what we're doing here. We're trying to set up the president's remarks. There's the podium that's already there at McNair -- Fort McNair, I should say, where the president is going to be speaking on the war in terror.

KAGAN: And we expect to hear from him in just a few minutes. We're going to go ahead and fit in a short break right now. We're back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you all. Please be seated.

It is great to be back to this fine university. Many great military leaders of the 20th century, from Dwight Eisenhower to Colin Powell, studied on this campus.

And today, the National Defense University is training a new generation of leaders who will serve and defend this nation in a new century.

Americans are grateful for your devotion to duty and so is your commander in chief.

(APPLAUSE)

I am honored that two influential and important members of the United States Congress have joined us. First, Senator Joe Lieberman, a strong defender of freedom.

Thank you for coming, Senator.

(APPLAUSE)

And the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Proud you're here, Duncan. Thank you for coming.

(APPLAUSE)

In the midst of what we hope will be the final snow blizzard of 2005, I'm honored you two men slushed here to this event.

I appreciate very much Lieutenant General Michael Dunn (ph) and his wife Pam for greeting me and for serving our nation.

I want to thank all the National Defense University students for being here.

I appreciate the staff for joining us.

I want to thank the members of the diplomatic corps who have come today.

It is an honor to see you all again.

I want to thank my fellow Americans for caring about the subject of peace. And that's what I'm here to discuss.

We meet at a time of great consequence for the security of our nation, a time when the defense of freedom requires the advance of freedom, a time with echoes in our history.

Twice in six decades a sudden attack on the United States launched our country into a global conflict and began a period of serious reflection on America's place in the world.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor taught America that unopposed tyranny, even on faraway continents, could draw our country into a struggle for our own survival. And our reflection on that lesson led us to help build peaceful democracies in the ruins of tyranny, to unite free nations in the NATO alliance, and to establish a firm commitment to peace in the Pacific that continues to this day.

BUSH: The attacks of September 11, 2001, also revealed the outlines of a new world.

In one way that assault was the culmination of decades of escalating violence: from the killing of U.S. Marines in Beirut, to the bombing at the World Trade Center, to the attacks on American embassies in Africa, to the attacks on the USS Cole.

In another way, September the 11th provided a warning of future dangers, of terror networks aided by outlaw regimes and ideologies that incite the murder of the innocent, and biological and chemical and nuclear weapons that multiply destructive power.

Like an earlier generation, America is answering new dangers with firm resolve. No matter how long it takes, no matter how difficult the task, we will fight the enemy and lift the shadow of fear and lead free nations to victory.

(APPLAUSE)

Like an earlier generation, America's pursuing a clear strategy with our allies to achieve victory.

Our immediate strategy is to eliminate terrorist threats abroad so we do not have to face them here at home.

The theory here is straightforward: Terrorists are less likely to endanger our security if they're worried about their own security.

When terrorists spend their day struggling to avoid death or capture they are less capable of arming and training to commit new attacks.

BUSH: We will keep the terrorists on the run until they have nowhere left to hide.

In three and a half years, the United States and our allies have waged a campaign of global scale, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the border regions of Pakistan, to the Horn of Africa, to the islands of the Philippines, to the plains of north-central Iraq.

The Al Qaeda terror network that attacked our country -- it still has leaders, but many of its top commanders have been removed. There are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists, but their number has declined. There's still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction, but no longer without attention and without consequence.

Our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many and intimidate us all. We will stay on the offensive against them until the fight is won.

(APPLAUSE)

Members of our military are undertaking difficult missions in some of the most dangerous and desolate parts of the world. These volunteers know the risks they face and they know the cause they serve. As one Marine sergeant put it, "I never want my children to experience what we saw in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania." He said, "If we can eliminate whatever threat we can on foreign soil, I would rather do it there than have it come home to us."

In this vital cause, some of our men and women in uniform have fallen. Some have returned home with terrible injuries.

BUSH: And all who sacrifice will have the permanent gratitude of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

In this war on terror America is not alone. Many governments have awakened to the dangers we share and have begun to take serious action.

Global terror requires a global response and America is more secure today because dozens of other countries have stepped up to the fight.

We're more secure because Pakistani forces captured more than 100 extremists across the country last year, including operatives who were plotting attacks against the United States.

We're more secure because Britain arrested an Al Qaeda operative who had provided detailed casing reports on American targets to senior Al Qaeda leaders.

We're more secure because German authorities arrested extremists who were planning attacks against U.S. and coalition targets in Iraq.

We're more secure because the Philippines' new anti-terrorism task force has helped capture more than a dozen terrorist suspects, including seven members of Al Qaeda and affiliated networks.

We're more secure because Poland is leading a 15-nation multinational division in Iraq and forces from 23 countries have given their lives in the struggle against terrorists and insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Our allies in the war on terror are making tough decisions and are taking risks and they're losing lives. These countries have proven themselves trusted friends and reliable allies.

So I urge the Congress to pass the solidarity initiative I have proposed to stand by the countries that are standing by us in the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Our strategy to keep the peace in the longer term is to help change the conditions that give rise to extremism and terror, especially in the broader Middle East.

Parts of that region have been caught for generations in the cycle of tyranny and despair and radicalism.

When a dictatorship controls the political life of a country, responsible opposition cannot develop and dissent is driven underground and toward the extreme.

And to draw attention away from their social and economic failures, dictators place blame on other countries and other races and stir the hatred that leads to violence.

This status quo of despotism and anger cannot be ignored or appeased, kept in a box or bought off.

Because we have witnessed how the violence in that region can easily reach across borders and oceans, the entire world has an urgent interest in the progress and hope and freedom in the broader Middle East.

The advance of hope in the Middle East requires new thinking in the region.

By now it should be clear that authoritarian rule is not the wave of the future, it is the last gasp of a discredited past.

It should be clear that free nations escape stagnation and grow stronger with time because they encourage the creativity and enterprise of their people.

It should be clear that economic progress requires political modernization, including honest representative government and the rule of law.

BUSH: And it should be clear that no society can advance with only half of its talent and energy. And that demands the full participation of women.

(APPLAUSE)

The advance of hope in the Middle East also requires new thinking in the capitals of great democracies, including Washington, D.C.

By now it should be clear that decades of excusing and accommodating tyranny in the pursuit of stability have only led to injustice and instability and tragedy.

It should be clear that the advance of democracy leads to peace because governments that respect the rights of their people also respect the rights of their neighbors.

It should be clear that the best antidote to radicalism and terror is the tolerance and hope kindled in free societies.

And our duty is now clear: For the sake of our long-term security, all free nations must stand with the forces of democracy and justice that have begun to transform the Middle East.

Encouraging democracy in that region is a generational commitment. It's also a difficult commitment, demanding patience and resolve when the headlines are good and when the headlines aren't so good.

Freedom has determined enemies who show no mercy for the innocent and no respect for the rules of warfare.

Many societies in the region struggle with poverty and illiteracy. Many rulers in the region have long-standing habits of control. Many people in the region have deeply ingrained habits of fear.

