London, Nov 19: Welcomed to Britain with royal pageantry and a smattering of anti-war protesters, US President George W. Bush today defended the war in Iraq, saying military might must at times be used to confront the continuing, global danger of terrorism. "In some cases, the measured use of force is all that protects us from a chaotic world ruled by force,'' Bush told academics gathered at Whitehall Palace.
During a three and half day state visit here, Bush was seeking to puncture what he views as misconceptions in Europe about America's use of force in Iraq.
``There are principled objections to the use of force in every generation and I credit the motives behind these views,'' Bush said, mindful of the bitter opposition among many in Britain and across Europe to the US and British-led war in Iraq. But, he added: ``Those in authority are not judged only by good motivations. That duty sometimes requires the violent restraint of violent men.''
He invoked the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in America to warn against inaction.
``The hope that danger has passed is comforting, is understanding, and it is false,'' he said. ``These terrorists target the innocent and they killed by the thousands and they would, if they gain the weapons they seek, kill by the millions and not be finished. ... The evil is in plain sight. The danger only increases with denial.'' Bureau Report