President Bush Indicates American Forces Won't Leave Iraq During His Presidency

By Scott McLean

The longer the Iraq War goes on the more questions come to mind, the foremost being when will all the American troops come home.

President Bush in Tuesday's press conference refrained from specifics but gave the impression that America's military forces would remain in Iraq beyond the completion of his term in office, January 2009 when the next president is sworn into office.

According to the press conference transcripts released by the White House, the president indicated there would be American troops in Iraq until after his presidency.

The following is a quote from the president on when military forces would leave Iraq:

"That, of course, is an objective, and that will be decided by future Presidents and future governments of Iraq," President Bush said.

Bush cited changes in military strategies needed to combat terrorists, the ongoing liberation of Iraq and efforts to prevent terrorists from making Iraq a "safe haven" as reasons for the prolonged American military commitment.