Baker Says No 'Magic Bullet' For Iraq Problems

The aftermath of a roadside bombing in Baghdad on October 15 (epa) October 18, 2006 -- Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker has warned not to expect a special Iraq panel he cochairs to come up with a "magic bullet" to solve the country's deepening problems.

He said the bipartisan Iraq Study Group appointed by the U.S. Congress to look at alternatives to current policy in Iraq had not decided what to recommend, but he suggested there was no easy way out of the violent conflict.

A "Los Angeles Times" report said the study group may recommend a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq or discussions with Syria or Iran to help stop the fighting in Iraq.

Baker said the study group had made no decisions.

(Reuters)