In his final press conference, Bush admits that his optimistic Iraq speech before 'Mission Accomplished' banner in 2003 was wrong
In his final press conference, Bush admits that his optimistic Iraq speech before 'Mission Accomplished' banner in 2003 was wrong
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far from over: Bush declared major combat operations in Iraq over in 2003 in front of this now-infamous banner on an aircraft carrier. file pic |
US President George W Bush admitted yesterday that it had been a mistake in 2003 to hang a banner saying "mission accomplished" on an aircraft carrier as he declared major combat operations in Iraq over.
"Clearly, putting a 'mission accomplished' on an aircraft carrier was a mistake," Bush said when asked at what is likely to be his final press conference about what he would have done differently during his eight years in office.
The conflict in Iraq launched with the US-led invasion in March 2003 is now approaching its sixth anniversary and thousands of US troops remain in the country.
After starting what he called "the ultimate exit interview" with a lengthy and personalised thank-you to the reporters in the room who have covered him over the eight years of his presidency, Bush showed anger at times when presented with some of the main criticisms of his time in office.
He particularly became indignant when asked about America's bruised image overseas. "I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said.
With the Iraq war in its sixth year, he most aggressively defended his decisions on that issue, which will define his presidency like no other. There have been over 4,000 US deaths since the invasion and toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003. He said that "not finding weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment."
