Bush Defends Iraq War Strategy

Mr. Bush Saturday acknowledged the report's findings that the Iraqi government has made unsatisfactory progress on eight issues, such as sharing oil revenues and preparing for local elections. But he emphasized the progress Iraqis have made in eight other areas, such as providing three brigades for the U.S. offensive, and establishing joint security stations in Baghdad.

The president said his administration's strategy is built on the idea that progress on security issues will facilitate political progress.

Mr. Bush also addressed growing calls for the withdraw of U.S. forces from Iraq, saying that the only way to bring the troops home is to ensure that the current strategy succeeds.

That current strategy involves using the 20,000 additional troops that Mr. Bush ordered to Iraq in January as part of a so-called troop "surge." Mr. Bush says the last of those reinforcements arrived last month and deserve time to fully carry out their operations. - VOA News