Most Americans know instinctively why we are in the Gulf.  They know we had to stop Saddam now, not later.  They know this brutal dictator will do anything, will use any weapon, will commit any outrage, no matter how many innocents must suffer.

They know we must make sure that control of the world’s oil resources does not fall into his hands only to finance further aggression.  They know that we need to build a new, enduring peace—­based not on arms races and confrontation, but on shared principles and the rule of law.

And we all realize that our responsibility to be the catalyst for peace in the region does not end with the successful conclusion of this war.

Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful dissent, and we have heard some dissenting voices here at home, some reckless, most responsible.  But the fact the all the voices have the right to speak out is one of the reasons we’ve been united in principle and purpose for 200 years.

Our progress in this great struggle is the result of years of vigilance and a steadfast commitment to a strong defense.  Now, with remarkable technological advances like the Patriot missile, we can defend the ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocent civilians.

Looking forward, I have directed that the S.D.I. program be refocused on providing protection from limited ballistic missile strikes, whatever their source.  Let us pursue an S.D.I. program that can deal with any future threat to the United States, to our forces overseas and to our friends and allies.

The quality of American technology, thanks to the American worker, has enabled us to successfully deal with difficult military conditions, and help minimize the loss of life.  We have given our men and women the very best.  And they deserve it.

We all have a special place in our hearts for the families of men and women serving in the Gulf.  They are represented here tonight, by Mrs. Norman Schwarzkopf, and to all those serving with him.  And to the families, let me say, our forces in the gulf will not stay there one day longer than is necessary to complete their mission.

The courage and success of the R.A.F. pilots—­of the Kuwaiti, Saudi, French, Canadians, Italians, the pilots of Qatar and Bahrain—­all are proof that for the first time since World War II, the international community is united.  The leadership of the United Nations, once only a hoped-for ideal, is now confirming its founders’ vision.

I am heartened that we are not being asked to bear alone the financial burden of this struggle.  Last year, our friends and allies provided the bulk of the economic costs of Desert Shield, and having now received commitments of over $40 billion for the first three months of 1991, I am confident they will do no less as we move through Desert Storm.

But the world has to wonder what the dictator of Iraq is thinking.  If he thinks that by targeting innocent civilians in Israel and Saudi Arabia, that he will gain an advantage—­he is dead wrong.  If he thinks that he will advance his cause through tragic and despicable environmental terrorism—­he is dead wrong.  And if he thinks that by abusing coalition P.O.W.s, he will benefit—­he is dead wrong.