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US seeks to steady nerves on Iraq US seeks to steady nerves on Iraq
(about 2 hours later)
The US military commander in Iraq is to hold a rare joint news conference with the US ambassador in Baghdad, amid speculation over Washington's strategy.The US military commander in Iraq is to hold a rare joint news conference with the US ambassador in Baghdad, amid speculation over Washington's strategy.
Gen George Casey said recently that Iraqi security forces would be able to take over responsibility for the whole of Iraq in 12 to 18 months.Gen George Casey said recently that Iraqi security forces would be able to take over responsibility for the whole of Iraq in 12 to 18 months.
On Monday the US increased pressure to get the Iraqi authorities to do more to tackle the growing violence.On Monday the US increased pressure to get the Iraqi authorities to do more to tackle the growing violence.
Washington said it would monitor Baghdad's efforts.Washington said it would monitor Baghdad's efforts.
Senior White House aide Dan Bartlett said "benchmarks and milestones" would be used to track Iraq's progress, but these were not linked to deadlines or threats to withdraw troops.Senior White House aide Dan Bartlett said "benchmarks and milestones" would be used to track Iraq's progress, but these were not linked to deadlines or threats to withdraw troops.
The remarks follow growing calls from senior officials and politicians for US and British troops to be withdrawn.The remarks follow growing calls from senior officials and politicians for US and British troops to be withdrawn.
At least 87 US troops have died this month - the highest monthly toll since November 2004.At least 87 US troops have died this month - the highest monthly toll since November 2004.
On the offensiveOn the offensive
Gen Casey and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad are expected to speak to journalists at 1400 local time (1100 GMT).Gen Casey and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad are expected to speak to journalists at 1400 local time (1100 GMT).
The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says the White House will be hoping Gen Casey can make a convincing case that the 12-18-month timetable is feasible.The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says the White House will be hoping Gen Casey can make a convincing case that the 12-18-month timetable is feasible.
The Bush administration intends to spend the day on the offensive over Iraq, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections.The Bush administration intends to spend the day on the offensive over Iraq, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections.
An opinion poll conducted during the last few days for CNN suggests that only 20% of Americans think the war is being won. The figure was 40% a year ago.An opinion poll conducted during the last few days for CNN suggests that only 20% of Americans think the war is being won. The figure was 40% a year ago.
To help shore up support, a group of conservative talk radio hosts will broadcast the administration's message to their audiences live from a tent on the lawn of the White House.To help shore up support, a group of conservative talk radio hosts will broadcast the administration's message to their audiences live from a tent on the lawn of the White House.
Pressure for changePressure for change
Our correspondent says the problem the White House faces is that politicians across both major parties have lost patience with the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.Our correspondent says the problem the White House faces is that politicians across both major parties have lost patience with the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.
HAVE YOUR SAY Having invaded the country I feel we are under some kind of obligation not just to abandon it Jo Wiltshire, London Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Having invaded the country I feel we are under some kind of obligation not just to abandon it Jo Wiltshire, London Send us your comments
Wayne White, a former deputy director of Iraq intelligence in the US State Department, told the BBC on Monday that pressure was mounting for a major change in approach - "either withdrawal or a major shift in strategy".Wayne White, a former deputy director of Iraq intelligence in the US State Department, told the BBC on Monday that pressure was mounting for a major change in approach - "either withdrawal or a major shift in strategy".
Meanwhile in London, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Salih, said his government would "assume more and more responsibility in the security area". Meanwhile in London, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Saleh, said his government would "assume more and more responsibility in the security area".
But he said the US and UK could not "cut and run" leaving Iraq to face the difficult challenges on its own.But he said the US and UK could not "cut and run" leaving Iraq to face the difficult challenges on its own.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain intended "to hold its nerve" in Iraq, and his office denied he had pressed Mr Salih for assurances that Iraqi forces could take over policing southern Iraq within a year. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain intended "to hold its nerve" in Iraq, and his office denied he had pressed Mr Saleh for assurances that Iraqi forces could take over policing southern Iraq within a year.