Laura Bush defends husband’s legacy

First Lady Laura Bush on Sunday defended her husband’s
administration less than a month before he is leaving office, saying that the
president helped liberate millions of people.

Bush encouraged the international community to stay involved
in Afghanistan and Iraq, where she has concentrated her efforts as First Lady
to improve women’s rights.

{mosads}“Somehow, I just never thought that I would be
able to shine that much of a spotlight on issues as I’ve been able to,” Bush
said on “Fox News Sunday” of her work on those issues.

“The days of the burka aren’t over,” she added,
referencing the Islamic garb that many consider oppressive to women. “That’s
all the more reason the international community needs to stay involved in
Afghanistan.”

Laura Bush rejected the notion that her husband’s time in
office has been a “failed” presidency, arguing that his administration was
responsible for the liberation of millions the world over.

“I know it’s not,” she said. “I don’t really feel like I
need to respond to people who view it that way.”

The first lady described the impending departure from the
White House as “bittersweet,” and said that she and her husband will stay
involved by continuing to meet with political dissidents from around the world,
as well as by building the Bush presidential library.