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Bush hints at troop cut in Iraq

Aboard Air Force One: Flying away from the dusty war zone in Iraq to an Asia summit, U.S. President George W Bush flirted with the idea that American troop strength could be reduced if security across Iraq improves as it has in Anbar Province, once rife with militants.

The President told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday night that his strategy sessions with U.S. and Iraqi leaders and chats about morale with soldiers and Marines at an air base in western Iraq left him hopeful that positive change is starting in the four-year-old conflict.

The question, he said, is, “Will it last?” Mr. Bush is nearing a decision on how long to maintain the troop buildup. He sent 30,000 additional troops to enhance security in Baghdad and Anbar Province.

Democrats and some prominent Republicans want troops called home. “How many troops does it take to protect us? What does it take to have this Iraqi democracy succeed?” Mr. Bush asked. Mr. Bush left Iraq and reached Sydney for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Debate over the war will most certainly follow him there. — AP

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