In an address to the nation designed to brace the U.S. for the possibility of war and to deliver an ultimatum to Mr. Hussein, Mr. Bush also warned that there is a possibility that terrorists will use the war as a reason to strike. He said the U.S. was boosting its own security measures, including beefing up protection at airports and seaports. (博讯boxun.com)

   Shortly after the speech, the federal government raised its terror alert level to orange, the second-highest level.

   In an appeal aimed directly at the Iraqi military and the Iraqi people, Mr. Bush urged the military to stand aside and not fight, and he promised to create a new self-governing country.

   Mr. Bush justified his stance on Iraq by saying that in an age when terrorists plot to use chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, the U.S. has the right and the obligation to confront these threats before they materialize.

   With weapons of mass destruction, Mr. Bush said that waiting for an enemy to strike first wasn't a policy but a form of "suicide."

   Making the case for a strike on Iraq, Mr. Bush said: "The danger is clear: using chemical, biological, or one day nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could fulfill their stated ambitions and kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of innocent people in our country or any other."

   "The United States and other nations did nothing to deserve or invite this threat. But we will do everything to defeat it," he added.

   Mr. Bush began his speech by telling the American people that events in Iraq have now reached "the final days of decision," Mr. Bush said.

   The president went on to recount the 12-year effort to get Iraq to disarm, and said that during that time, Iraq has used diplomacy as a way to buy time without disarming.

   Hitting back at critics who have charged that a war with Iraq would be illegal, Mr. Bush asserted the U.S. has all the authority it needs to take action. He cited U.N. Resolutions 678 and 687, which were passed in the early 1990s.

   "The United States and our allies are authorized to use force in ridding Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. This is not a question of authority. It is a question of will," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush also noted the U.S. went to the U.N. again and obtained Resolution 1441, but he charged that some countries have since vowed to veto any move to force Mr. Hussein to disarm. Mr. Bush said these countries lack the will to act in the face of danger.

   "These governments share our assessment of the danger, but not our resolve to meet it," Mr. Bush said.

   The result is "the United Nations Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities. So we will rise to ours," he added.

   Mr. Bush didn't specifically blame any countries for deadlock at the U.N., but White House officials have made it clear they blame France, in particular, for its intransigence.

   While the French have refused to act, Mr. Bush praised governments in the Middle East which have urged Mr. Hussein to leave.

   Mr. Bush laid down his own ultimatum. "Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing. "

   Mr. Bush warned that - "for their own safety" - all foreign nationals, including journalists and weapons inspectors, should leave Iraq immediately.

   Mr. Bush then turned his attention to the Iraqi people themselves and the Iraqi military.

   "Many Iraqis can hear me tonight in a translated radio broadcast, and I have a message for them: If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country and not against you," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush promised that, as U.S. forces sweep into Iraq, they will deliver food and medicine. He also promised that the U.S. will help rebuild the country.

   Mr. Bush also said the U.S. will destroy Mr. Hussein's terror apparatus that has abused the Iraqi people.

   "The tyrant will soon be gone. The day of your liberation is near," Mr. Bush said.

   The president also had some very pointed words for the Iraqi military.

   "It is too late for Saddam Hussein to remain in power. It is not too late for the Iraqi military to act with honor and protect your country, by permitting the peaceful entry of coalition forces to eliminate weapons of mass destruction," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush said that coalition forces will give Iraqi military units clear and specific instructions to avoid being attacked, and he said all Iraqi military units should consider their futures.

   "I urge every member of the Iraqi military and intelligence services, if war comes, do not fight for a dying regime that is not worth your own life," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush then touched on some of the greatest fears that he and other administration officials have.

   "All Iraqi military and civilian personnel should listen carefully to this warning. In any conflict, your fate will depend on your actions. Do not destroy oil wells, a source of wealth that belongs to the Iraqi people. Do not obey any command to use weapons of mass destruction against anyone, including the Iraqi people," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush promised the U.S. will hunt down any Iraqis who commit war crimes and will prosecute them to the fullest extent possible, and he added that it will be no defense to claim they were following orders.

   The goal of the military action and the rebuilding of Iraq will be creating "a vital and peaceful and self-governing nation."

   If and when the U.S. goes to war, it will use the "full force and might" of its military against Mr. Hussein's regime. Mr. Bush said this is the only way to ensure the war is short and casualties are kept to a minimum.

   Mr. Bush also had words of warning for the American people themselves.

   "In desperation, he and terrorist groups might try to conduct terrorist operations against the American people and our friends. These attacks are not inevitable. They are, however, possible. And this very fact underscores the reason we cannot live under the threat of blackmail," Mr. Bush said.

   The Department of Homeland Security is taking action to help defend the country, but Mr. Bush had some cautionary words if terrorist do succeed in their efforts.

   "Should the enemy strike our country, they would be attempting to shift our attention with panic and weaken our morale with fear. In this, they would fail," Mr. Bush said.

   In what was likely a deliberately ambiguous warning, Mr. Bush said the U.S. will not sit back if terrorists do strike.

   "If our enemies dare to strike us, they and all who have aided them will face fearful consequences," Mr. Bush said.

   The president wound up his speech by saying action was needed now and not at some point in the future because of the danger that Mr. Hussein will perfect his weapons.

   "With these capabilities, Saddam Hussein and his terrorist allies could choose the moment of deadly conflict when they are strongest. We choose to meet that threat now, where it arises, before it can appear suddenly in our skies and cities," Mr. Bush said.

   Mr. Bush also said Iraq has trained operatives of al Qaeda. (博讯boxun.com)