Bush urges patience as support for war shrinks

Says 'best way to honor' the Iraq war dead is to complete mission

Sunday, October 30, 2005; Posted: 7:07 a.m. EST (12:07 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- With the American death toll above 2,000, President Bush said Saturday the war in Iraq has required "great sacrifice," but that progress is being made and the United States must remain steadfast.

In his third speech on Iraq this week, Bush sought to shore up flagging support for a war that began March 20, 2003.

"The best way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen troops is to complete the mission and win the war on terror," the president said in his weekly radio address.

"We will train Iraqi security forces and help a newly elected government meet the needs of the Iraqi people. In doing so, we will lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren."
Public support for Bush's handling of Iraq is at its lowest point, 37 percent, roughly where it has been since early August, according to AP-Ipsos polling.