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Bush Criticizes Iraq Pullout Plan


(file photo) (epa) April 15, 2007 -- U.S. President George W. Bush has criticized a plan by opposition Democrats to set a date for a withdrawal from Iraq.

Bush made the comments in his weekly radio address on April 14. He said more debate is needed on the issue.


"Our troops should not be trapped in the middle. They have been waiting for this money long enough," Bush said.


"Congress must now work quickly and pass a clean bill that funds our troops, without artificial timelines for withdrawal, without handcuffing our generals on the ground, and without extraneous domestic spending."


Bush said the Democrats' plan gives U.S. enemies "the victory they desperately want."


Most Iraqis Oppose Troops


Recent polls show that 80 percent of Iraq's Shi'as and 97 percent of Sunnis oppose the presence of U.S. troops in the country. Overall, 51 percent support attacks on U.S. soldiers. But only 35 percent want the U.S. forces to leave immediately.


The weekend was again tainted with blood in Iraq.


Today, three car bombs exploded in Baghdad, killing at least 35 people and wounding dozens.


The bombing came a day after a car bomb killed at least 37 people and wounded more than 150 near a bus station and market, close to the Imam Hussein shrine, one of the most important holy sites for Shi'ite Muslims.


On April 13, Iraq's parliament met at a special session to condemn the suicide bombing that tore through the building the day before.


An Al-Qaeda-backed group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed eight people, including two Sunni legislators.

RFE/RL Iraq Report

RFE/RL Iraq Report


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