Former U.S. President George W. Bush, in a rare public appearance, saidSaturday the mission in Afghanistan is "necessary for peace andstability."

Speaking at a leadership conference in India'scapital, New Delhi, Mr. Bush warned that if the Taliban and al-Qaidatake control of Afghanistan, the people there will "face a return to abrutal tyranny."

Mr. Bush ordered U.S. troops into Afghanistanin late 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the United States. Theinvasion to fight militants quickly ousted the hardline Talibangovernment.

The former president has made few public appearances since leaving office in January.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.