US President George W. Bush reaffirmed his opposition to what he called a "precipitous" US troop withdrawal from Iraq, arguing that victory in Iraq was still "possible." Amid indications that changes in Iraq policy were under way, Bush said he was "encouraged" by a report issued Wednesday by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which cautioned against a quick withdrawal from the country.
The group, which called for a radical change of strategy in Iraq, suggested pulling out combat units from Iraq by early 2008.
But in his weekly radio address, Bush pointed out that in its report, the group declared that such a withdrawal would "almost certainly produce greater sectarian violence" and lead to "a significant power vacuum, greater human suffering, regional destabilization, and a threat to the global economy."
"The Iraq Study Group understands the urgency of getting it right in Iraq," the president continued. "The group also understands that while the work ahead will not be easy, success in Iraq is important, and success in Iraq is possible."
Bush also expressed confidence that the incoming Democratic majority in the US Congress will be able to overcome its differences and find a way to achieve success in Iraq.
"I'm confident that we can move beyond our political differences and come together to achieve that victory," the president assured. "I will do my part."
