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Iraq panel demands urgent change Iraq panel demands urgent change
(about 1 hour later)
A major report on US policy in Iraq has called for a new approach and urgent action to stop "a slide towards chaos".A major report on US policy in Iraq has called for a new approach and urgent action to stop "a slide towards chaos".
The current US strategy of staying the course is no longer viable, Iraq Study Group leader James Baker said. The current US strategy of staying the course was no longer viable, Iraq Study Group leader James Baker said.
The report says US forces should train Iraqis and be withdrawn from combat. And it urges talks with Iran and Syria, which the US has so far rejected. The report says US troops should be withdrawn from combat and instead used to train Iraqis.
President George W Bush said the report would be taken "very seriously" and pledged to "act in a timely fashion". It urges talks with Iran and Syria, a move which the US has so far rejected. President George W Bush said the report would be taken "very seriously".
He also pledged to "act in a timely fashion".
The ISG report also advocates renewed US efforts to resolve the wider conflict in the Middle East.The ISG report also advocates renewed US efforts to resolve the wider conflict in the Middle East.
The review came as the US military said 10 American soldiers had been killed in four incidents in Iraq.The review came as the US military said 10 American soldiers had been killed in four incidents in Iraq.
'Humanitarian catastrophe''Humanitarian catastrophe'
Correspondents say the review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes.Correspondents say the review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes.
The 142-page report includes 79 recommendations, of which three are key:The 142-page report includes 79 recommendations, of which three are key:
KEY SUGGESTIONS Primary mission of US forces should evolve to one of supporting Iraqi armyBy first quarter of 2008... all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq US must not make open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq Source: ISG report Iraq Study Group Report [1.72MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here Excerpts from the report Iraq hails suggestions Iran influence limited Syria welcomes chanceKEY SUGGESTIONS Primary mission of US forces should evolve to one of supporting Iraqi armyBy first quarter of 2008... all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq US must not make open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq Source: ISG report Iraq Study Group Report [1.72MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here Excerpts from the report Iraq hails suggestions Iran influence limited Syria welcomes chance
    • A change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq to enable it to begin to move combat forces out responsibly
    • A change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq to enable it to begin to move combat forces out responsibly
    • Prompt action by the Iraqi government to achieve reconciliation
    • Prompt action by the Iraqi government to achieve reconciliation
    • New and enhanced diplomatic efforts in the region
    • New and enhanced diplomatic efforts in the region
      • The report offers no hard timetable for a pullout of US forces, but says that combat troops could withdraw by early 2008.The report offers no hard timetable for a pullout of US forces, but says that combat troops could withdraw by early 2008.
      However, the review recommended that the US "engage directly with Iran and Syria", and that Washington should "consider incentives and disincentives" for the two nations.However, the review recommended that the US "engage directly with Iran and Syria", and that Washington should "consider incentives and disincentives" for the two nations.
      Speaking ahead of the report, Syria repeated its willingness to co-operate with the US, and said it was in Syria's interest to help Iraq.Speaking ahead of the report, Syria repeated its willingness to co-operate with the US, and said it was in Syria's interest to help Iraq.
      But correspondents say the president appears unlikely to heed the call for more engagement with Syria and Iran, amid efforts by the administration to isolate both states.But correspondents say the president appears unlikely to heed the call for more engagement with Syria and Iran, amid efforts by the administration to isolate both states.
      Hope? Iraqi reaction
      The ISG report warns that if the situation worsens, there is a risk of a "slide toward chaos [that] could trigger the collapse of Iraq's government and a humanitarian catastrophe".The ISG report warns that if the situation worsens, there is a risk of a "slide toward chaos [that] could trigger the collapse of Iraq's government and a humanitarian catastrophe".
      "Neighbouring countries could intervene... The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarised," it warns."Neighbouring countries could intervene... The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarised," it warns.
      Mr Baker said a new way forward should be implemented as quickly as possible.Mr Baker said a new way forward should be implemented as quickly as possible.
      HAVE YOUR SAY The damage has already been done and now ordinary Iraqis have to live with the mess Daniel, London Send us your comments In quotes: Reaction to reportHAVE YOUR SAY The damage has already been done and now ordinary Iraqis have to live with the mess Daniel, London Send us your comments In quotes: Reaction to report
      "[Iraqis] have been liberated from the nightmare of tyrannical order only to face the nightmare of brutal violence."[Iraqis] have been liberated from the nightmare of tyrannical order only to face the nightmare of brutal violence.
      "As a matter of humanitarian concern, as a matter of humanitarian interest and as a matter of practical necessity it is time to find a new approach.""As a matter of humanitarian concern, as a matter of humanitarian interest and as a matter of practical necessity it is time to find a new approach."
      ISG co-chairman Lee Hamilton told reporters there was still hope. The Iraqi government has welcomed the report.
      "Our ship of state has hit rough waters - it must now chart a new way forward," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said the proposals were in line with the government's view that security must be transferred to Iraqis.
      UK Prime Minister Blair arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a visit which will include meetings with President Bush and congressional leaders - with Iraq expected to top the agenda. However, a spokesman for the main Sunni bloc in parliament said the report should have included a specific timetable for an American withdrawal.
      UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, meanwhile, arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a visit which will include meetings with President Bush and congressional leaders - with Iraq expected to top the agenda.