AFP: Bush targets Iraq policy change by Christmas [View All]

Bush targets Iraq policy change by Christmas


by Stephen Collinson
Sat Dec 9, 12:06 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President George W. Bush will work on a new approach to Iraq
in meetings with top advisors next week, and could announce the strategy before
Christmas, the White House said.

Pressure is building on Bush after he distanced himself from several key
recommendations put forward by a top bipartisan commission this week, which called
for a complete overhaul of US policy to avert Iraq's slide into chaos.

He will frame his decision in talks with his secretaries of state and defense,
military commanders and US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, as well as outside
experts.

-snip-

The goal is for Bush "to be able to give a speech before Christmas (December 25),
but it's not set in stone," Perino said.

-snip-

Bush was cool on two key commission proposals -- talks with Iran and Syria, and
withdrawing most US combat troops by early 2008.

-snip-