Related Event: Iraq in Transition

US President George W. Bush delivered an evening speech Tuesday, marking the first anniversary of the transfer of power from the US-led coalition to Iraq's interim government. CRI Washington correspondent Zhong Qiu has more on how Bush tried to convince a skeptical nation that the war in Iraq is still worth fighting.

President George W. Bush gave a prime-time televised speech from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where the Army's 82nd Airborne Division is based.

In his speech, Bush again rejected calls for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq or sending more troops.

"Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever."

Bush said establishing a timetable for withdrawing 135,000 American troops would be "a serious mistake" that could demoralize Iraqis and American troops and embolden the enemy. He said Iraqis must be reassured that "America will not leave before the job is done."

A recent poll shows public doubt about the war is reaching a high point, with more than half saying that invading Iraq was a mistake. An increasing number of Americans are asking for return of its military service personnel.

Bush tried to ease Americans' doubts about the mission in Iraq, arguing that there is no need to change course in Iraq, despite the reported increased bloodshed from insurgent attacks.

"Like most Americans, I see the images of violence and bloodshed. Every picture is horrifying and the suffering is real. Is the sacrifice worth it? It is worth it, and it is vital to the future security of our country."

Bush also announced new steps the military is taking to prepare Iraqi security forces to take over the anti-insurgency battle, including conducting operations together with Iraqi troops and embedding US transition teams inside Iraqi units.

"As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down."

The speech was a tricky balancing act for the president, believed necessary by White House advisers who have seen dozens of deadly insurgent attacks each day eating into Americans' support for the war — and for the president — even, increase discomfort among fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Zhong Qiu, CRI news, Washington.