`Bring on' attacks, Bush says

Jul. 3, 2003. 01:00 AM

The Toronto Star

MSNBC COVER POTO July 2, 2003)
(Click here to see GFP Flash and to hear quote)

Talks tough on Iraqi resistance to U.S.

Also poised to send marines to Liberia

TIM HARPER WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON—President George W. Bush appeared to invite further attacks on American troops in Iraq yesterday, challenging resistance fighters to take on his "plenty tough" soldiers occupying the country.

"Bring 'em on," the president said. The statement immediately drew criticism as an unnecessary show of bravado on behalf of soldiers who are said to be fatigued and demoralized, facing a highly volatile situation.

Even as he was talking tough on Iraq, Bush was considering committing more soldiers to a war zone in Liberia, a risky move that has caused much nervousness in some quarters of the U.S. administration that foresee another Somalia for beleaguered U.S. troops.

A number of U.S. media outlets reported yesterday that Bush is on the verge of sending about 1,000 Marines to lead a peacekeeping mission to Liberia.

more...

NY Post

July 3, 2003

"...It was a return to the tough Texas rhetoric that once had Bush - to the distress of wife Laura - vowing to get terror kingpin Osama bin Laden "dead or alive," a pledge that has yet to be fulfilled.

Democrats quickly accused Bush of irresponsibly inciting new attacks on U.S. troops.

"I am shaking my head in disbelief. When I served in the Army in Europe during World War II, I never heard any military commander - let along the commander-in-chief - invite enemies to attack U.S. troops," fumed Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.)..."

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