President Bush, citing signs of a "hopeful new direction" in the Middle East, today pledged U.S. solidarity with nations that are moving toward democracy, while also warning Syria and Iran to stop supporting terrorist groups opposed to that goal.

In a speech at the National Defense University in Washington, Bush returned to the main theme of his Jan. 20 inaugural address, in which he launched his second presidential term by proclaiming America's "ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world." He repeated that phrase today, but cautioned that "this objective will not be achieved easily or all at once or primarily by force of arms."

"For the sake of our long-term security, all free nations must stand with the forces of democracy and justice that have begun to transform the Middle East," said President Bush in a speech at the National Defense University this morning. (AP Photo) _____Bush Speech_____ • MSNBC Video: President Bush offered an update on the war on terrorism in a speech Tuesday. • Transcript: Bush's remarks at the National Defense University. _____World Opinion_____ • Is Bush Right? Many critics in the international press are reconsidering democracy's prospects in the Mideast. • The Branding of Lebanon's 'Revolution' Tuesday's Question: