"ALL PLACES, ALL TIMES":

Bush says he won't criticize Obama (AP, 2/28/10)

"You won't see me out there opining ... or criticizing my successor," Bush said, later adding that he is writing a book about his decisions in office so that "you can draw your own conclusions."

His speech touched on various topics, including the war in Iraq, 9-11, foreign policy, the economy and faith-based programs -- as well as previous presidents and the relationship with his father, former President George H.W. Bush.

Bush said he was guided in part by the principle that democracy yields peace.

"It's in the interest of the United States to promote freedom -- all places, all times," he said.

Bush said he remained "in awe" of U.S. troops and that his numerous meetings with families of troops killed in the war were uplifting.

"The U.S. is full of people who will do what it takes to protect the United States," he said.