President Bush spoke about the future of the Middle East and U.S. policy in the region. In his remarks he said that the Middle East was "freer and more hopeful" as a result of his administration's policies. He also spoke about security in Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, countering Iranian influence in the area, and regional economic progress. He also stated that there was no link between Saddam Hussein and attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001. This was a keynote address at the 2008 Saban Forum, "Strategic Choices: Challenges for the Next U.S. and Israeli Governments."