For all of these reasons, the chances of democratic progress in the broader Middle East have seemed frozen in place for decades. Yet at last, clearly and suddenly, the thaw has begun.

The people of Afghanistan have embraced free government after suffering under one of the most backward tyrannies on Earth.

The voters in Iraq defied threats of murder and have set their country on a path to full democracy. The people of the Palestinian territories cast their ballots against violence and corruption of the past.

And any who doubt the appeal of freedom in the Middle East can look to Lebanon, where the Lebanese people are demanding a free and independent nation.

BUSH: In the words of one Lebanese observer, "Democracy is knocking at the door of this country. And if it's successful in Lebanon, it is going to ring the doors of every Arab regime."

Across the Middle East, a critical mass of events is taking that region in a hopeful new direction. Historic changes have many causes, yet these changes have one factor in common. A businessmen in Beirut recently said, "We have removed the mask of fear. We're not afraid anymore."

Pervasive fear is the foundation of every dictatorial regime, the prop that holds up all power not based on consent. And when the regime of fear is broken and the people find their courage and find their voice, democracy is their goal and tyrants themselves have reason to fear.

(APPLAUSE)

History is moving quickly and leaders in the Middle East have important choices to make.

The world community, including Russia and Germany and France and Saudi Arabia and the United States, has presented the Syrian government with one of those choices: to end its nearly 30-year occupation of Lebanon or become even more isolated from the world.

The Lebanese people have heard the speech by the Syrian president. They've seen these delaying tactics and half measures before. The time has come for Syria to fully implement Security Council Resolution 1559. All Syrian military forces and intelligence personnel must withdraw before the Lebanese elections for those elections to be free and fair.

(APPLAUSE)

The elections in Lebanon must be fully and carefully monitored by international observers.

The Lebanese people have the right to determine their future free from domination by a foreign power. The Lebanese people have the right to choose their own parliament this spring free of intimidation.

BUSH: And that new government will have the help of the international community in building sound political, economic and military institutions so the great nation of Lebanon can move forward in security and freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

Today I have a message for the people of Lebanon: All the world is witnessing your great movement of conscience. Lebanon's future belongs in your hands. And by your courage Lebanon's future will be in your hands.

The American people are on your side. Millions across the Earth are on your side. The momentum of freedom is on your side. And freedom will prevail in Lebanon.

(APPLAUSE)

America and other nations are also aware that the recent terrorist attack in Tel Aviv was conducted by a radical Palestinian group headquartered in Damascus.

Syria as well as Iran has a long history of supporting terrorist groups determined to sow division and chaos in the Middle East. And there's every possibility they will try this strategy again.

The time has come for Syria and Iran to stop using murder as a tool of policy and to end all support for terrorism.

(APPLAUSE)

In spite of attacks by extremists, the world is seeing hopeful progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There's only one outcome that will end the tyranny, danger, violence and hopelessness and meet the aspirations of all people in the region.

BUSH: We seek two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

(APPLAUSE)

And that goal is within reach if all of the parties meet their responsibilities and if terrorism is brought to an end.

Arab states must end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, stop their support for extremist education, and establish normal relations with Israel.

Israel must freeze settlement activity, help the Palestinians build a thriving economy and ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable with contiguous territory on the West Bank.

Palestinian leaders must fight corruption, encourage free enterprise, rest true authority with the people and actively confront terrorist groups.

The bombing in Tel Aviv is a reminder that the fight against terrorists is critical to the search for peace and for Palestinian statehood.

In an interview last week, Palestinian President Abbas strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv declaring, quote, "ending violence and security chaos is, first and foremost, a Palestinian interest."

He went on to say, "We cannot build the foundations of a state without the rule of law and public order."

President Abbas is correct, and so the United States will help the Palestinian Authority build the security services that current peace and future statehood require, security forces which are effective, responsive to civilian control, and dedicated to fighting terror and upholding the rule of law.

BUSH: We will coordinate with the government of Israel, with neighbors such as Egypt and Jordan, and with other donors to ensure that Palestinians get the training and equipment they need.

The United States is determined to help the parties remove obstacles to progress and move forward in practical ways so we can seize this moment for peace in the Holy Land.

(APPLAUSE)

In other parts of the Middle East, we're seeing small but welcome steps. Saudi Arabia's recent municipal elections were the beginning of reform that may allow greater participation in the future.

Egypt has now the prospect of competitive, multi-party elections for president in September.

Like all free elections, these require freedom of assembly, multiple candidates, free access by those candidates to the media and the right to form political parties. Each country in the Middle East will take a different path of reform and every nation that starts on that journey can know that America will walk at its side.

(APPLAUSE) Progress in the Middle East is threatened by weapons of mass destruction and their proliferation. Today Great Britain, France and Germany are involved in a difficult negotiation with Iran aimed at stopping its nuclear weapons program.

We want our allies to succeed, because we share the view that Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons would be destabilizing and threatening to all of Iran's neighbors.

The Iranian regime should listen to the concerns of the world and listen to the voice of the Iranian people who long for their liberty and want their country to be a respected member of the international community.

BUSH: We look forward to the day when Iran joins in the hopeful changes taking place across the region. We look forward to the day when the Iranian people are free.

(APPLAUSE)

Iran and other nations have an example in Iraq. The recent elections have begun a process of debate and coalition-building unique in Iraqi history and inspiring to see.

Iraq's leaders are forming a government that will oversee the next and critical stage in Iraq's political transition: the writing of a permanent constitution.

This process must take place without external influence. The shape of Iraq's democracy must be determined by the Iraqis themselves.

(APPLAUSE)

Iraq's democracy, in the long run, must also be defended by Iraqis themselves.

Our goal is to help Iraqi security forces move toward self- reliance. And they're making daily progress.

Iraqi forces were the main providers of security at about 5,000 polling places in the January elections. Our coalition is providing equipment and training to the new Iraqi military, yet they bring a spirit all of their own.

Last month, when soldiers of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment were on combat patrol north of Baghdad, one of their Humvees fell into a canal and Iraqi troops came to the rescue, plunging into the water again and again until the last American was recovered.

The Army colonel in charge of the unit said, "When I saw those Iraqis in the water fighting to save their American brothers, I saw a glimpse of the future of this country."

BUSH: One Iraqi soldier commented, "These people have come 10,000 miles to help my country. They've left their families and their children. If we can give them something back, just a little, we can show our thanks."

(APPLAUSE)

America is proud to defend freedom in Iraq. And America is proud to stand with the brave Iraqis as they defend their own freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

Three and a half years ago, the United States mourned our dead, gathered our resolve and accepted a mission. We made a decision to stop threats to the American people before they arrive on our shores and we have acted on that decision.

We're also determined to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

This objective will not be achieved easily or all at once or primarily by force of arms. We know that freedom by definition must be chosen and that the democratic institutions of other nations will not look like our own.

Yet we also know that our security increasingly depends on the hope and progress of other nations now simmering in despair and resentment.

BUSH: And that hope and progress is found only in the advance of freedom.

