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Bush to hold key briefing on Iraq Bush to get key briefing on Iraq
(about 3 hours later)
New US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is to brief President George W Bush about his recent trip to Iraq. New US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is to brief President George W Bush about his recent trip to Iraq, as the White House considers a policy shift.
The meeting at Mr Bush's Camp David retreat is also being attended by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Mr Bush has conceded that the US is not winning in Iraq, and urged Mr Gates to assess the situation on the ground.
Mr Bush has conceded the US is not winning in Iraq, and urged Mr Gates to assess the situation before the White House announces a shift in strategy. On his return, the defence secretary said Iraqi leaders had "concrete plans" to end escalating sectarian violence.
The announcement in the New Year is expected to include a short-term increase in US forces in Iraq. In the New Year President Bush is expected to announce a short-term increase in US forces in Iraq.
On Wednesday White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters such a deployment was "something that's being explored".On Wednesday White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters such a deployment was "something that's being explored".
The US currently has about 140,000 troops in Iraq.The US currently has about 140,000 troops in Iraq.
I think they [Iraqi leaders] are eager to take the lead Robert GatesUS Defence SecretaryI think they [Iraqi leaders] are eager to take the lead Robert GatesUS Defence Secretary
But in recent weeks, attacks on US and Iraqi troops, as well as civilians, have reached their highest level since power was handed over to an interim Iraqi government in June 2004.But in recent weeks, attacks on US and Iraqi troops, as well as civilians, have reached their highest level since power was handed over to an interim Iraqi government in June 2004.
Mr Gates returned to Washington on Friday after a three-day trip to Iraq.Mr Gates returned to Washington on Friday after a three-day trip to Iraq.
On his return he said he believed Iraqi leaders had "some concrete plans in mind" to deal with escalating violence between Shia and Sunni groups. He said Iraqi leaders took "their responsibilities seriously" and were "eager to take the lead" in curbing violence.
He added: "I think these are people who take their responsibilities seriously. I think they are eager to take the lead." The briefing on Saturday will be held at the presidential retreat at Camp David, near Washington.
It be attended by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and other top officials.
Mr Gates earlier this month succeeded Donald Rumsfeld - who had been blamed for setbacks in tackling the Iraqi insurgency.
A Pentagon report released on Monday said the number of attacks had risen to almost 1,000 a week - with the worst violence in Baghdad and the western province of Anbar.A Pentagon report released on Monday said the number of attacks had risen to almost 1,000 a week - with the worst violence in Baghdad and the western province of Anbar.
National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and other top officials will be attending the meeting at Camp David near Washington.