Bush Calls Afghanistan Mission 'Necessary for Peace'

Former U.S. President George W. Bush, in a rare public appearance, said Saturday the mission in Afghanistan is "necessary for peace and stability."

Speaking at a leadership conference in India's capital, New Delhi, Mr. Bush warned that if the Taliban and al-Qaida take control of Afghanistan, the people there will "face a return to a brutal tyranny."

Mr. Bush ordered U.S. troops into Afghanistan in late 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the United States. The invasion to fight militants quickly ousted the hardline Taliban government.

The former president has made few public appearances since leaving office in January.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.