Bush announces troop surge |
January 10, 2007: President Bush announced that the United States would be sending an additional 21,500 troops into combat in Iraq to help the Iraqi government regain control of the capital of Baghdad.[1] In his speech, Bush acknowledged that there weren't enough troops in Iraq to defend the innocent people of Iraq and help the government stay unified.
Bush described the current state of the war by saying, “The situation in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people - and it is unacceptable to me.”[2] Bush described his change in approach as a “new way forward,” with America increasing its presence and programs in Iraq. The United States had actually been increasing the number of troops for about nine months before the announcement.[3]
This announcement was highly controversial among both the Congress and the American public. In a survey conducted by ABC News, 61% of those surveyed were against the president’s plan to increase involvement.[4] After stagnating conditions, many Americans believe that the United States should stop throwing money and troops into this convoluted and controversial conflict.
Democrats in Congress were also against Bush’s pro-war stance. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement saying, “This proposal endangers our national security by placing additional burdens on our already overextended military, thereby making it even more difficult to respond to other crises.”[5] Even some Republicans were worried that the proposal would over-stress the country’s military. Regardless of public opinion, Bush made it clear that he intended to stay in control of the war and do whatever it takes to secure Iraq.
[1] "Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002437.html>.
[2] "Bush: 'We Need to Change Our Strategy in Iraq'" CNN. Cable News Network, 11 Jan. 2003. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/10/bush.transcript/index.html?_s=PM:POLITICS>.
[3] "Timeline: The Iraq Surge, Before and After." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2007. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/thegamble/timeline/>.
[4] “Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq,” Washington Post
[5] “Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq,” Washington Post
Bush described the current state of the war by saying, “The situation in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people - and it is unacceptable to me.”[2] Bush described his change in approach as a “new way forward,” with America increasing its presence and programs in Iraq. The United States had actually been increasing the number of troops for about nine months before the announcement.[3]
This announcement was highly controversial among both the Congress and the American public. In a survey conducted by ABC News, 61% of those surveyed were against the president’s plan to increase involvement.[4] After stagnating conditions, many Americans believe that the United States should stop throwing money and troops into this convoluted and controversial conflict.
Democrats in Congress were also against Bush’s pro-war stance. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement saying, “This proposal endangers our national security by placing additional burdens on our already overextended military, thereby making it even more difficult to respond to other crises.”[5] Even some Republicans were worried that the proposal would over-stress the country’s military. Regardless of public opinion, Bush made it clear that he intended to stay in control of the war and do whatever it takes to secure Iraq.
[1] "Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002437.html>.
[2] "Bush: 'We Need to Change Our Strategy in Iraq'" CNN. Cable News Network, 11 Jan. 2003. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/10/bush.transcript/index.html?_s=PM:POLITICS>.
[3] "Timeline: The Iraq Surge, Before and After." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2007. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/thegamble/timeline/>.
[4] “Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq,” Washington Post
[5] “Bush to Add 21,500 Troops In an Effort to Stabilize Iraq,” Washington Post