Bush: No Timetable For Iraq

President Cites Progress But Won't Set Date For U.S. Pullout

(CBS/AP) 
But Mr. Bush said many Iraqi forces have made real gains over the past year.

"As the Iraqi forces grow more capable, they are increasingly taking the lead in the fight against the terrorists," Mr. Bush said. "Our goal is to train enough Iraqi forces so they can carry the fight against the terrorists."

The speech did not break new ground or present a new strategy. Instead, it was intended to bring together in one place the administration's arguments for the war and its strategy on a military, economic and political track. The president's address was accompanied by the release of a 35-page White House document titled "National Strategy for Victory in Iraq." (.pdf)

"Americans should have a clear understanding of this strategy," Mr. Bush said. He said the document was an unclassified version of the strategy that was being pursued in Iraq.

Mr. Bush said that Iraqis are stepping forward to provide security for their embattled country, torn by suicide bombings, kidnappings and other violence. "Iraqi forces have made real progress," the president said. "We will stay as long as necessary to complete the mission. If our military leaders there tell us we need more troops, I will send them."

He said 40 Iraqi combat battalions are now taking the lead in joint operations with coalition troops, while 80 others are capable of support operations. Yet Pentagon officials recently said only one battalion - about 700 men - is fully capable of fighting alone, reports Roberts.

"They're helping to turn the tide in the struggle in freedom's favor," the president said.

Turning to criticism at home, Mr. Bush said, "Some are calling for a deadline for withdrawal. The many advocating an artificial timetable for withdrawing are sincere. But I believe they're sincerely wrong.

"Pulling our troops out before they achieve their purpose is not a plan for victory.

... To all who wear the uniform, I make you this pledge, America will not run in the face of car bombers and assassins so long as I am your commander in chief," he declared.

The Naval Academy speech is the first in a series of speeches the president is delivering between now and the Dec. 15 Iraqi election to outline political, security and economic strategies for Iraq.

The 35-page fighting strategy released Wednesday maintains increasing numbers of Iraqi troops have been equipped and trained, a democratic government is being forged, Iraq's economy is being rebuilt and U.S. military and civilian presence will change as conditions improve.

"We expect, but cannot guarantee that our force posture will change over the next year, as the political process advances and Iraqi security forces grow and gain experience," it said. "While our military presence may become less visible, it will remain lethal and decisive, able to confront the enemy wherever it may organize"

The White House's emphasis on the readiness of Iraqi security forces comes at a time when continued violence in Iraq and the death of more than 2,000 U.S. troops have contributed to a sharp drop in his popularity.

Sixty-two percent of Americans, in an AP-Ipsos poll taken in November, said they disapproved of the presidents Iraq policy. Thirty-seven percent approved of his policy — down from 43 percent in May. Mr. Bush's overall job approval rating is at 37 percent, the lowest level of his presidency.