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I know many Americans are not satisfied with the situation in Iraq. I'm not satisfied, either. And that is why we're taking new steps to help secure Baghdad, and constantly adjusting our tactics across the country to meet the changing threat. But we cannot allow our dissatisfaction to turn into disillusionment about our purpose in this war. We must not look at every success of the enemy as a mistake on our part, cause for an investigation, or a reason to call for our troops to come home. We must not fall prey to the sophisticated propaganda by the enemy, who is trying to undermine our confidence and make us believe that our presence in Iraq is the cause of all its problems

George W. Bush#224

WarStrategyIraqPropagandaResolveMorale

About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush acknowledges dissatisfaction with Iraq but urges continued commitment, warning against enemy propaganda undermining confidence.
In plain terms
Despite problems in Iraq, he calls for staying the course and not losing faith.
What can you take from it?
Do not let setbacks destroy confidence in a mission.

Where it applies

  • war support
  • public opinion
  • military strategy

Putting it to work

  • maintain public support
  • counter opposition narratives

Questions to consider

  • How to sustain support amid setbacks?
  • What counts as propaganda versus reality?

Another view

Dismisses valid concerns about war outcomes as propaganda.

More from George W. Bush

  1. I know the American people understand the stakes in Iraq. They want to win. They will support the war as long as they see a path to victory. Americans can have…

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  2. If I did not think our mission in Iraq was vital to America's security, I'd bring our troops home tomorrow. I met too many wives and husbands who have lost the…

    Permalink to quote #225
  3. If there's any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it's flawed logic. It's just - I s…

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