Bush calls for patience on Iraq

President George Bush today asked Americans to be patient with the military mission in Iraq as he faced a weekend of boisterous anti-war rallies planned in his hometown of Crawford in Texas and a new survey showing less than half of those polled supported his Iraq policy.

“Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed,” Bush said in his weekly radio address.

He gave no sign of dismay at serious snags in Iraq’s democratic process.

In Baghdad, the Shiite-dominated constitution committee planned to submit an amended draft to Iraq’s parliament this weekend despite opposition from minority Sunni Arabs who rejected a proposed compromise. One Sunni negotiator, Saleh al-Mutlaq, called on Iraqis to reject it in an October 15 referendum.

But Bush showed only confidence that the problems would be overcome, saying a new democratic constitution “will be a landmark event” in the Mideast.

“Like our own nation’s founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the federal government,” he said, referring to a dispute between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.

Sunnis fear that federalism, demanded by the Shiites and Kurds, would not only establish a giant Shiite state in southern Iraq but also encourage future bids by the Kurds to expand their region into northern oil-producing areas.

That would leave the Sunnis cut off from Iraq’s oil wealth in the north and south. More than a million Sunni Arabs live in areas dominated by Shiites.

“What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these issues through debate and discussion – not at the barrel of a gun,” Bush said.

The president also hailed Israel’s “courageous and painful” removal of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank, linking that move with Iraq’s efforts toward democracy as causes for renewed hope for the broader Middle East.

“People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful,” Bush said.

The president spoke in unusually strong terms about the Palestinians’ obligation to crack down on terrorist attacks in the wake of the Gaza pullout.

“The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way,” he said. ”We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror.”

The radio address devoted to optimism about developments in the region was one of a series of remarks by Bush aimed at countering declining poll standings and questions about how long US troops will be kept in Iraq.

Earlier this week, Bush delivered speeches in Idaho and Utah. He plans a third in San Diego, California, on Tuesday focusing on the war on terror and Iraq - part of a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The president has repeatedly said that the US cannot withdraw from Iraq now, because doing so would dishonour the troops who have perished there, and would endanger America’s security.

“Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve,” he said.

Bush’s recent travels have been shadowed by anti-war activists newly emboldened by the vigil near his Texas ranch in Crawford that was started by Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a slain soldier.

Duelling rallies by supporters of Bush and Sheehan were expected to bring hundreds Saturday to the winding roads outside this tiny central Texas town.

Bush plans to return to Washington on Friday after spending more than four weeks operating from his ranch.