Bush Returning Home From APEC, Stops At Hawaii Military Base (1/2)

The meetings in Hawaii came at a crucial time for the president's Iraq policy, as the Bush administration prepares to report to the U.S. Congress on progress in the war effort.

The president's talks with military commanders took place behind closed doors. But after his private hospital visit with wounded troops, Mr. Bush spoke briefly to reporters.

He said he talked to the war wounded about his visit to Iraq's al-Anbar province - a surprise stop on his way to the Pacific rim summit in Australia. "I told them when I was in the room that I came back from Iraq encouraged by what I saw. No question there is still hard work to do. But my resolve is as strong as it has ever been. I believe we are doing the right thing there for the security of the country and the peace of the world．"

The president has already announced that he will be addressing the nation on Iraq in the next few days.