Why did George W. Bush say 'Islam is a religion of peace'?

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much for your hospitality. We've just had a -- wide-ranging discussions on the matter at hand. Like the good folks standing with me, the American people were appalled and outraged at last Tuesday's attacks. And so were Muslims all across the world. read more

"Islam is Peace" Says President Remarks by the President at Islamic Center of Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. View the President's Remarks Listen to the President's Remarks. 3:12 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much for your hospitality. We've just had a -- wide-ranging discussions on the matter at hand. read more

Islam is THE religion of peace. Its traditional greeting is “peace be upon you” and the end goal of Islam is peace. By the same token, Christianity is the religion of love. read more

BACKGROUNDER: THE PRESIDENT'S QUOTES ON ISLAM. In the President’s Words: Respecting Islam. The United States is a nation dedicated to religious tolerance and freedom, and President Bush has acted to ensure that the world's Muslims know that America appreciates and celebrates the traditions of Islam. read more