Over three years since the build up to Iraq began, two and a half years into the mess, and well over two years since he said major conflict has ended, Bush used today's radio address to tell Americans the conflict will require sacrifice. Here's why:
Mr Bush's message was part of renewed push to counter critics of his Iraq war policy and boost his standing in the polls.
The latest Gallup survey showed that just two in five Americans approved of the job he was doing while 56 per cent disapproved of his performance.
Compared to other post-World War II presidents at this point in their second term, only Richard Nixon had a lower job approval rating and he was in the midst of the Watergate scandal, Gallup said. The others were all above 50 per cent.