This advance is a consistent theme of American strategy, from the 14 Points, to the Four Freedoms, to the Marshall Plan, to the Reagan doctrine.

Yet the success of this approach does not depend on grand strategy alone. We are confident that the desire for freedom, even when repressed for generations, is present in every human heart.

(APPLAUSE)

And that desire can emerge with sudden power to change the course of history.

Americans, of all people, should not be surprised by freedom's power. A nation founded on the universal claim of individual rights should not be surprised when other people claim those rights.

Those who place their hope in freedom may be attacked and challenged, but they will not ultimately be disappointed, because freedom is the design of humanity and freedom is the direction of history.

(APPLAUSE)

In our time, America has been attacked, America has been challenged. Yet the uncertainty and sorrow and sacrifice of these years have not been in vain. Millions have gained their liberty and millions more have gained the hope of liberty that will not be denied. The trumpet of freedom has been sounded and that trumpet never calls retreat.

(APPLAUSE)

Before history is written in books, it is written in courage: the courage of honorable soldiers, the courage of oppressed peoples, the courage of free nations in difficult tasks.

Our generation is fortunate to live in a time of courage, and we are proud to serve in freedom's cause.

May God bless you all.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: We've been listening to President Bush as he gives a speech on the Middle East, on the growing democracy movement and also on the war on terror. President Bush making a number of points about countries that are in the news right now, including Syria, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Basically, the main theme, the president saying this is a advance of hope in the Middle East.

Let's listen to one of his comments.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: Freedom has determined enemies who show no mercy for the innocent and no respect for the rules of warfare. Many societies in the region struggle with poverty and illiteracy, many rulers in the region have longstanding habits of control. Many people in the region have deeply ingrained habits of fear. For all these reasons, the chance of Democratic progress in the broader Middle East have seemed frozen in place for decades, yet at last, clearly and suddenly, the thaw has begun.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: A number of audiences listening in today as President Bush gave that speech from Washington, D.C.

Let's bring in our senior editor on Arab affairs, Octavia Nasr, to talk about one of those audiences, and that is the Arab world. While we were sitting here listening to the speech, you were also monitoring was Arab media was doing with the speech, what they were picking up on, and even more importantly, how they were carrying that versus other news of the day.

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right. As you know and we've been reporting all morning, there's a huge demonstration taking place in Beirut, Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to -- in support of Syria. The interesting thing, Arab media -- and we were monitoring Al Jazeera, Al Arabia (ph) and LBC, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation -- they all took the president live. Totally on the president. No pictures of the demonstration as he was speaking, which is very indicative of the high level of importance for the Middle East. Usually the Arab networks would do what we call the big window, small window, showing the president and maybe whatever the event going on. In this case, clearly sending a message loud and clear that this is a lot more important than the demonstration taking place in Lebanon.

KAGAN: Real quickly, I want to get in this point, because the president kind of drew a line in the sand about the Syrian/Lebanese situation. He mentioned 1559. He had given a specific date now by what time he expects all Syrian troops to be out of Lebanon.

NASR: Right. The question has been is Syria going to withdraw out of Lebanon based on the Taif Agreement, which effectively ended the civil war back in 1990 or is it going to withdraw out of Lebanon based on U.N. Resolution 1559, which was passed last year in 2004 at the U.N.? And the president made it so clear, crystal clear, as a matter of fact, that he expects Syria to withdraw out of Lebanon based on 1559. And he expects all the troops to withdraw out of Lebanon by the elections, the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are to take place in May.

This was a very clear president. He obviously didn't want to leave any room for questions about what he said because, as you know, over the weekend when the Syrian president spoke to parliament, he left everybody wondering what he really meant. Did he talk about full withdrawal, a partial withdrawal based on 1559? This is a U.S. president sending a clear message here.

Another clear message that he sent out, he applauded the Lebanese people for their courage. He spoke a lot of courage. He definitely understands that what the opposition did in Lebanon is not something simple, that it takes a lot of courage to take to the streets and called for the downing of the government that has been in place for so many years, for about 15, 16 years and also asking for Syria, that has been in total control of Lebanon for all this time. So he applauded these people, totally ignored the demonstration taking place today that was called by Hezbollah and stayed very focused on sending a message to Syria. Out of Lebanon by May. Very clear.

KAGAN: Octavia Nasr, thank you for that, for that insight. We also have correspondents all around the world at the White House. Much more on the president's speech just ahead. Right now, a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: President George Bush has just spoken on a variety of issues, none so prominent as what he had to say about the situation between the Syrians and the Lebanese. Why? Because of what is happening today in Beirut, Lebanon. Huge protests there in part against the United States, and we bring this to the forefront because it also transposes what the president's own words -- the president, essentially, telling the Syrians that they have to get out of Lebanon by May. That's when there are going to be elections in Lebanon. This is important.

In fact, we're going to get to Brent Sadler in a minute. He's standing by there in Beirut, Lebanon. First, let's listen to the president's own words. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: All the world is witnessing your great movement of conscience. Lebanon's future belongs in your hands. And by your courage, Lebanon's future will be in your hands. The American people are on your side. Millions across the earth are on your side. The momentum of freedom is on your side. And freedom will prevail in Lebanon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANCHEZ: For freedom to prevail, they have to have free elections. The president says for those elections to truly be free, the Syrians have to get out. Now, remember, those elections are in May. How does this play on the streets of Beirut? For that, let's go to our international correspondent Brent Sadler. He is standing by now. Brent, over to you.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, Rick. Those words from U.S. president George W. Bush will be music to the hears, doubtless, of the political opposition here who have been waging their own battle for freedom in the three weeks since the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. But those same words are likely to antagonize the many, many tens of thousands of pro-Syrian supporters who showed themselves in force on the streets of Beirut just a couple of blocks away from where we've seen those anti-Syrian protests.

The demonstration rally we saw today in support of Syria by Lebanese was called by the Hezbollah, Islamic resistance group as its called here in Lebanon, labeled a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. Hezbollah really will be attempting to use the strength of numbers on the streets of Lebanon to show that it will reject forcefully the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 that President Bush specifically referred to in his speech that calls, he says, for an immediate and complete withdrawal of all Syrian troops and intelligence forces from Lebanon. And that, at the moment, is not happening.

We are seeing a redeployment of Syrian forces to align closer to the Syrian border, but no commitment to any numbers of troops actually quitting this country. And a decision on that deferred for at least one month. President Bush saying that there must be an atmosphere for free and fair elections to take place in the Lebanese spring. That's by March, the 15th, that's the constitutional date. A key date by which time President Bush says 1559 should have been implemented.

Those who are on the streets denouncing U.S. policy, denouncing 1559. They say what Syria is doing, in line with Taif Accord that ended Lebanon's civil war some 15 years ago, that should supersede 1559. Complicated, I know, but basically, those on the streets today against U.S. trying to push through 1559 at the expense, they say, of Syria and Lebanon -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Brent, you're there, and maybe you can help do this for us here, looking at it from the perspective of the United States by somewhat getting into the heads of these people, these tens of thousands of people that we see there on the streets protesting.

