| Dubya needs to do this two or three times a week. |
In a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations, Bush cited Mosul and Najaf as examples of cities where reconstruction efforts are progressing. âOver the course of this war we have learned that winning the battle for Iraqi cities is only the first step. We also have to win the battle after the battle, by helping Iraqis consolidate their gains and keep the terrorists from returning,â Bush said.
Construction jobs are putting local residents back to work in Najaf, the hospital is open and elected officials are in charge of the cityâs government, Bush said. In Mosul, he said, local Iraqi leaders have upgraded key roads and bridges over the Tigris River, rebuilt schools and hospitals, improved the cityâs water and sewage network, and begun refurbishing the airport.
But he said Mosul still is not receiving enough electricity and militant intimidation is still a concern. âFor two and half years the Iraqi people have made amazing progress. They have gone from living under the boot of a brutal tyrant to liberation to free elections to a democratic constitution,â Bush said.