United States President George W Bush has justified the continuance of US forces in trouble- torn Iraq arguing that a hasty withdrawal from there would result in Washington losing credibility and emboldening its enemies.
Bush said a premature withdrawal would have multiple implications for the US including loss of credibility, a defeat in the ideological struggle of the 21st century and an enemy following to the streets of America from the streets of Baghdad.
"If we leave before Iraq can defend itself and govern itself and sustain itself, this will be a key defeat for the US in this ideological struggle of the 21st century.
"If we leave before this young democracy has its roots firmly in place, so that an example of liberty flourishes in a region that's so desperate for something other than a society that's caused resentment and hopelessness, if we leave it will embolden the enemy," Bush said at a fund raiser for Senator Orrin Hatch in Utah.
"The enemy has said this is the front in the war on terror. That's what they have proclaimed. They'll become even more bold. If we leave before the job is done, we'll help create a terrorist state in the heart of the Middle East that will have control of huge oil reserves.
{{/usCountry}}"The enemy has said this is the front in the war on terror. That's what they have proclaimed. They'll become even more bold. If we leave before the job is done, we'll help create a terrorist state in the heart of the Middle East that will have control of huge oil reserves.
{{/usCountry}}Emphasising that the US will lose its credibility if it withdraws from Iraq, "people will look at our words as empty words. People will not trust the judgment and the leadership of the United States."