Bush likens war against Islamic extremism to fight against fascism
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Wednesday likened America's efforts to quell Islamic extremism in Iraq and Afghanistan to the US fight against fascism during World War II.
During the Second World War, "our nation faced evil men with territorial ambitions and totalitarian aims, who murdered the innocent to achieve their political objectives," Bush said at a commencement speech for new graduates of the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
"Through a combination of military strength and national resolve, and faith in the power of freedom, we defeated these adversaries -- and secured the peace for millions across the world," Bush told the cheering cadets.
"Now, in the 21st century, our nation is once again contending with an ideology that seeks to sow anger and hatred and despair -- the ideology of Islamic extremism," said Bush, who earlier this month asked the US Congress for 70 billion dollars to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into early next year, when his successor takes over.
Bush has said that the United States faces a "long struggle" on both fronts, but has insisted that "good progress" has been made in bringing democracy and stability to both war-ravaged countries.
"In today's struggle, we are once again facing evil men who despise freedom, and despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule. And once again, our nation is called to defeat these adversaries -- and secure the peace for millions across the world.
"And once again, our enemies will be no match for the men and women of the United States Air Force," the US leader said.
"After World War II we helped Germany and Japan build free societies and strong economies," he told the freshly-minted air force officers.
"These efforts took time and patience, and as a result Germany and Japan grew in freedom and prosperity. Germany and Japan once were our enemies and are now allies of the United States," he added.
"People across the world have reaped the benefits from our alliance. Today we must do the same in Afghanistan and Iraq, and by helping these young democracies grow in freedom and prosperity we will lay the foundations of peace for the generations to come."