Bush warns of consequences of withdrawal from Iraq

Standing beside Iraq’s interim leader, President George Bush warned today that insurgents could “plot and plan attacks elsewhere, in America and other free nations,” if the US pulled out.

He said his top commander in Iraq has not asked for more troops but if he did, “I’d listen to him.”

After meeting interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Bush said he expects violence in Iraq to escalate as the country moves toward elections scheduled for January. Even so, Allawi said more foreign troops are not needed.

In a clear jab at Democratic opponent John Kerry, Bush said the United States must remain in Iraq to fight insurgents, who he said are part of the global terror threat.

“If we stop fighting the terrorists in Iraq, they would be free to plot and plan attacks elsewhere, in America and other free nations,” Bush said.

General John Abizaid, commander of US troops in the Middle East, said on Wednesday it was possible that more troops would be needed to secure Iraq’s elections, but that Iraqi and perhaps international troops may be able to do the job

Paying his first visit to the White House, Allawi said the past few days have been difficult, marked by the beheadings of two American captives as well as insurgent violence that killed many Iraqis.

Still, he painted an optimistic picture, insisting that elections will be held as scheduled Other Iraqi leaders have expressed concerns that the continuing violence may make it impossible to hold an election in all parts of the country.

No one wants international forces in Iraq longer than necessary, Allawi said. But they are very much needed now.

“There are dangers in Iraq. There are problems. We are facing international terrorists,” Allawi said. “But the Iraqis are not deterred.”

Earlier he addressed both Houses of Congress.

Offering a simple, “Thank you America,” he declared that Iraq is moving successfully past the war that ousted Saddam Hussein and vowed that elections will take place next year as scheduled.

Despite struggles and setbacks, “the values of liberty and democracy” are taking hold in his country, Allawi proudly exclaimed.

Declaring himself “a realist,” Allawi said he was trying to broaden the political process, drawing in as many Iraqi entities as possible, in an effort to weaken the insurgency.

“We Iraqis know that Americans have made and continue to make enormous sacrifices to liberate Iraq, to assure Iraq’s freedom,” Allawi said. “I have come here to thank you and to promise you that your sacrifices are not in vain.”