I come from a totalitarian country, Brent, so I know that sometimes just because you're protesting doesn't necessarily mean you believe what you're saying. Are those people there on the streets there of their own volition? Is this in part orchestrated? And if you were to be able to talk to those people in the privacy of their homes and ask them would you like to Syrians out, what answer would they give you?

SADLER: Rick, they're being quite clear. And this needs to be understood in the United States. The people out today, many of them, at least all of the ones I spoke to, are quite content to see a Syrian realignment of its military presence here.

They understand that if the Syrians get it wrong, that could really cause trouble here in Lebanon. A factious, very delicately- balanced religious community, some 18 religions here, people here that were in this rally we saw earlier, are OK about a Syrian redeployment, a Syrian pullout. Perhaps not all; the majority, yes. But they still want to see a Syrian relationship with this country.

So, at the same time, you have Hezbollah demanding rejection of 1559, and that's what is important. These are hard-line loyalists of Hezbollah who have supported the resistance against Israel for decades. So that's the mindset of these people, and there are now completely a chasm between the two sides.

SANCHEZ: Yes. It sounds like lot of things playing -- playing out here. Brent Sadler following that story for us from Beirut. A dramatic day there.

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Aired March 8, 2005 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: We have a big couple of hours here, including in about 15 minutes hearing from President Bush.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: And we're going to try and set that up for you by taking you to different venues, different places. Different CNN correspondents, who are positioned in places, that are going to be affected by what the president has to say. Here is what's happening right now in the news.

KAGAN: As we were saying, in just a few minutes, President Bush will update the nation's war on terror. He is due to speak at the National Defense University. That is a center for professional military education at Fort McNair in Washington. We, of course, will have live coverage of the president's speech here on CNN. That's expected to start in about 10 minutes.

Last hour, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took part in a roundtable discussion. Today's State Department event was an honor of International Women's Day. Both also spoke of the president's commitment to freedom and democracy around the world.

The Vatican now says that Pope John Paul II will deliver a blessing at the conclusion of the Easter Mass. The cardinals will be presiding over services of all of Holy Week. The 84-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for two weeks for breathing problems and a tracheotomy.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate has easily killed two different proposals that would increase the nation's minimum wage. That now stands at $5.15. And based on Senate opposition, it may remain there for a few more years. Democrats wanted a hike of just over $2. Republicans called for an increase of more than a dollar.

In just about two hours, jurors in Robert Blake's murder trial are scheduled to resume deliberations. They've already spent 5 1/2 hours discussing the case behind closed doors. The 71-year-old actor is best known for his "Beretta" TV series, is accused of shooting to death his wife nearly four years ago.

And good morning to you on this Tuesday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. President Bush says the war on terror is being won. And he says that the evidence can be seen in some of the democratic developments in places like Lebanon, the West Bank and Iraq. This is what he's going to be talking about in a speech from Fort McNair in about 10 minutes. And we're going to set it up for you by going to some of our correspondents who are positioned in several venues.

Dana Bash, for example, is going to be joining us from the White House. Our senior editor for Arab affairs, Octavia Nasr, is going to be here in Atlanta with us giving us a breakdown. We're also going to be going to Brent Sadler in Beirut, where there are tens of thousands of people on the streets protesting in part against the United States. And Nic Robertson who's going to be standing by in Baghdad. All of that, but first to the White House and our correspondent from there, Dana Bash.

Dana, get us started.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Rick. Well, good morning from a very snowy, very windy White House. And here the White House press secretary was just giving a briefing on exactly what the president will talk about. And essentially the way they're playing it is it is going to be a very broad attempt to try to capitalize on and point out what the White House sees as significant democratic reforms or movements towards democracy throughout the Middle East, and try to put in it the context of the war on terrorism.

The press secretary, Scott McClellan has said that it would be a focus on a long-term strategy to try to root out the rise of terrorism through democracy. And several developments that even White House critics are calling quite remarkable that Mr. Bush will touch on include, of course recently elections in Iraq.

But also areas where there have been changes that have not been the result of war. For example, Palestinian elections. Moves in Saudi Arabia to let women vote. The promise of multiparty elections in Egypt. But the president will also try to continue to put the pressure on one -- or at least a few regimes that he thinks are impediments to this long-term strategy, namely Syria. The president, as we know, has over and over again said how crucial it is for Syria, for example, to get its troops out of Lebanon.

And this morning we do hear from the Lebanese that they are starting to do that. We also are seeing massive demonstrations, not the kind that perhaps the White House had been touting last week that were pro-Lebanon, anti-Syrian demonstrations. Instead we're seeing live pictures now of perhaps as many as 200,000 pro-Syrian demonstrators in Lebanon.

That is something that the White House says is perhaps an example of what they hope will happen in the future, which is a democracy and the ability for people to express themselves. But the president instead will not be focusing on that. Instead we're told will be focusing again on the need for Syria to change its ways to get out of Lebanon. That is among the many things that Mr. Bush will be talking about in this broad speech in just about five minutes from now -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Dana, can we see this possibly as an opportunity that the White House is taking advantage of? All of a sudden we see these positive changes in places, as mentioned in Iraq and Lebanon where they're asking the Syrians to get out. The election, of course, in the West Bank as well between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Here is the White House saying you know what? Let's go and talk to the American people about this?

BASH: That's exactly right. And it has been interesting to watch their stance as we've seen some of these changes go across the Middle East. And to see whether or not the president does see it as vindication, or at least will take credit for it. Because since his inauguration speech he's been focused on the need for democracy and how people around the world really do want democracy.

He's going to walk a fine line, they say here at the White House and not essentially take credit for it. A: because things could change, as we're seeing perhaps on the streets of Lebanon today. And what looks positive from the White House point of view now might look quite different from tomorrow.

They understand that perhaps the president overtly taking credit might not be helpful in places, particularly in the Middle East, where he's not popular. And they do not like the idea of U.S. intervention, even if it means -- even if they're talking about issues that they agree with, some of them, like moving to democracy.

SANCHEZ: Yes. This is going to be interesting stuff. Dana, how about this? We're going to get you out of those weather conditions for a little while. Give you a break and perhaps bring you back perhaps a little bit later when the president concludes his speech.

BASH: OK. Thank you.

SANCHEZ: Dana Bash from the White House.

Daryn, over to you.

KAGAN: While we let Dana mop off the snow there at the White House, let's talk a little bit more about those live pictures out of Beirut today. Our editor for senior Arab affairs Octavia Nasr here with us this morning.

Octavia, so today we see hundreds of thousands -- we're hearing the numbers reported of people who are in favor of the Syrian-backed government that has been in place and of the Syrian troops. How do you explain these pictures of what we're seeing today?

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN SENIOR ARAB AFFAIRS EDITOR: Well, these pictures shouldn't be surprising anyone in any way, shape or form. This is a demonstration that was called by Hezbollah. Hezbollah commands a lot of respect in Lebanon and the region. And they do have a big pull. Anyone who is surprised at this definitely doesn't understand what's going on in the area.

