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Bush Sales Pitch The Key To Iraq Surge Wind DownPRESIDENT George Bushs address to the nation this week is unlikely to dull calls from leading Democrats and some Republicans to slash US involvement in Iraq. General David Petraeus and the US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, have presented optimistic progress reports in the past two days. But the Democrats ability to get enough Republican support to demand a faster pull-out will depend on how well Mr Bush sells General Petraeus plan to slowly wind back the surge in the next 10 months by withdrawing 30,000 troops. General Petraeus and Mr Crocker spent another day giving testimony to two Senate committees. Members from both parties were unable to hide their scepticism, particularly about progress on political reconciliation. "Though we both believe this effort can succeed, it will take time," General Petraeus told members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. Senator Richard Lugar, the top Republican on the committee, told General Petraeus that Mr Bushs troop increase must not be an excuse for failing to prepare for the next phase of involvement in Iraq, whether this was partial withdrawal, a gradual redeployment or another option. Republican senator Chuck Hagel asked: "Are we going to continue to invest American blood and treasure at the same rate were doing now? For what? The President said: Lets buy time. Buy time? For what?" Republican John Warner asked General Petraeus whether increased troops were making the US safer — a clear reference to claims by Mr Bush it was. General Petraeus replied: "I dont know. I have not stepped back to consider this issue." Democrat senator Robert Byrd criticised the decision to hold the hearings on September 11. "It seems to be another attempt to make a link in the confused minds of the American public. Is there a link between September 11 and Iraq?" he asked. "Not that I am aware of," General Petraeus replied. Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama said progress in Iraq had been only modest under the surge. "We have now set the bar so low that modest improvement in what was a completely chaotic situation — to the point where now we just have the levels of intolerable violence that existed in June of 2006 — is considered success." Tag CloudExternal InformationAdditional InformationHezbollah Taunts Israel With Claims of Soldiers? Remains...White House Is Said to Debate ?08 Cut in Iraq Troops by 50%... America’s general under fire... Sudan’s President Defends Accused Militia Leader... Where Am I?News Main Page - Business - Bush Sales Pitch The Key To Iraq Surge Wind Down |
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