WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 Success from surge of U.S. troops to provide security and help Iraqi forces to maintain it allows for some troops to come home, President George W. Bush said.
"The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home," Bush said in excerpts from a prime time address to the nation Thursday. "And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy."
A reduction in the presence of U.S. combat troops is supported by Iraqi leaders from all communities, Bush said.
"At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency," he said.
Leaders in Iraq have asked for an "enduring relationship" with America, Bush said.
"And we are ready to begin building that relationship," he said, "in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops."
Copyright 2007 by UPI