KAGAN: Explain the connection between Hezbollah and Syria.

NASR: Hezbollah is a Shiite party and it also has a militia. This is the only militia that is allowed to operate in Lebanon. It is backed by Syria, backed by Iran. They receive weapons and cash from Syria and Iran. So obviously Syria that controlled Lebanon for all these years since the end of the war in 1990, supports and empowers Hezbollah. So a demonstration like this is something to be expected.

The interesting thing here is that Hezbollah stayed quiet for a long time, for about three weeks since the assassination of the former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. And they waited to hear from the Syrian president before they even called for this demonstration. Basically, they were waiting for a cue, some experts were saying. They were waiting to see what Syria is going to say.

Now, experts also tell us they are shocked, dismayed that No. 1, the opposition was able to bring down the Lebanese government. And that the Syrian president went to parliament and said we're going to pull out of Lebanon.

KAGAN: Well, let's talk about the offer or the plan. Because it appeared to be one thing at first when Syrian President Assad said OK, we're pulling out the troops. Now it's like two steps back, one step forward.

NASR: Right. And basically, people who follow the Middle East closely, especially the Lebanese/Syrian relationship, understand that there are several agreements on the table. There was the Taif Agreement, which effectively ended the civil war in Lebanon that calls on the Syrian troops to pull out of Lebanon gradually.

And then there was a U.N. resolution that was passed last year in 2004. It is called Resolution 1559. That's why you're hearing the words 1559 a lot these days. That resolution asked Syria to pull out completely and immediately out of Lebanon, and called for the dismantling of all militias, Lebanese and non-Lebanese. Lebanese meaning Hezbollah. Non-Lebanese meaning the Palestinian armed forces in Lebanon.

So of course, Hezbollah is not going to be happy with that. And they are kind of concerned. Experts still are very concerned at this point because a pullout of Syrian troops under Taif, the agreement that ended the war, means power for Hezbollah, power for Syria, a role for Syria in Lebanon. A pullout under 1559 means Syria has to pull out completely or face consequences and Hezbollah has to be dismantled.

So a lot at stake here and you can see that through those demonstrations. I mean they called on their supporters, hundreds of thousands, as you say, you can see them, I mean they're right there in the streets. But analysts looking at these pictures are saying also that this is more the politicians than the people, unlike the opposition demonstration, which was more people than politicians.

KAGAN: All right. Well, Octavia, you're our people, and we have you sitting here with us, as we watch the president's speech. Meanwhile with more, here's Rick.

SANCHEZ: Yes. As a matter of fact, we're going to pick up on the very same thing that you all were talking about. We're going to do this. We're going to be hooking up with Brent Sadler. He's our international correspondent who is standing by in Beirut. While we do that, let's put those pictures back up, just so our viewers can get a sense of what we're talking about. Some of the tens of thousands of people that seem to be on the street.

And Brent, if you could help us understand. Because when we see these people we want to know immediately, of course, what is it that they really want? Is this a rally that's really against the occupation by the Syrians in Lebanon? Or is it in part, as well, against the United States? Or possibly both?

BRENT SADLER, CNN SR. INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Yes. It is actually both, Rick. I've been able to talk to a large number of people on the streets here. They say they're very well organized and well- disciplined show of support for Syria, organized by the Hezbollah Islamic Resistance, as it is referred to here in Lebanon.

Now people here are saying here that they are wanting to see the Syrian troops withdraw. They have no problems on that issue. But what they want to see maintained is a very strong Syrian/Lebanese dynamic. That means two countries that see themselves in parallel when it comes to Arab interests in the Middle East.

And that means Syria wanting a return of the Golan Heights captured by Israel back in 1967 annexed by the Israelis. The Lebanese want to see land at the foot of the Golan Heights, known as the Sheeba Farms, also relinquished by Israeli occupation troops in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution. They want to see a solid base in that relationship between Syria and Lebanon.

They also do not want to see the resistance, Hezbollah labeled terrorist by the U.S., as being stripped of its resistance powers to Israel. Because if they take that out of the equation, argue the Syrian, that will be to the advantage of Israel.

So it is not just a question of the rise of democracy in Lebanon. Many of these people on the streets here that you are seeing say listen, we support what the anti-Syrian opposition has been saying about democracy, about freedom of rights and so forth. But we want to do it in a different way, with Syria standing very closely next to us, not having the U.S. drive Syria and Lebanon apart through a wedge of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559. That is the fundamental difference -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Brent Sadler following developments. Stay with there, Brent, because we're going to be getting back with you from time to time, as we continue to follow this ongoing story, as we prepare to hear the president's words in about five minutes or so -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And we continue our conversation now focusing on Iraq. We expect President Bush will mention the Iraqi elections, as he addresses the war on terror. But as the National Assembly prepares to meet for the first time, we're asking what difference has the election actually made in Iraq.

For that let's head to Baghdad and CNN's Nic Robertson.

Nic, hello.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I think it has made a psychological difference to the people here. The insurgents threatened all manner of violence to Iraqi people on the day of the elections, January 30. There were some 300 attacks around the country that day, but they didn't stop the elections. And a lot of people were incredibly fearful about what would happen that day.

Because the people were able to go out and vote, because they saw the insurgents only had so much capability, that there was a limit to it, that it wasn't as bad as peoples' fears, if you like, there was some sort of a psychological watershed. Certainly not a watershed in the battle against the insurgents in the Iraqi government and the U.S. forces here. The insurgents continue with their attacks.

But it seems to have mark a moment for people here that they can get on with their lives in a limited way, that the insurgency continues but that is something that they have to put to one side and enjoy, if I can, perhaps sports or whatever it is they would do outside of their normal routine. And there is more evidence that that is happening here.

So if you will, there has been a psychological watershed. One wouldn't describe it though, as incredibly dramatic. But we do notice that people were uplifted by that day. And really, that optimism created then, despite all the ongoing concerns and they're very real to many people, it has helped improve their outlook, if you will.

KAGAN: Nic Robertson live from Baghdad, just thank you.

SANCHEZ: And once again, just to remind you what we're doing here. We're trying to set up the president's remarks. There's the podium that's already there at McNair -- Fort McNair, I should say, where the president is going to be speaking on the war in terror.

KAGAN: And we expect to hear from him in just a few minutes. We're going to go ahead and fit in a short break right now. We're back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you all. Please be seated.

It is great to be back to this fine university. Many great military leaders of the 20th century, from Dwight Eisenhower to Colin Powell, studied on this campus.

And today, the National Defense University is training a new generation of leaders who will serve and defend this nation in a new century.

Americans are grateful for your devotion to duty and so is your commander in chief.

(APPLAUSE)

I am honored that two influential and important members of the United States Congress have joined us. First, Senator Joe Lieberman, a strong defender of freedom.

Thank you for coming, Senator.

(APPLAUSE)

And the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Proud you're here, Duncan. Thank you for coming.

(APPLAUSE)

In the midst of what we hope will be the final snow blizzard of 2005, I'm honored you two men slushed here to this event.

