Bush slams Kerry over 'brave' Iraqi

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President Bush yesterday hammered Sen. John Kerry for disparaging Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, whom Mr. Bush described as a hero in need of America's help, not contempt.

"This brave man came to our country to talk about how he's risking his life for a free Iraq, which helps America, and Senator Kerry held a press conference to question Prime Minister Allawi's credibility," Mr. Bush told an audience in Janesville, Wis.

"You can't lead this country if your ally in Iraq feels like you question his credibility," he added. "The message ought to be to the Iraqi people: We support you."

On Thursday, Mr. Kerry scoffed at assurances by the president and Mr. Allawi that Iraq would be able to hold elections in January. The Massachusetts Democrat also dismissed Mr. Allawi's optimistic speech to a joint session of Congress, which gave him a hero's welcome.

"The prime minister and the president are here obviously to put their best face on the policy," Mr. Kerry said in a press conference after Mr. Allawi's speech. "But the fact is that CIA estimates, the reporting, the ground operations and the troops all tell a different story."

Yesterday, an indignant Mr. Bush defended Mr. Allawi, reminding Americans that the former Iraqi exile had once been attacked by ax-wielding assassins sent by Saddam Hussein.

"He came to our country to thank the American people," the president said. "He came to our country to thank the moms and dads and husbands and wives of those who have sacrificed for his freedom and America's security."

He added: "And my opponent chose to criticize the prime minister of Iraq."

The president's rebuke did not faze Mr. Kerry's running mate, Sen. John Edwards, who suggested that Mr. Allawi was merely parroting the president's lies.

"The best lesson for any fledgling democracy is that leaders should tell the truth, to always be straight with the people," Mr. Edwards said. "Prime Minister Allawi's trip to the United States was filled with all the wrong lessons, lessons from an administration that just can't seem to tell the truth when it comes to Iraq."