Gates to Report to Bush on Iraq Soon

Gates, wrapping up a three-day visit to the Iraqi capital Friday, said he will report to Mr. Bush in the coming days. He declined to say whether he plans to recommend a short-term increase in U.S. troop levels to help stem growing sectarian violence in Baghdad.

Gates said the U.S. and the Iraqi government are in "broad strategic agreement" on how to improve security, and that military leaders from both sides are to draw up a specific plan.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said coalition forces killed one insurgent and detained 25 suspects during multiple raids in the Baghdad region.

The military also announced that four U.S. troops were killed in combat operations in western Anbar province Thursday.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in an interview with the Associated Press news agency, she believed the war in Iraq is "worth the investment" in American lives and funds. She said the United States can still win the conflict that has been more difficult than she expected.

By VOA News