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/6989423.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Democrats attack Iraq testimony Democrats attack Iraq testimony
(19 minutes later)
The two leading US figures in Iraq are facing criticism at a hearing in Congress from Democratic presidential candidates opposed to the war.The two leading US figures in Iraq are facing criticism at a hearing in Congress from Democratic presidential candidates opposed to the war.
One, Sen Joe Biden, told military commander Gen David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker that the troop build-up had failed to achieve peace.One, Sen Joe Biden, told military commander Gen David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker that the troop build-up had failed to achieve peace.
The two are facing a second day of testimony before a Congressional panel.The two are facing a second day of testimony before a Congressional panel.
They repeated their contention that the military "surge" in Iraq was working, and warned against a rapid withdrawal.They repeated their contention that the military "surge" in Iraq was working, and warned against a rapid withdrawal.
Sen Biden said the build-up, which began in February, had failed to promote reconciliation between Iraq's Sunni and Shia communities and was at best "a stopgap that will not prevent chaos".Sen Biden said the build-up, which began in February, had failed to promote reconciliation between Iraq's Sunni and Shia communities and was at best "a stopgap that will not prevent chaos".
He concluded: "We should stop the surge and start bringing our troops home."He concluded: "We should stop the surge and start bringing our troops home."
See US troop positions before and after the surgeSee US troop positions before and after the surge
Sen John Kerry - the defeated Democratic candidate in the 2004 election - questioned the commitment of the Iraqi politicians who he said were stalling while US soldiers sacrificed their lives Sen Christopher Dodd, another Democratic presidential candidate, said: "I don't get a feeling here that there's any real opportunity or optimism, that this is going to get better."
Some type of success in Iraq is possible Gen David Petraeus Media unimpressed by report "Is it acceptable that young Americans are dying and being grievously wounded while Iraqi politicians delay and delay and delay meeting their own standards?" he asked. Some type of success in Iraq is possible Gen David Petraeus Media unimpressed by report
Senators questioning Gen Petraeus and Mr Crocker will later include presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Christopher Dodd. John Kerry - the defeated Democratic candidate in the 2004 election - questioned the commitment of the Iraqi politicians who he said were stalling while US soldiers sacrificed their lives
Although all are opponents of the war, they differ on how the US should withdraw. "Is it acceptable that young Americans are dying and being grievously wounded while Iraqi politicians delay and delay and delay meeting their own standards?" he asked.
Sen Barbara Boxer called the Iraq war the "biggest foreign policy mistake ever".
Iraqi warningIraqi warning
BBC defence and security correspondent Rob Watson says the senators' questions will be watched carefully by the party's grassroots supporters, where opinion is running strongly against the continued presence of US troops. Other Democratic senators expected to take Gen Petraeus and Mr Crocker to task include presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
PETRAEUS - KEY POINTS Sectarian violence declined since surge started30,000 US troops likely withdrawn by mid-2008Decision on further troop cuts expected in March Situation in Iraq remains difficult Key quotes from hearing General Petraeus: Report to Congress [64 KB] General Petraeus: Report charts [64 KB] Ambassador Crocker: Report to Congress [64 KB] Most computers will open these documents automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader herePETRAEUS - KEY POINTS Sectarian violence declined since surge started30,000 US troops likely withdrawn by mid-2008Decision on further troop cuts expected in March Situation in Iraq remains difficult Key quotes from hearing General Petraeus: Report to Congress [64 KB] General Petraeus: Report charts [64 KB] Ambassador Crocker: Report to Congress [64 KB] Most computers will open these documents automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
Although all candidates are opponents of the war, they differ on how the US should withdraw.
BBC defence and security correspondent Rob Watson says the senators' questions will be watched carefully by the party's grassroots supporters, where opinion is running strongly against the continued presence of US troops.
During Tuesday's testimony Gen Petraeus again insisted that the increase in US troop levels had reduced the violence and insisted that "some type of success in Iraq is possible".During Tuesday's testimony Gen Petraeus again insisted that the increase in US troop levels had reduced the violence and insisted that "some type of success in Iraq is possible".
Mr Crocker agreed that the surge had "helped change dynamics in Iraq for the better".Mr Crocker agreed that the surge had "helped change dynamics in Iraq for the better".
"I do believe that Iraq's leaders have the will to tackle the country's pressing problems, although it will take longer than we initially anticipated," he said."I do believe that Iraq's leaders have the will to tackle the country's pressing problems, although it will take longer than we initially anticipated," he said.
Mr Crocker also emphasised signs of economic progress, pointing to a projected 6% growth for the Iraqi economy in 2007.Mr Crocker also emphasised signs of economic progress, pointing to a projected 6% growth for the Iraqi economy in 2007.
Americans give their views on the situation in IraqIn pictures
During Monday's joint hearing of the House of Representatives Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, Gen Petraeus said violence had declined since more US troops were sent to Iraq this year.During Monday's joint hearing of the House of Representatives Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, Gen Petraeus said violence had declined since more US troops were sent to Iraq this year.
"Security incidents", including sectarian violence, had declined since the start of the surge, he said."Security incidents", including sectarian violence, had declined since the start of the surge, he said.
Americans give their views on the situation in IraqIn pictures
He added that about 30,000 troops could be withdrawn by the middle of next year.He added that about 30,000 troops could be withdrawn by the middle of next year.
Also on Monday, Republican Duncan Hunter defended the general, saying US progress had led to gains by Iraqi security forces, including an army that was "beginning to emerge as a professional force".
Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie praised the US' "enormous sacrifice" and predicted a reduced combat role for US troops.Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie praised the US' "enormous sacrifice" and predicted a reduced combat role for US troops.
But he cautioned against a quick US withdrawal, saying Iraq needed coalition soldiers until its own security forces were self-reliant.But he cautioned against a quick US withdrawal, saying Iraq needed coalition soldiers until its own security forces were self-reliant.
A record 168,000 US troops are now in Iraq after 30,000 arrived in the surge between February and June.A record 168,000 US troops are now in Iraq after 30,000 arrived in the surge between February and June.
ReturnReturn