muhammadali's MyC-SPAN

Josh Earnest briefed reporters and responded to questions on a variety of issues at the daily White House briefing. This was his last briefing as the principal deputy press secretary as he would be replacing Jay Carney as press secretary later in the day. Topics included the increasing number of unaccompanied children crossing the Mexican border, U.S. policy in Iraq, Russian intervention in Ukraine, and the investigation into Internal Revenue Service (IRS) political targeting.

The American Enterprise Institute hosted an event on Sovereignty & Security in Iraq. Participants argued that the American invasion had resulted in “an unmitigated, unqualified good” by removing Saddam Hussein from power. They asserted that the creation of the Iraq Interim Government “gave Iraqis confidence that they now have a government that is for them and of them.”

State Department Spokesman, Adam Ereli spoke to reporters about a number of issues including management of Iraqi oil-for-food program, Secretary Condoleezza Rice’s trip to Europe, and the Middle East.

Mr. Ereli briefed reporters on a number of issues including U.S. aid relief to Pakistan following a devastating earthquake in Islamabad and the Northern regions of the country, operations in Afghanistan, and peacekeeping initiatives in Africa.

Iraqi President Ghanzi Al-Yawer talked about the new interim Iraqi government. He explained its formation through consultation with the United Nations and various Iraqi political parties, tribes and other social entities. He thanked the Coalition members for helping his country. He then answered reporters' questions.

U.S. and Iraqi officials spoke to reporters in Baghdad about the capture of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the operations that led to their arrest. Following their remarks they answered questions from the reporters.

Panelists talked about leadership, politics, and reconstruction under Iraq in any post-Hussein government. Among the topics they addressed were the potential impact of ethnic and tribal diversity within Iraq, the role of Iraqi opposition groups currently in exile, and potential relations with regional powers. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience.

President Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office on the commencement of military action to disarm Iraq. He praised the dedication of the armed forces and said America would accept only victory as an outcome.

Iraqi state-run news coverage of military action in Iraq was shown. This newscast reports on the latest official Iraqi reaction to military action in Iraq, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and international views on the war. It was recorded 1p.m. Eastern time, which is 9 p.m. in Iraq.

Mr. Fleischer announced to reporters that the president would address the nation about military action in Iraq at 10:15 p.m. EST.