Bush cites oil in Iraq as reason for fighting [View All]

[ECH1969]

President Bush answered growing anti-war protests yesterday with a fresh reason for American forces to continue fighting in Iraq: protection of the country's vast oil fields that he said would otherwise fall under the control of terrorists.

Appearing at the Naval Air Station North Island to commemorate the anniversary of the Allies' victory over Japan in World War II, Bush compared his resolve now to that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940s. He said that America's mission in Iraq is to turn it into a democratic ally just as the U.S. did with Japan after its surrender in 1945.

"We will not rest until victory is America's and our freedom is secure" from al-Qaida and its forces in Iraq led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Bush said. "If Zarqawi and bin Laden gain control of Iraq, they would create a new training ground for future terrorist attacks. They'd seize oil fields to fund their ambitions. They could recruit more terrorists by claiming a historic victory over the United States and our coalition."

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