bbalegere
03-22-2006, 10:24 PM
Washington/Baghdad, Reuters:
White House officials cautioned that Bush was asked when “all” US forces would withdraw and pointed to recent comments from US generals in Iraq predicting substantial reductions later this year and into 2007.
US President George W Bush said on Tuesday it is possible some American troops will still be in Iraq after his presidency ends in three years time, but he insisted civil war had not erupted there.
Washington has resisted setting a timetable for withdrawal although American officials have said a substantial pullout could start later this year and many of Bush’s Republican allies are anxious to show progress before US congressional elections in November.
With Iraqi leaders and the US ambassador warning of the imminent risk of civil war in Iraq, the 133,000 US troops are seen as vital in stemming violence.
Asked when all US forces would finally pull out of Iraq, Bush told a White House news conference: “That will be decided by future presidents and future governments of Iraq.” Bush must step down when his term ends in January 2009.
White House officials cautioned that Bush was asked when “all” US forces would withdraw and pointed to recent comments from US generals in Iraq predicting substantial reductions later this year and into 2007.
Attack on police
Rebels blasted an Iraqi police station with grenade and mortar fire before dawn on Wednesday, killing four policemen in Madaen, south of Baghdad, police said.
They said they had detained about 70 suspects in raids in the town after the assault, which occurred a day after at least 22 people were killed and 30 prisoners released in a similar attack.
White House officials cautioned that Bush was asked when “all” US forces would withdraw and pointed to recent comments from US generals in Iraq predicting substantial reductions later this year and into 2007.
US President George W Bush said on Tuesday it is possible some American troops will still be in Iraq after his presidency ends in three years time, but he insisted civil war had not erupted there.
Washington has resisted setting a timetable for withdrawal although American officials have said a substantial pullout could start later this year and many of Bush’s Republican allies are anxious to show progress before US congressional elections in November.
With Iraqi leaders and the US ambassador warning of the imminent risk of civil war in Iraq, the 133,000 US troops are seen as vital in stemming violence.
Asked when all US forces would finally pull out of Iraq, Bush told a White House news conference: “That will be decided by future presidents and future governments of Iraq.” Bush must step down when his term ends in January 2009.
White House officials cautioned that Bush was asked when “all” US forces would withdraw and pointed to recent comments from US generals in Iraq predicting substantial reductions later this year and into 2007.
Attack on police
Rebels blasted an Iraqi police station with grenade and mortar fire before dawn on Wednesday, killing four policemen in Madaen, south of Baghdad, police said.
They said they had detained about 70 suspects in raids in the town after the assault, which occurred a day after at least 22 people were killed and 30 prisoners released in a similar attack.