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Iraq 'success' possible, US says Iraq 'success' possible, US says
(about 1 hour 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.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. 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.
As the two US officials spoke in Baghdad, violence continued across the country. Among the incidents:
  • US soldiers shot dead four Iraqi firefighters they had mistaken for insurgents in the western city of Falluja
  • A car bomb in Baghdad wounded 13 people
  • Two policemen died in Amara, in an attack blamed on Shia militiamen
    • Handing over
    Mr Khalilzad acknowledged that the recent bloodshed had made many Americans question whether the US could succeed in Iraq.
    Baghdad diary: what options?
    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 outcome would "profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world".The ambassador went on to say that the outcome would "profoundly shape the wider struggle and in turn the security of the world".
    The US, he said, "should make adjustments in strategy "and redouble its efforts to succeed. The US, he said, "should make adjustments in strategy" and redouble its efforts to succeed.
    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.
    Baghdad diary: what options?
    But the envoy 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.
    Iraqi casualties
    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.
    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
    Gen Casey said that although the situation was "hard", Iraq was not "awash in sectarian violence".Gen Casey said that although the situation was "hard", Iraq was not "awash in sectarian violence".
    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.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. The general praised Iraqi soldiers and police, who he said had suffered over 300 casualties in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
    Pressure for change He said the US should continue to focus on reducing troop numbers in Iraq, adding that he would not hesitate to ask for more troops if necessary.
    The Bush administration is spending Tuesday on the offensive over Iraq, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections. Meanwhile in Washington criticism of the administration's Iraq policies continued, exactly two weeks before key mid-term congressional elections.
    "We're on the verge of chaos, and the current plan is not working," Democratic Senator Lindsey Graham told the Associated Press news agency.
    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.
    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".
    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.
    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.