In an address to the nation Sunday night, President Bush announced he would request $87 billion from Congress to continue his fight against terrorism.

“This will take time and require sacrifice. We will do what is necessary; we will spend what is necessary to achieve this essential victory in the war on terror, to promote freedom and to make our nation more secure,” Bush said.

According to The Associated Press, U.S. operations in Iraq are costing about $3.9 billion every month, which does not include “indirect expenses such as replacing damaged equipment and munitions expended in combat.”

Robert Lowry, associate professor of political science, said the $87 billion figure may be a high-end estimate.

“I think it is a higher number than what a lot of people expected, so that may just be an opening bid,” Lowry said.

Bush outlined three objectives in rebuilding the nations of Afghanistan and Iraq: destroy terrorism, enlist the help of other nations in rebuilding and help the Afghan and Iraqi citizens assume responsibility for their own defense and futures.

James Kurtenbach, adviser for the ISU College Republicans and associate professor of accounting, said he thought the president did a good job summarizing the situation in Iraq.

“I think he made his case to the American people,” Kurtenbach said.

“The best thing we can have is an Iraq and an Afghanistan that can be free and decide their own futures,” Kurtenbach said.

Lowry said he didn’t hear any new information in the president’s speech.

“I was wondering why he felt he needed to have this national address,” Lowry said.

Lowry said he thought the president’s speech was made to remind the public of what he said two years ago about the war being long.

One thing that was not mentioned was specifics on a road map out of Iraq.

“I don’t think he sees a way out,” Lowry said.

Bush’s speech came after a Time/CNN poll released Saturday found that 49 percent of respondents thought the war has been worth its toll, and 43 percent said it had not been.

In addition, the polls indicate the president’s latest approval ratings have dropped 3 percent from the 55 percent rating he received in July. This is the lowest it has been since he has taken office.

Josh Reicks, senior in political science and president of the ISU College Republicans, said the President’s speech would give positive coverage to Bush in the upcoming presidential election.

Reicks said it would “take the wind out of the sails of the guys fighting against Bush.”

The last time Bush addressed the nation was from the USS Abraham Lincoln where he declared the end of major operations in Iraq.