the iraq war was worth it. bush.

I bet if one of his poodles hurt one of its paws he wouldn't be saying that.


By TERENCE HUNT,
AP White House Correspondent 26 minutes ago

President Bush says he has no doubts about waging the unpopular war in Iraq despite the "high cost in lives and treasure." He says that retreat now would embolden Iran and provide al-Qaida with money for weapons of mass destruction to attack the United States.

Bush is to mark the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on Wednesday with a speech at the Pentagon. Excerpts of his address were released Tuesday night by the White House.

At least 3,990 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the war in 2003. It has cost taxpayers about $500 billion so far and estimates of the eventual tab run far higher.

The president says successes in Iraq are undeniable, yet some in Washington still call for retreat. He says war critics can no longer credibly argue that the U.S. is losing in Iraq, so they argue the war costs too much.