DATE=SEPTEMBER 13, 2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-307465

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says the U-S-led invasion of Iraq has made America safer from terrorist attack. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Congressional Democrats say the president has not done enough to protect the country, following the second anniversary of the September 11th attacks in New York and Washington.

TEXT: President Bush says he has a clear strategy in Iraq to destroy terrorist threats, transfer authority to the Iraqi people and enlist international support for rebuilding the country.

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We will fight and defeat the terrorists there, so we don't have to face them in America. And we will help transform Iraq into an example of progress and democracy and freedom that can inspire change and hope throughout the Middle East.

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With U-S troops suffering near-daily casualties in Iraq, public support for the occupation appears to be slipping, with one opinion poll showing nearly 60 percent of Americans do not believe Mr. Bush has a clear plan for handling Iraq.

Two years after the September 11th attacks, the president is also facing criticism from Democrats, who say he has not done enough to properly fund the new Department of Homeland Security. They say the administration has been slow to improve emergency communications and prevent terrorists from entering the country. (SIGNED)

NEB/SKS/TW