This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6896789.stm
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
US House votes for troop pullout | US House votes for troop pullout |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The United States House of Representatives has voted in favour of pulling most combat troops out of Iraq by April next year. | The United States House of Representatives has voted in favour of pulling most combat troops out of Iraq by April next year. |
The legislation calls for the Pentagon to begin withdrawing combat troops within four months. | The legislation calls for the Pentagon to begin withdrawing combat troops within four months. |
The vote comes despite President George W Bush's threat to veto any timetable. | The vote comes despite President George W Bush's threat to veto any timetable. |
Correspondents say the House of Representatives, controlled by the Democrats, is hoping to pressure the Senate to approve a similar timeline. | Correspondents say the House of Representatives, controlled by the Democrats, is hoping to pressure the Senate to approve a similar timeline. |
It is the third time this year the House has voted to end US military involvement in Iraq. | It is the third time this year the House has voted to end US military involvement in Iraq. |
Two previous efforts either failed in the Senate or were vetoed by President Bush. | Two previous efforts either failed in the Senate or were vetoed by President Bush. |
The latest attempt would allow some US forces to stay in Iraq to train the Iraqi army and carry out counter-terrorism operations. | The latest attempt would allow some US forces to stay in Iraq to train the Iraqi army and carry out counter-terrorism operations. |
Not even the White House can conclude there has been significant progress Nancy Pelosi Bush fights for time Bush comments on al-Qaeda | |
"It is time for the president to listen to the American people and do what is necessary to protect this nation," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat. | "It is time for the president to listen to the American people and do what is necessary to protect this nation," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat. |
"That means admitting his Iraq policy has failed, working with the Democrats and Republicans in Congress on crafting a new way forward in Iraq and refocusing our collective efforts on defeating al-Qaeda." | "That means admitting his Iraq policy has failed, working with the Democrats and Republicans in Congress on crafting a new way forward in Iraq and refocusing our collective efforts on defeating al-Qaeda." |
Earlier, President Bush presented an interim report on the situation in Iraq which said there had been only limited military and political progress following his decision to send troop reinforcements. | |
The security situation in Iraq remains "complex and extremely challenging", the report said. | |
It added that the economic picture was "uneven" and political reconciliation lagging. | |
Mixed results | |
The report said the Iraqi parliament had so far failed to adopt or even begin to debate crucial legislation for the country's oil industry. | |
It also warned of "tough fighting" during the summer, saying al-Qaeda in Iraq was likely to "increase its tempo of attacks" before the release of the full report in September. | |
KEY BENCHMARKS Amend constitution to tackle regional issuesGive jobs to former ruling party membersPass new law on sharing oil resourcesSecurity forces to be even-handed Benchmarks in full Politicians ponder move | |
"The report makes clear that not even the White House can conclude there has been significant progress," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat. "We have already waited too long." | "The report makes clear that not even the White House can conclude there has been significant progress," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat. "We have already waited too long." |
But Mr Bush rejected calls for a withdrawal of US forces, saying it would be disastrous. | |
He said troops would only be withdrawn when conditions were right, "not because pollsters say it'll be good politics". | |
Mr Bush said pulling troops out too soon "would mean surrendering the future of Iraq to al-Qaeda". | |
"It would mean increasing the probability that American troops would have to return at some later date to confront an enemy that is even more dangerous," he added. | |
The BBC's Matt Lantos in Washington says the most eagerly-awaited reaction is yet to come - that of those wavering Republicans who could determine whether or not Congress will try and force the president's hand. | The BBC's Matt Lantos in Washington says the most eagerly-awaited reaction is yet to come - that of those wavering Republicans who could determine whether or not Congress will try and force the president's hand. |