Bush outlines new strategy

Washington: US President George W Bush has announced that he will commit another 21,500 troops to Iraq, as part of a new strategy to end the spiral of violence in Iraq.

The controversial decision to increase troop levels sets Bush up for a showdown with the Democratic controlled congress, who have already voiced their opposition to the plan.

In a speech to the nation on Wednesday night, he also said the situation in Iraq was unacceptable and that the responsibility for mistakes in the conflict rested with him.

The President said the extra troops would start arriving on Monday, fight alongside Iraqi units and help end the cycle of violence which has gripped the country.

Bush told the nation that to “step back now would force a collapse of the Iraqi government, tear that country apart and result in mass killings on an unimaginable scale.''

He added: “If we increase our support at this crucial moment and help the Iraqis break the current cycle of violence, we can hasten the day our troops begin coming home.''

Mr Bush said most of the extra soldiers – there are currently 132,000 US military personnel in Iraq - would go to Baghdad to secure neighbourhoods, while 4,000 would be sent to the Anbar province.

After the speech, Bush was criticised by Democrats, and there were even hints that support from Republicans was wavering.

Democratic presidential contender John Edwards said: "The president's decision is wrong for Iraq and wrong for America - and it's time for the new Congress to stop Bush from stubbornly pursuing his failed strategy in Iraq.

"Congress should make it clear to the president that he will not get any money to put more of our troops in harm's way until he provides a plan to turn responsibility of Iraq over to the Iraqi people and to ultimately leave Iraq".

Republican Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, who met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki on Wednesday, said: “I do not believe that sending more troops to Iraq is the answer. Iraq requires a political rather than a military solution."

Bringing in more troops and heavier weaponry in Iraq will fuel violence. I may sound cynical, but I now believe that the current US leadership is doing business development for the military industry by fostering violent conflicts.
John
Dubai,UAE

To all intents and purposes, President Bush has taken the wisest decision, however painful. With the support of American forces, Iraqis have not been able to contend with the violence. So it will be unthinkable for American forces to abandon them now. It will equally amount to abdication of responsibility on the part of Bush if he withdraws troops when peace has not been won. The best bet is to strategise to reduce violence and he has done just that.
Lawrence
Lagos,Nigeria

I am agree with the decision of Mr Bush. Some officials in US have some points however, but I believe some Iraqis will not resolve to a political solution. The best is a military solution and to send more troops for security.
Hermie
Manila,Philippines

Bush's decision is always wrong and his decision is always against Islam and the Muslim community. He is not looking at the stability of Iraq, he is only looking how to exploit oil wealth from Iraq. He is destroying this world by an ugly war.
Johney
Abu Dhabi,UAE