White House Review

Karen P. Hughes, Under Secretary of State, answered questions on the USNS COMFORT, a Navy hospital ship that provides humanitarian relief around the world, exemplifying the “deeds of diplomacy” that demonstrate the compassion of the American people.

President Bush made remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. The President talked about the challenges we face in Iraq against the historic background of our successes in Asia. He described how America’s presence and perseverance in Asia led to a freer, more stable, and more prosperous continent, transforming American enemies into American allies and making the world safer for our citizens. As we face challenges in Iraq today, we do so knowing we have done this kind of transformative work before and the benefits to America made the sacrifices worthwhile.”The greatest weapon in the arsenal of democracy is the desire for liberty written into the human heart by our Creator. So long as we remain true to our ideals, we will defeat the extremists in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will help those countries’ peoples stand up functioning democracies in the heart of the broader Middle East. And when that hard work is done and the critics of today recede from memory, the cause of freedom will be stronger, a vital region will be brighter, and the American people will be safer.”

Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, answered questions on he North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza and our international efforts with our Canadian and Mexican neighbors to protect our citizens against the dual threats of avian and pandemic influenza.