I appreciate very much Lieutenant General Michael Dunn (ph) and his wife Pam for greeting me and for serving our nation.

I want to thank all the National Defense University students for being here.

I appreciate the staff for joining us.

I want to thank the members of the diplomatic corps who have come today.

It is an honor to see you all again.

I want to thank my fellow Americans for caring about the subject of peace. And that's what I'm here to discuss.

We meet at a time of great consequence for the security of our nation, a time when the defense of freedom requires the advance of freedom, a time with echoes in our history.

Twice in six decades a sudden attack on the United States launched our country into a global conflict and began a period of serious reflection on America's place in the world.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor taught America that unopposed tyranny, even on faraway continents, could draw our country into a struggle for our own survival. And our reflection on that lesson led us to help build peaceful democracies in the ruins of tyranny, to unite free nations in the NATO alliance, and to establish a firm commitment to peace in the Pacific that continues to this day.

BUSH: The attacks of September 11, 2001, also revealed the outlines of a new world.

In one way that assault was the culmination of decades of escalating violence: from the killing of U.S. Marines in Beirut, to the bombing at the World Trade Center, to the attacks on American embassies in Africa, to the attacks on the USS Cole.

In another way, September the 11th provided a warning of future dangers, of terror networks aided by outlaw regimes and ideologies that incite the murder of the innocent, and biological and chemical and nuclear weapons that multiply destructive power.

Like an earlier generation, America is answering new dangers with firm resolve. No matter how long it takes, no matter how difficult the task, we will fight the enemy and lift the shadow of fear and lead free nations to victory.

(APPLAUSE)

Like an earlier generation, America's pursuing a clear strategy with our allies to achieve victory.

Our immediate strategy is to eliminate terrorist threats abroad so we do not have to face them here at home.

The theory here is straightforward: Terrorists are less likely to endanger our security if they're worried about their own security.

When terrorists spend their day struggling to avoid death or capture they are less capable of arming and training to commit new attacks.

BUSH: We will keep the terrorists on the run until they have nowhere left to hide.

In three and a half years, the United States and our allies have waged a campaign of global scale, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the border regions of Pakistan, to the Horn of Africa, to the islands of the Philippines, to the plains of north-central Iraq.

The Al Qaeda terror network that attacked our country -- it still has leaders, but many of its top commanders have been removed. There are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists, but their number has declined. There's still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction, but no longer without attention and without consequence.

Our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many and intimidate us all. We will stay on the offensive against them until the fight is won.

(APPLAUSE)

Members of our military are undertaking difficult missions in some of the most dangerous and desolate parts of the world. These volunteers know the risks they face and they know the cause they serve. As one Marine sergeant put it, "I never want my children to experience what we saw in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania." He said, "If we can eliminate whatever threat we can on foreign soil, I would rather do it there than have it come home to us."

In this vital cause, some of our men and women in uniform have fallen. Some have returned home with terrible injuries.

BUSH: And all who sacrifice will have the permanent gratitude of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

In this war on terror America is not alone. Many governments have awakened to the dangers we share and have begun to take serious action.

Global terror requires a global response and America is more secure today because dozens of other countries have stepped up to the fight.

We're more secure because Pakistani forces captured more than 100 extremists across the country last year, including operatives who were plotting attacks against the United States.

We're more secure because Britain arrested an Al Qaeda operative who had provided detailed casing reports on American targets to senior Al Qaeda leaders.

We're more secure because German authorities arrested extremists who were planning attacks against U.S. and coalition targets in Iraq.

We're more secure because the Philippines' new anti-terrorism task force has helped capture more than a dozen terrorist suspects, including seven members of Al Qaeda and affiliated networks.

We're more secure because Poland is leading a 15-nation multinational division in Iraq and forces from 23 countries have given their lives in the struggle against terrorists and insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Our allies in the war on terror are making tough decisions and are taking risks and they're losing lives. These countries have proven themselves trusted friends and reliable allies.

So I urge the Congress to pass the solidarity initiative I have proposed to stand by the countries that are standing by us in the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Our strategy to keep the peace in the longer term is to help change the conditions that give rise to extremism and terror, especially in the broader Middle East.

Parts of that region have been caught for generations in the cycle of tyranny and despair and radicalism.

When a dictatorship controls the political life of a country, responsible opposition cannot develop and dissent is driven underground and toward the extreme.

And to draw attention away from their social and economic failures, dictators place blame on other countries and other races and stir the hatred that leads to violence.

This status quo of despotism and anger cannot be ignored or appeased, kept in a box or bought off.

Because we have witnessed how the violence in that region can easily reach across borders and oceans, the entire world has an urgent interest in the progress and hope and freedom in the broader Middle East.

The advance of hope in the Middle East requires new thinking in the region.

By now it should be clear that authoritarian rule is not the wave of the future, it is the last gasp of a discredited past.

It should be clear that free nations escape stagnation and grow stronger with time because they encourage the creativity and enterprise of their people.

It should be clear that economic progress requires political modernization, including honest representative government and the rule of law.

BUSH: And it should be clear that no society can advance with only half of its talent and energy. And that demands the full participation of women.

(APPLAUSE)

The advance of hope in the Middle East also requires new thinking in the capitals of great democracies, including Washington, D.C.

By now it should be clear that decades of excusing and accommodating tyranny in the pursuit of stability have only led to injustice and instability and tragedy.

It should be clear that the advance of democracy leads to peace because governments that respect the rights of their people also respect the rights of their neighbors.

It should be clear that the best antidote to radicalism and terror is the tolerance and hope kindled in free societies.

And our duty is now clear: For the sake of our long-term security, all free nations must stand with the forces of democracy and justice that have begun to transform the Middle East.

Encouraging democracy in that region is a generational commitment. It's also a difficult commitment, demanding patience and resolve when the headlines are good and when the headlines aren't so good.

Freedom has determined enemies who show no mercy for the innocent and no respect for the rules of warfare.

Many societies in the region struggle with poverty and illiteracy. Many rulers in the region have long-standing habits of control. Many people in the region have deeply ingrained habits of fear.

For all of these reasons, the chances of democratic progress in the broader Middle East have seemed frozen in place for decades. Yet at last, clearly and suddenly, the thaw has begun.

The people of Afghanistan have embraced free government after suffering under one of the most backward tyrannies on Earth.

The voters in Iraq defied threats of murder and have set their country on a path to full democracy. The people of the Palestinian territories cast their ballots against violence and corruption of the past.

And any who doubt the appeal of freedom in the Middle East can look to Lebanon, where the Lebanese people are demanding a free and independent nation.

BUSH: In the words of one Lebanese observer, "Democracy is knocking at the door of this country. And if it's successful in Lebanon, it is going to ring the doors of every Arab regime."

Across the Middle East, a critical mass of events is taking that region in a hopeful new direction. Historic changes have many causes, yet these changes have one factor in common. A businessmen in Beirut recently said, "We have removed the mask of fear. We're not afraid anymore."

Pervasive fear is the foundation of every dictatorial regime, the prop that holds up all power not based on consent. And when the regime of fear is broken and the people find their courage and find their voice, democracy is their goal and tyrants themselves have reason to fear.

