Bush Concedes Iraq War More Difficult Than He Expected - New York Times

Bush Concedes Iraq War More Difficult Than He Expected - New York Times: "December 20, 2006
Bush Concedes Iraq War More Difficult Than He Expected
By JOHN HOLUSHA

President Bush acknowledged today that the war in Iraq has been more difficult than he anticipated, but insisted that it could still be won. He said the “extremists and radicals” behind the bombing and attacks in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq “can’t run us out of the Middle East.”

Speaking at a White House news conference, Mr. Bush said he would await the results of a review of the administration’s policy on Iraq before announcing a new strategy for the “war on terrorism.”

But he said he would support a measure to send a surge of fresh troops to the country, as long as there was “a specific mission.” He also said it was essential to “adjust tactics” in Iraq and have Iraqis “do more soon.”

The president also said he had asked his new defense secretary, Robert M. Gates, to explore increasing the “permanent size” of the United States Army and the Marine Corps."