The following is the draft of a letter to be sent to the Iraqi People by President George W. Bush in the very near future:

The United States and its coalition partners have accomplished their major goal in Iraq. We invaded to bring to an end the cruel and dangerous regime of Saddam Hussein. As long as he lasted he was a threat to the lives and well-being of every Iraqi and a potential threat to neighboring countries. Our secondary goals were to establish a free and democratic regime in Iraq and to restore and improve the country's infrastructure. We have made major strides in these areas, but the security situation has severely hampered our efforts in most of the country.

Recent events suggest that we will not be able to carry out our full agenda. While we remain confident that most Iraqis support our desire for a democratic and prosperous Iraq, this majority has not been able or willing to counter the attempt of militants who for whatever reason are intent on driving us out of the country.

We abhor the killing and destruction that these militants have forced coalition forces to commit in an attempt to maintain security for all. It appears that our continued effort to secure the country from these groups will only result in continued destruction of land and property, bringing to naught the efforts that so many Iraqis have made with our help over the past year.

For this reason, we have decided to abandon our efforts to complete our agenda in most of the country. Except in a few secure areas, notably Kurdistan, we will begin tomorrow to withdraw our troops into coalition bases in preparation for evacuation from the country by June 15.

To avoid chaos, we are offering local and national leaders in all areas limited support in securing the country from more destruction. The nature of this support will be determined by the situation, area by area, and any agreements that we may make with the Iraqi leaders involved. In the interest of all Iraqis we will immediately remove Saddam Hussein from Iraq. He may be tried later in The Hague for his crimes, or may be returned to Iraq for trial before a responsible court after security has been reestablished.

We hope to work productively with any and all governments that eventually emerge from the present confusion. It is our earnest hope that Iraq's leaders will be able to work together to secure a democratic and free Iraq in the future, either on a unitary or federal basis. The United States and all members of the coalition governments are saddened that we will not be able to take as large a part in this effort as we had hoped.

Good luck to all Iraqis. Assalam alikum!