(APPLAUSE)

History is moving quickly and leaders in the Middle East have important choices to make.

The world community, including Russia and Germany and France and Saudi Arabia and the United States, has presented the Syrian government with one of those choices: to end its nearly 30-year occupation of Lebanon or become even more isolated from the world.

The Lebanese people have heard the speech by the Syrian president. They've seen these delaying tactics and half measures before. The time has come for Syria to fully implement Security Council Resolution 1559. All Syrian military forces and intelligence personnel must withdraw before the Lebanese elections for those elections to be free and fair.

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The elections in Lebanon must be fully and carefully monitored by international observers.

The Lebanese people have the right to determine their future free from domination by a foreign power. The Lebanese people have the right to choose their own parliament this spring free of intimidation.

BUSH: And that new government will have the help of the international community in building sound political, economic and military institutions so the great nation of Lebanon can move forward in security and freedom.

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Today I have a message for the people of Lebanon: All the world is witnessing your great movement of conscience. Lebanon's future belongs in your hands. And by your courage Lebanon's future will be in your hands.

The American people are on your side. Millions across the Earth are on your side. The momentum of freedom is on your side. And freedom will prevail in Lebanon.

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America and other nations are also aware that the recent terrorist attack in Tel Aviv was conducted by a radical Palestinian group headquartered in Damascus.

Syria as well as Iran has a long history of supporting terrorist groups determined to sow division and chaos in the Middle East. And there's every possibility they will try this strategy again.

The time has come for Syria and Iran to stop using murder as a tool of policy and to end all support for terrorism.

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In spite of attacks by extremists, the world is seeing hopeful progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There's only one outcome that will end the tyranny, danger, violence and hopelessness and meet the aspirations of all people in the region.

BUSH: We seek two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

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And that goal is within reach if all of the parties meet their responsibilities and if terrorism is brought to an end.

Arab states must end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, stop their support for extremist education, and establish normal relations with Israel.

Israel must freeze settlement activity, help the Palestinians build a thriving economy and ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable with contiguous territory on the West Bank.

Palestinian leaders must fight corruption, encourage free enterprise, rest true authority with the people and actively confront terrorist groups.

The bombing in Tel Aviv is a reminder that the fight against terrorists is critical to the search for peace and for Palestinian statehood.

In an interview last week, Palestinian President Abbas strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv declaring, quote, "ending violence and security chaos is, first and foremost, a Palestinian interest."

He went on to say, "We cannot build the foundations of a state without the rule of law and public order."

President Abbas is correct, and so the United States will help the Palestinian Authority build the security services that current peace and future statehood require, security forces which are effective, responsive to civilian control, and dedicated to fighting terror and upholding the rule of law.

BUSH: We will coordinate with the government of Israel, with neighbors such as Egypt and Jordan, and with other donors to ensure that Palestinians get the training and equipment they need.

The United States is determined to help the parties remove obstacles to progress and move forward in practical ways so we can seize this moment for peace in the Holy Land.

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In other parts of the Middle East, we're seeing small but welcome steps. Saudi Arabia's recent municipal elections were the beginning of reform that may allow greater participation in the future.

Egypt has now the prospect of competitive, multi-party elections for president in September.

Like all free elections, these require freedom of assembly, multiple candidates, free access by those candidates to the media and the right to form political parties. Each country in the Middle East will take a different path of reform and every nation that starts on that journey can know that America will walk at its side.

(APPLAUSE) Progress in the Middle East is threatened by weapons of mass destruction and their proliferation. Today Great Britain, France and Germany are involved in a difficult negotiation with Iran aimed at stopping its nuclear weapons program.

We want our allies to succeed, because we share the view that Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons would be destabilizing and threatening to all of Iran's neighbors.

The Iranian regime should listen to the concerns of the world and listen to the voice of the Iranian people who long for their liberty and want their country to be a respected member of the international community.

BUSH: We look forward to the day when Iran joins in the hopeful changes taking place across the region. We look forward to the day when the Iranian people are free.

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Iran and other nations have an example in Iraq. The recent elections have begun a process of debate and coalition-building unique in Iraqi history and inspiring to see.

Iraq's leaders are forming a government that will oversee the next and critical stage in Iraq's political transition: the writing of a permanent constitution.

This process must take place without external influence. The shape of Iraq's democracy must be determined by the Iraqis themselves.

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Iraq's democracy, in the long run, must also be defended by Iraqis themselves.

Our goal is to help Iraqi security forces move toward self- reliance. And they're making daily progress.

Iraqi forces were the main providers of security at about 5,000 polling places in the January elections. Our coalition is providing equipment and training to the new Iraqi military, yet they bring a spirit all of their own.

Last month, when soldiers of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment were on combat patrol north of Baghdad, one of their Humvees fell into a canal and Iraqi troops came to the rescue, plunging into the water again and again until the last American was recovered.

The Army colonel in charge of the unit said, "When I saw those Iraqis in the water fighting to save their American brothers, I saw a glimpse of the future of this country."

BUSH: One Iraqi soldier commented, "These people have come 10,000 miles to help my country. They've left their families and their children. If we can give them something back, just a little, we can show our thanks."

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America is proud to defend freedom in Iraq. And America is proud to stand with the brave Iraqis as they defend their own freedom.

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Three and a half years ago, the United States mourned our dead, gathered our resolve and accepted a mission. We made a decision to stop threats to the American people before they arrive on our shores and we have acted on that decision.

We're also determined to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

This objective will not be achieved easily or all at once or primarily by force of arms. We know that freedom by definition must be chosen and that the democratic institutions of other nations will not look like our own.

Yet we also know that our security increasingly depends on the hope and progress of other nations now simmering in despair and resentment.

BUSH: And that hope and progress is found only in the advance of freedom.

This advance is a consistent theme of American strategy, from the 14 Points, to the Four Freedoms, to the Marshall Plan, to the Reagan doctrine.

Yet the success of this approach does not depend on grand strategy alone. We are confident that the desire for freedom, even when repressed for generations, is present in every human heart.

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And that desire can emerge with sudden power to change the course of history.

Americans, of all people, should not be surprised by freedom's power. A nation founded on the universal claim of individual rights should not be surprised when other people claim those rights.

Those who place their hope in freedom may be attacked and challenged, but they will not ultimately be disappointed, because freedom is the design of humanity and freedom is the direction of history.

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In our time, America has been attacked, America has been challenged. Yet the uncertainty and sorrow and sacrifice of these years have not been in vain. Millions have gained their liberty and millions more have gained the hope of liberty that will not be denied. The trumpet of freedom has been sounded and that trumpet never calls retreat.

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Before history is written in books, it is written in courage: the courage of honorable soldiers, the courage of oppressed peoples, the courage of free nations in difficult tasks.

Our generation is fortunate to live in a time of courage, and we are proud to serve in freedom's cause.

May God bless you all.

