2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Warns of Challenges Ahead in Iraq After Su

By Paula Wolfson
White House
14 June 2006

President Bush has given the American people an account of his surprise trip to Baghdad.  Just hours after his middle-of-the-night return to Washington, the president held a news conference at the White House.

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George Bush during White House press conference, June 14, 2006
  

President Bush says he was inspired to visit the capital of a free and democratic Iraq, and impressed with what he saw.

He told reporters he had some doubts as to whether Iraq's new leaders had the will to succeed.   He said the only way to ease those doubts was to go to Baghdad and meet them face-to-face.

"Sitting here in America, wondering whether or not, these people have got what it takes creates some uncertainty¹," said Mr. Bush.  "I have eliminated that uncertainty."

Speaking to reporters in the White House Rose Garden, the president repeated the promise he made to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and members of his cabinet.   Mr. Bush said he assured them the United States stands with them.

"I was impressed with the prime minister and I am impressed by his team," he added.  "I told him that America is a nation that meets its commitments and keeps its word.  And that is what we are going to do in Iraq."

George Bush (L) speaks as Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (C) and his Defense² Minister Abdel Kader Jassem al-Obeidi listen during meeting in Baghdad  
  
The president said the Iraqi government is determined³ to succeed, and added that after visiting Baghdad, he is convinced it will meet its goals.   But he admitted the challenges are huge.   Mr. Bush said once again that violence in Iraq will never be completely eliminated.  However, he quickly added it can and must be significantly reduced.

"….and the reason why it is important for the violence to be reduced is, obviously, one, to save lives, but also to give confidence to the Iraqi people that their government will be able to sustain itself and govern itself and meet the needs of the people," he noted⁴.

The president was asked if a reduction in violence could lead to a drawdown in U.S. forces.   He refused to make any commitments, saying any reduction in troops would be determined by the U.S. commander in Iraq, General George Casey, in conjunction with Iraqi defense officials.

He noted that during his visit General Casey provided an update on military matters in Iraq, including the stepped-up security operation just launched in Baghdad and the aftermath of the air raid that killed terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi last week.

"He told me that Iraqi and coalition⁵ forces are still on the offense⁶, that they launched a series of raids on terrorist targets across Iraq," Mr. Bush said.  "We have got new intelligence from those raids that will enable us to keep the pressure on the foreigners and local Iraqis that are killing⁷ innocent lives."

Throughout the roughly hour-long question and answer session, the president appeared upbeat and showed little signs of fatigue⁸, saying it was an exciting trip and that he appreciated the fact he was able to go to Baghdad.

1 uncertainty   

n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物

参考例句：

• Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
• After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后，压力开始产生影响了。

2 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

3 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

6 offense   

n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪

参考例句：

• I hope you will not take any offense at my words. 对我讲的话请别见怪。
• His words gave great offense to everybody present.他的发言冲犯了在场的所有人。

7 killing   

n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财

参考例句：

• Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.投资者准备清仓以便大赚一笔。
• Last week my brother made a killing on Wall Street.上个周我兄弟在华尔街赚了一大笔。

8 fatigue   

n.疲劳，劳累

参考例句：

• The old lady can't bear the fatigue of a long journey.这位老妇人不能忍受长途旅行的疲劳。
• I have got over my weakness and fatigue.我已从虚弱和疲劳中恢复过来了。