U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday defended his administration's approach in the war on terror, acknowledging some setbacks in Afghanistan, but predicting eventual victory for international troops in the country over resurgent Taliban forces. In a speech to the Reserve Officers Association, Bush attacked critics who make a case that, by fighting the terrorists, we are making our people less secure here at home. This argument buys into the enemy's propaganda that the terrorists attack us because we are provoking them, he said. The president admitted some disappointment about progress in Afghanistan. The training of the Afghan police has not gone as smoothly as the army, Bush said, citing corruption and substandard leadership. But, he said, "we have made our concerns known. When we see a problem, we adjust, we change." Bush also lauded a NATO (Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization) decision to assume command in Afghanistan, and praised the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. His government is beginning to win the hearts of the people, Bush said. The enemy understands what we are doing and they don't like it. Today's speech is one in a number Bush has given on the war on terror in recent weeks. Congressional elections in November are expected to focus on national security. Bush was greeted warmly by the military audience. We are safer because you stand ready to put on the uniform, he told the reservists.
