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Iraq 'success' possible, US says Iraq 'success' possible, US says
(20 minutes later)
US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad has said stabilising the country 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.
He said there would be setbacks, but the goal of creating a multi-ethnic and multi-faith Iraq remained unchanged.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, the US military commander in Iraq reaffirmed his belief that Iraqi forces could take over security within 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.
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. At least 87 US troops have died this month - the highest monthly toll since November 2004.
BBC World affairs correspondent Paul Reynolds says the thrust of the briefing was one of reassurance, perhaps to US voters as they prepare for next month's mid-term elections.
The outcome [in Iraq] will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassadorThe outcome [in Iraq] will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world Zalmay KhalilzadUS ambassador
Mr Khalilzad said the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed in Iraq.Mr Khalilzad said the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed in Iraq.
But he added: "Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable."But he added: "Success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable."
The ambassador went on to say that the stakes were vital. The ambassador went on to say that the outcome would "profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world".
"The outcome will profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world," he said. The US, he said, "should make adjustments in strategy "and redouble its efforts to succeed.
Handing overHanding 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.
Baghdad diary: what options?Baghdad diary: what options?
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 envoy 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.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.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. Gen Casey said that although the situation was "hard", Iraq was not "awash in sectarian violence".
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. He stated that 90% of sectarian attacks occurred in or near Baghdad, and 90% of all violence in five of the country's 18 provinces.
The US should continue to focus on reducing troop numbers in Iraq, the general said, adding that he would not hesitate to ask for more troops if necessary.
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.
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 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
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 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.