The people of Tal Afar have shown that Iraqis do want peace and freedom. And no one should underestimate them.

Freedom will prevail in Iraq. Freedom will prevail in the Middle East.

Many Iraqi units conducted their own anti-terrorist operations and controlled their own battle space.

The situation on the ground remains tense. And, in the face of continued reports about killings and reprisals, I understand how some Americans have had their confidence shaken.

Americans have never retreated in the face of thugs and assassins, and we will not begin now.

I don't think we ever said -- at least I know I didn't say that there was a direct connection between September the 11th and Saddam Hussein.

America is addicted to oil.

By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past.

We believe that democracy is the right of every man and woman in this world. And we understand that history says loud and clear that democracies do not war.

Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.

As Iraqis stand up, we will stand down, and the troop levels in Iraq will not be decided by artificial timetables set in Washington, D.C., but by our commanders on the ground.

I got ample capital, and I'm using it to spread freedom and to protect the American people.