The Promise

The Promise [Top]

On 17 March 2003, President Bush stated that the United States of America will do following for the Iraqi people:

1) Provide Food
2) Provide Medicine
3) "tear down the apparatus of terror"
4) enhance freedom of speech and expression
5) help build Iraq into a "prosperous and free" nation
6) eliminate "wars of aggression"
7) help Iraq become "an example to all the Middle East of a vital and peaceful and self-governing nation"
8) work to "advance liberty and peace in the region"
9) "overcome hatred and violence, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace."

Expanded Text of The Promise [Top]

This text is taken from the President's address on 17 March 2003.

"We (the United States of America) will deliver the food and medicine you need. We will tear down the apparatus of terror and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free. In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against your neighbors, no more poison factories, no more executions of dissidents, no more torture chambers and rape rooms. ... The day of your liberation is near. . . . we believe the Iraqi people are deserving and capable of human liberty . . . they can set an example to all the Middle East of a vital and peaceful and self-governing nation. The United States, with other countries, will work to advance liberty and peace in that region. Our goal will not be achieved overnight, but it can come over time. The power and appeal of human liberty is felt in every life and every land. And the greatest power of freedom is to overcome hatred and violence, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. That is the future we choose. . . . Good night, and may God continue to bless America." (Excerpts taken from official White House transcript. Received 20030317mo2023 CT). Click here for the full transcript of the President's address.

Additional News of Statements and Promises for Relief [Top]

1. White House: Humanitarian Aid to Iraq is a Top Priority. "Our enemy in this war is the Iraqi regime, not the people who have suffered under it. As we bring justice to a dictator, we have started bringing large amounts of humanitarian aid in to an oppressed land. The United Sates and our Coalition partners are committed to making sure that the Iraqi citizens who have suffered under a brutal tyrant have the food and medicine they need as soon as possible. The Iraqi people will soon see the compassion of the American people and other nations around the world that care deeply about the human condition inside that country. The people of Iraq deserve to stand on their feet as free men and women -- the citizens of a free country." (posted: 20030328fr1916, source: White House News Room communication, received 20030328fr1817, more information at http://www.whitehouse.gov/email)

2. General Franks Reiterates the Presidential Mandate for Immediate Humanitarian Aid and Relief. At 'Camp As Sayliyah' in Qatar, General Franks delivered an urgent briefing and stated the following critical goals of the U.S. presence in the region:
   * To end sanctions and to immediately deliver humanitarian support to the displaced and to many needy Iraqi citizens.
   * To secure Iraq's oil fields and resources, which belong to the Iraqi people.
   * To help the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a representative self-government.
   (20030326we0145, sources: Boston Globe, CBS Channel 2 New York, CBS KPIX Channel 5 San Francisco, Austin American Statesman, Redding.com, MSNBC)

3. Humane Treatment of Soldiers. Regarding the captured U.S. soldiers, President George W. Bush stated, "I do know that we expect them to be treated humanely, just like we'll treat any prisoners of theirs that we capture humanely. I think it's an interesting contrast that a lot of their soldiers welcome American troops, they're surrendering gleefully, happily. And they'll be treated well." (20030323su1200, source: official White House release of remarks by the President, link to full text of original source material) Click here to view photos of humane treatment of soldiers.

4. To Improve Iraq. "We are going to use the assets of Iraq, such as oil, to benefit the people. We will improve Iraq." - Colin Powell (20030321fr1020, source: NBC news)

5. Aid to Refugees. President Bush promised $22 million in aid to Iraqis fleeing as a result of turbulence in the area. (20030320th2202, source: KWWL 7, NBC affiliate)

6. Oil Belongs to People of Iraq. Oil wells in Iraq are "a source of wealth that belongs to the Iraqi people." - President George W. Bush (20030317mo, source ABC news, live)

7. No War Against People of Iraq. President Bush to the citizens of Iraq, "If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country and not against you." (20030317mo, source ABC news, live)

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