Bush defends Iraq war strategy

Bush defends Iraq war strategy

Bush urged congress to pass his $150bn economic stimulus plan "as soon as possible" [AFP]
George Bush, the US president, has used his seventh and final State of the Union to defend his unpopular Iraq war strategy.

He warned against the withdrawal of US troops, saying such a move would undermine "progress" made in recent months.
"Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen," he said.

The US leader also praised the results of the so-called "surge" of US troops sent to Iraq last year.
Iraq war 'difficult'

"The war in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation, but it is in the interests of our nation that we succeed," Bush said.

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He also welcomed the formation of the "Awakening Councils," groups of Iraqis who have sided with the US to confront al-Qaeda in Iraq.

"Al-Qaeda is on the run in Iraq and this enemy will be defeated,'' he said.

The US president also stepped up his rhetoric against Iran, warning Tehran it should "come clean" on its nuclear ambitions, saying the US will confront "any threats" against its forces.

"America will confront those who threaten our troops, we will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf," Bush said.