WASHINGTON - U.S. President George W. Bush says a new government in Iraq – once Saddam Hussein has been removed – will help to bring peace and stability to the Middle East.
Bush said his reason for taking a tough stand against the Iraqi regime is simple.
"The safety of the American people depends on ending this direct and growing threat," Bush told the conservative American Enterprise Institute. "Acting against the danger will also contribute greatly to the long-term safety and stability of our world … America's interests in security, and America's belief in liberty, both lead in the same direction: to a free and peaceful Iraq." Bush's comments come amid high tensions over Iraq's al-Samoud short-range missiles. United Nations weapons inspectors say the missiles violate U.N. resolutions and must be destroyed by Saturday. 

On Thursday, Iraq said it would have its response to that order within two days. In his speech, Bush said the world has "a clear interest in the spread of democratic values because stable and free nations do not breed the ideologies of murder; they encourage the peaceful pursuit of a better life … A new regime in Iraq would serve as a dramatic and inspiring example of freedom for other nations of the region..."From Morocco to Bahrain and beyond, nations are taking genuine steps toward political reform. A new regime in Iraq would serve as dramatic and inspiring example of freedom for other nations in the region," he said.

Bush also looked ahead at what to expect after Saddam is removed from power. "Any future the people of Iraq choose for themselves will be better than the nightmare world that Saddam Hussein has chosen for them," he said. The U.S., said Bush, is committed to rebuilding Iraq. "We will remain in Iraq as long as necessary, and not a day more … After defeating enemies, we did not leave behind occupying armies, we left constitutions and parliaments." Bush said ending Saddam's dictatorship will change Iraq in the same way Germany and Japan were changed... after the Second World War, despite fears those societies weren't able to sustain democratic values. "Some say the same of Iraq today," Bush said. "They are mistaken. The nation of Iraq, with its proud heritage, abundant resources, and skilled and educated people, is fully capable of moving toward democracy and living in freedom."

On Wednesday, U.S. officials said Saudi Arabia has agreed to expanded co-operation in the event of a war against Iraq. The offer means use of the U.S.-built Prince Sultan Air Base, where an air war command would be set up. The Saudis will also allow U.S.-led forces to fly refueling aircraft, surveillance planes and radar aircraft from Saudi airfields. In addition, there are reports Saudi Arabia has promised to increase its daily oil production should Iraq's oil production end as a result of a war.

During the 1991 Gulf War, Saudi Arabia played the biggest role of any country in the region, housing an allied command centre and a base for ground and air operations. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder traveled to Moscow Wednesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders dismissed the draft resolution presented to the Security Council this week, which paves the way for military action in Iraq. Putin said the U.S. plan is "a bad solution." He says Russia is ready to talk to its colleagues, but not ready to fight.

Written by CBC News Online Staff