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Iraq success 'possible', says US Iraq success 'possible' says US
(about 1 hour later)
The US ambassador to Baghdad has said that success in stabilising Iraq is possible in a realistic time-frame, despite ongoing sectarian violence. The US ambassador to Baghdad has said success in stabilising Iraq is possible in a "realistic time-frame", despite ongoing sectarian violence.
Zalmay Khalilzad said the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed.Zalmay Khalilzad said the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed.
He called for adjustments in strategy and redoubling of efforts to succeed. In a joint news conference, US military chief Gen George Casey reaffirmed his belief that Iraqi security forces could take over from the US in 12-18 months.
The statement, in a joint news conference with US military commander Gen George Casey, came amid speculation over Washington's strategy over Iraq. The statements came amid speculation over Washington's strategy over Iraq.
Gen Casey said recently that Iraqi security forces would be able to take over responsibility for the whole of Iraq in 12 to 18 months. Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassador
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. Gen Casey said that Iraqi security forces would be able to assume responsibility for the whole of Iraq within the next one-and-a-half years with minimal US help.
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. He said the process of building up Iraq's own security forces to a level appropriate for this was 75% complete.
The US should continue to focus on reducing troop numbers in Iraq, he said, adding that if necessary he would not hesitate to ask for more 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The remarks follow growing calls from senior officials and politicians for US and British troops to be withdrawn.The remarks follow growing calls from senior officials and politicians for US and British troops to be withdrawn.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.
'Wider struggle'
Mr Khalilzad outlined initiatives to try to stabilise Iraq, including a plan to reform Iraqi security ministries which he said should be ready by the end of the year.
He said the Iraqi government had agreed to develop a timeline for progress by the end of the year.
"Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable," he said, adding that more than Iraq itself was at stake.
"The outcome will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world," he said.
But the ambassador made no mention of opening a dialogue with either Syria or Iran, which he accused of supporting armed groups in Iraq.
Pressure for changePressure for change
The Bush administration is spending Tuesday on the offensive over Iraq, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections.The Bush administration is spending Tuesday on the offensive over Iraq, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections.
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
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.
Correspondents say politicians across both major US parties have lost patience with the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.Correspondents say politicians across both major US parties have lost patience with the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.
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 Saleh, 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 Saleh 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.