During as Press Conference with the Egyptian President, “Secondly, the situation in Iraq has improved. But you’re right, it was a tough week, because of — there was lawlessness and gangs that were trying to take the law in their own hands. These were people that were trying to make a statement prior to the transfer of sovereignty that they would get to decide the fate of Iraq, through violence. A civil society, a peaceful society can’t grow with people who are willing to kill in order to stop progress. And our job is to provide security for the Iraqi people, so that a transition can take place. And that’s what you were seeing.And our job also is to protect American lives. If our soldiers are at risk, they will defend themselves. And I’m proud of the fact that our soldiers did so, mindful that there are innocent Iraqis oftentimes in-between them and an enemy that is shooting at them. We’re a compassionate country that cares about the loss of innocent life. And it grieves us when we see innocent life lost. However, we will defend ourselves.”
– Transcript, “President Bush, Egyptian President Mubarak Meet with Reporters,” George W Bush – White House Archive, April 12, 2004, Accessed 8-16-16