Bush hints at US troop reduction in visit to Iraq

Well - so even the USA are on their way out now, eh? And a hand over to the Sunnis? Well, we never did really like those Shiites did we? There's an interesting dynamic developing here. Iraq has a virtual civil war already. Are we stoking the fires? Could be wouldn't you say?

Reuters - 04 September, 2007
President George W. Bush, on a surprise visit to Iraq on Monday, said a reduction in combat troops was possible but sniped at “nervous” US politicians ahead of a showdown with Congress. Bush flew from Washington in total secrecy to this desert base in Anbar province, where the US administration has taken heart from the sight of former Sunni insurgents joining with US forces to fight Al Qaeda extremists.

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US to talk toIran and Syria

What a difference a day makes - suddenly there is a possibility of a graceful exit from Iraq after all:

The news that President Bush is set to talk with Iran on the future of Iraq following the announcement of a shift by the US Secretary of Stateheadlines all papers. These anticipated talks will see America and Britain join Iraq and its neighbours, notably Syria.

Bush to talk with Iran on future of Iraq Toby Harnden

President George Bush signalled a dramatic shift in his Middle East policy last night by agreeing to discuss the future of Iraq with Iran and Syria.

US Senators Oppose Bush's Iraq Plan

Senators from both political parties have unveiled a non-binding resolution opposing the plan to increase US troop numbers in Iraq.

The resolution symbolically puts the Senate on record as saying the US commitment in Iraq "can only be sustained" with popular support.

George Bush, the US president, plans to send 21,500 more US troops to Iraq.

Democrat Joseph Biden, one of the co-sponsors of the resolution, said: "I believe that when a president goes way off course on something as important as Iraq, the single most effective way to get him to change course is to demonstrate that his policy has waning or no support from both parties."

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Bush authorised raids

Bush authorized raids on Iranians in Iraq - Rice

Reuters - 13 January, 2007
Recent U.S. military raids against Iranians in Iraq were authorized by President George W.Bush under an order for a broad offensive against Iranian operatives in the country, the New York Times said on its Website on Friday.

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Mr Bush's masterplan

Chris Doyle of Caabu sends round a note that today's British papers continue to tackle Bush's latest Iraq strategy announcement and its reception, within the US, in the Arab world and in the UK- making cover news in the Guardian, Telegraph and the FT and receiving editorial coverage in most papers (the Independent, Guardian, Telegraph and the FT).