During his speech on freedom and democracy, President George W. Bush stated: “This democracy will need defending. And Iraqi security forces are taking on greater responsibility in the fight against the insurgents and terrorists. Today, more than 145,000 Iraqis have been trained and are serving courageously across Iraq. In recent weeks, they’ve taken the lead in offensive operations in places like Baghdad and Samara and Mosul. We will continue to train Iraqis so they can take responsibility for the security of their country, and then our forces will come home with the honor they’ve earned.”
– Transcript, “President Discusses Freedom and Democracy,” George W. Bush – White House Archives online, Accessed on 9/1/2016