Bush stresses need to succeed in Iraq |
|
|
|
Published
:
Tue, 23 Jan 2007 23:34
|
WASHINGTON (AFX) - President Bush, confronting a skeptical Congress and American public, sought to deflate strong opposition Tuesday to sending more troops to the war, asserting that 'America must not fail in Iraq' and his plan offered the best chance of success.Facing a major political showdown over his policy, Bush said that 'the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.'In his annual State of the Union address, Bush sought to revive his troubled presidency with proposals to expand health insurance coverage and slash gasoline consumption. But the war was issue No. 1.The White House released excerpts in advance of Bush's prime-time address to the nation. His speech came as key Republicans joined Democrats in drafting resolutions of opposition to the plans Bush announced two weeks ago to send an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq.Bush said he had reviewed the decision with military commanders and had considered every possible approach. 'In the end I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success,' he said. 'Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq -- because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.'Despite widespread opposition to his policies, Bush said that 'both parties and both branches should work in close consultation.'Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
Bush plan for more US troops in Iraq gets UK, Japanese, Australian backing 