In his weekly radio address, Bush argued that the war in Iraq will keep Americans safe for generations to come.

"They know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they know we will prevail."

Bush's comments came as the public in the US shows more discontent with his handling of Iraq. High-profile protests have taken place during Bush's ranch vacation and new poll results show nearly six in 10 Americans are worried about the outcome of the war.

Nearly 2,000 service members have been killed in Iraq and more than 15,000 wounded.