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President George W. Bush, under pressure to show progress in Iraq, said on Monday the United States will increasingly play a supporting role as Baghdad's new unity government gains its footing.
But Bush offered no timetable for a U.S. withdrawal despite the new prime minister's vow that Iraqi forces would be in charge in most of the country by December and a British prediction that foreign troops may be out within four years. Instead, he hailed Saturday's formation of Iraq's coalition government, after months of sectarian struggle, as a "watershed event" that opens a new chapter in U.S.-Iraqi relations. Bush is trying to rebound from the lowest approval ratings of his presidency, driven largely by a loss of American confidence in his handling of the war in Iraq, where more than 2,400 American soldiers have been killed. "I know there's concern from the American people that we can't win," Bush told a restaurant owners convention in Chicago, adding that "the way forward will bring more days of challenge and loss". But he sought to assure his audience that despite some mistakes his administration was on the right track three years after a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein. "The United States and our coalition partners will work with the new Iraqi government to adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory over our common enemies," Bush said. "As the new Iraqi government grows in confidence and capability, America will play an increasingly supporting role," he said. But Bush offered no timetable for a U.S. withdrawal despite the new prime minister's vow that Iraqi forces would be in charge in most of the country by December and a British prediction that foreign troops may be out within four years. Instead, he hailed Saturday's formation of Iraq's coalition government, after months of sectarian struggle, as a "watershed event" that opens a new chapter in U.S.-Iraqi relations. Bush is trying to rebound from the lowest approval ratings of his presidency, driven largely by a loss of American confidence in his handling of the war in Iraq, where more than 2,400 American soldiers have been killed. "I know there's concern from the American people that we can't win," Bush told a restaurant owners convention in Chicago, adding that "the way forward will bring more days of challenge and loss". But he sought to assure his audience that despite some mistakes his administration was on the right track three years after a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein. "The United States and our coalition partners will work with the new Iraqi government to adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory over our common enemies," Bush said. "As the new Iraqi government grows in confidence and capability, America will play an increasingly supporting role," he said. © Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.
Matt Spetalnick
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