From CNN.COM:

Bush uses bin Laden info to defend Iraq war policy

NEW LONDON, Connecticut (CNN) — President Bush used declassified intelligence about Osama bin Laden Wednesday to defend his Iraq war policy.

During a commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy, the president mentioned declassified intelligence that said bin Laden discussed sending a top lieutenant in 2005 to use Iraq as a base from which to launch attacks in the United States.

“Some question whether the fight in Iraq is part of the war on terror,” Bush said before describing the plot.

“There’s a reason bin Laden sent one of his most experienced paramilitary leaders to Iraq,” Bush said. “He believes that if al Qaeda can drive us out they can establish Iraq as a new terrorist sanctuary.”

Bush added that “the best way to protect our people is to take the fight to the enemy … so we do not have to face them at home.”

Bush also said authorities have uncovered and halted a number of planned terrorist attacks on the United States before they were carried out.

Seven months ago, a plot broken up by British authorities to blow up airplanes as they were flying toward the United States was broken up “just two or three weeks away from execution,” Bush said, citing “our intelligence community” as the source of his information.

“If carried out, it could have rivaled 9/11 in death and destruction,” he said.

(more here)