The White House, seeking to parallel political progress and the security situation in Iraq, said the formation of a unified government there undermines terrorists actions. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice traveled to Iraq to pledge support for the new government. “The formation of a national unity government is a real blow to the enemy,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters in Washington. “A national unity government that represents all Iraqis is an important milestone for the Iraqi people and the future of Iraq.” McClellan warned that violence in Iraq would continue, “but the formation of the new government was a significant step forward in the political process.”