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KAGAN: We've been listening to President Bush as he gives a speech on the Middle East, on the growing democracy movement and also on the war on terror. President Bush making a number of points about countries that are in the news right now, including Syria, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Basically, the main theme, the president saying this is a advance of hope in the Middle East.

Let's listen to one of his comments.

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BUSH: Freedom has determined enemies who show no mercy for the innocent and no respect for the rules of warfare. Many societies in the region struggle with poverty and illiteracy, many rulers in the region have longstanding habits of control. Many people in the region have deeply ingrained habits of fear. For all these reasons, the chance of Democratic progress in the broader Middle East have seemed frozen in place for decades, yet at last, clearly and suddenly, the thaw has begun.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: A number of audiences listening in today as President Bush gave that speech from Washington, D.C.

Let's bring in our senior editor on Arab affairs, Octavia Nasr, to talk about one of those audiences, and that is the Arab world. While we were sitting here listening to the speech, you were also monitoring was Arab media was doing with the speech, what they were picking up on, and even more importantly, how they were carrying that versus other news of the day.

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right. As you know and we've been reporting all morning, there's a huge demonstration taking place in Beirut, Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to -- in support of Syria. The interesting thing, Arab media -- and we were monitoring Al Jazeera, Al Arabia (ph) and LBC, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation -- they all took the president live. Totally on the president. No pictures of the demonstration as he was speaking, which is very indicative of the high level of importance for the Middle East. Usually the Arab networks would do what we call the big window, small window, showing the president and maybe whatever the event going on. In this case, clearly sending a message loud and clear that this is a lot more important than the demonstration taking place in Lebanon.

KAGAN: Real quickly, I want to get in this point, because the president kind of drew a line in the sand about the Syrian/Lebanese situation. He mentioned 1559. He had given a specific date now by what time he expects all Syrian troops to be out of Lebanon.

NASR: Right. The question has been is Syria going to withdraw out of Lebanon based on the Taif Agreement, which effectively ended the civil war back in 1990 or is it going to withdraw out of Lebanon based on U.N. Resolution 1559, which was passed last year in 2004 at the U.N.? And the president made it so clear, crystal clear, as a matter of fact, that he expects Syria to withdraw out of Lebanon based on 1559. And he expects all the troops to withdraw out of Lebanon by the elections, the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are to take place in May.

This was a very clear president. He obviously didn't want to leave any room for questions about what he said because, as you know, over the weekend when the Syrian president spoke to parliament, he left everybody wondering what he really meant. Did he talk about full withdrawal, a partial withdrawal based on 1559? This is a U.S. president sending a clear message here.

Another clear message that he sent out, he applauded the Lebanese people for their courage. He spoke a lot of courage. He definitely understands that what the opposition did in Lebanon is not something simple, that it takes a lot of courage to take to the streets and called for the downing of the government that has been in place for so many years, for about 15, 16 years and also asking for Syria, that has been in total control of Lebanon for all this time. So he applauded these people, totally ignored the demonstration taking place today that was called by Hezbollah and stayed very focused on sending a message to Syria. Out of Lebanon by May. Very clear.

KAGAN: Octavia Nasr, thank you for that, for that insight. We also have correspondents all around the world at the White House. Much more on the president's speech just ahead. Right now, a quick break.

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SANCHEZ: President George Bush has just spoken on a variety of issues, none so prominent as what he had to say about the situation between the Syrians and the Lebanese. Why? Because of what is happening today in Beirut, Lebanon. Huge protests there in part against the United States, and we bring this to the forefront because it also transposes what the president's own words -- the president, essentially, telling the Syrians that they have to get out of Lebanon by May. That's when there are going to be elections in Lebanon. This is important.

In fact, we're going to get to Brent Sadler in a minute. He's standing by there in Beirut, Lebanon. First, let's listen to the president's own words. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: All the world is witnessing your great movement of conscience. Lebanon's future belongs in your hands. And by your courage, Lebanon's future will be in your hands. The American people are on your side. Millions across the earth are on your side. The momentum of freedom is on your side. And freedom will prevail in Lebanon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANCHEZ: For freedom to prevail, they have to have free elections. The president says for those elections to truly be free, the Syrians have to get out. Now, remember, those elections are in May. How does this play on the streets of Beirut? For that, let's go to our international correspondent Brent Sadler. He is standing by now. Brent, over to you.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, Rick. Those words from U.S. president George W. Bush will be music to the hears, doubtless, of the political opposition here who have been waging their own battle for freedom in the three weeks since the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. But those same words are likely to antagonize the many, many tens of thousands of pro-Syrian supporters who showed themselves in force on the streets of Beirut just a couple of blocks away from where we've seen those anti-Syrian protests.

The demonstration rally we saw today in support of Syria by Lebanese was called by the Hezbollah, Islamic resistance group as its called here in Lebanon, labeled a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. Hezbollah really will be attempting to use the strength of numbers on the streets of Lebanon to show that it will reject forcefully the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 that President Bush specifically referred to in his speech that calls, he says, for an immediate and complete withdrawal of all Syrian troops and intelligence forces from Lebanon. And that, at the moment, is not happening.

We are seeing a redeployment of Syrian forces to align closer to the Syrian border, but no commitment to any numbers of troops actually quitting this country. And a decision on that deferred for at least one month. President Bush saying that there must be an atmosphere for free and fair elections to take place in the Lebanese spring. That's by March, the 15th, that's the constitutional date. A key date by which time President Bush says 1559 should have been implemented.

Those who are on the streets denouncing U.S. policy, denouncing 1559. They say what Syria is doing, in line with Taif Accord that ended Lebanon's civil war some 15 years ago, that should supersede 1559. Complicated, I know, but basically, those on the streets today against U.S. trying to push through 1559 at the expense, they say, of Syria and Lebanon -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Brent, you're there, and maybe you can help do this for us here, looking at it from the perspective of the United States by somewhat getting into the heads of these people, these tens of thousands of people that we see there on the streets protesting.

I come from a totalitarian country, Brent, so I know that sometimes just because you're protesting doesn't necessarily mean you believe what you're saying. Are those people there on the streets there of their own volition? Is this in part orchestrated? And if you were to be able to talk to those people in the privacy of their homes and ask them would you like to Syrians out, what answer would they give you?

SADLER: Rick, they're being quite clear. And this needs to be understood in the United States. The people out today, many of them, at least all of the ones I spoke to, are quite content to see a Syrian realignment of its military presence here.

They understand that if the Syrians get it wrong, that could really cause trouble here in Lebanon. A factious, very delicately- balanced religious community, some 18 religions here, people here that were in this rally we saw earlier, are OK about a Syrian redeployment, a Syrian pullout. Perhaps not all; the majority, yes. But they still want to see a Syrian relationship with this country.

So, at the same time, you have Hezbollah demanding rejection of 1559, and that's what is important. These are hard-line loyalists of Hezbollah who have supported the resistance against Israel for decades. So that's the mindset of these people, and there are now completely a chasm between the two sides.

SANCHEZ: Yes. It sounds like lot of things playing -- playing out here. Brent Sadler following that story for us from Beirut. A dramatic day there.

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