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Iraq success 'possible' says US Iraq 'success' possible, US says
(about 1 hour later)
The US ambassador to Baghdad has said success in stabilising Iraq is possible in a "realistic time-frame", despite ongoing sectarian violence. US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad has said stabilising the country 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. He said there would be setbacks, but the goal of creating a multi-ethnic and multi-faith Iraq remained unchanged.
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. In a joint news conference, the US military commander in Iraq reaffirmed his belief that Iraqi forces could take over security within 18 months.
The statements came amid speculation over Washington's strategy over Iraq.The statements came amid speculation over Washington's strategy over Iraq.
Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassador At least 87 US troops have died this month - the highest monthly toll since November 2004 - increasing pressure on the Bush administration before next month's congressional elections.
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. The outcome [in Iraq] will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassador
He said the process of building up Iraq's own security forces to a level appropriate for this was 75% complete. Mr Khalilzad said the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed in Iraq.
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. But he added: "Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable."
The remarks follow growing calls from senior officials and politicians for US and British troops to be withdrawn. The ambassador went on to say that the stake were vital.
At least 87 US troops have died this month - the highest monthly toll since November 2004. "The outcome will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world," he said.
'Wider struggle' Handing over
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.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.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. href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6076928.stm" class="">Baghdad diary: what options?
"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.But the ambassador made no mention of opening a dialogue with either Syria or Iran, which he accused of supporting armed groups in Iraq.
At the news conference Gen George Casey, the top US military commander in Iraq, said 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.
He said the process of building up Iraq's own security forces to a level appropriate for this was 75% complete.
Gen Casey said that although the situation was "hard", Iraq was not "awash in sectarian violence" - 90% of attacks were occurring in the Baghdad area.
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.
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 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.
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 comments
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 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.