Menu
07/12/2006
Iraq debated by Blair and Bush in White House
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is in Washington for talks with US President George W Bush that are expected to concentrate on policy issues in Iraq.
The meeting comes just a day after the release of a report that calls for the withdrawal of US troops by 2008.
The US bipartisan Iraq Study Group report made 79 recommendations as it branded the situation in Iraq as "grave and deteriorating."
The report called for the US government to work with the Iraq government to draw up a comprehensive new "diplomatic offensive" before the end of December.
The authors of the report called for the Bush administration to make a sharp u-turn and involve Iraq's neighbours, Iran and Syria, in the country's future.
Mr Blair has already attempted to start building bridges with Iraq's neighbours which the Bush administration term part of the "axis of evil."
The scathing attack on the handling of the Iraq situation will not go down well in the Bush camp which is increasingly isolated in its stance which is diametrically opposite to many of the issues tackled in the reports sweeping recommendations.
But a delay in action from the US is likely as the National Security Council is in the process of conducting its own review of the Iraq, as is the Pentagon.
The new US Defense Secretary Robert gates has already conceded that the US is not winning the war in Iraq and has expressed a willingness to listen to new ideas.
The Iraq government has welcomed the report as being in accordance with its policy.
(SP)
The meeting comes just a day after the release of a report that calls for the withdrawal of US troops by 2008.
The US bipartisan Iraq Study Group report made 79 recommendations as it branded the situation in Iraq as "grave and deteriorating."
The report called for the US government to work with the Iraq government to draw up a comprehensive new "diplomatic offensive" before the end of December.
The authors of the report called for the Bush administration to make a sharp u-turn and involve Iraq's neighbours, Iran and Syria, in the country's future.
Mr Blair has already attempted to start building bridges with Iraq's neighbours which the Bush administration term part of the "axis of evil."
The scathing attack on the handling of the Iraq situation will not go down well in the Bush camp which is increasingly isolated in its stance which is diametrically opposite to many of the issues tackled in the reports sweeping recommendations.
But a delay in action from the US is likely as the National Security Council is in the process of conducting its own review of the Iraq, as is the Pentagon.
The new US Defense Secretary Robert gates has already conceded that the US is not winning the war in Iraq and has expressed a willingness to listen to new ideas.
The Iraq government has welcomed the report as being in accordance with its policy.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 December 2006
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
14 April 2004
Bush goes on prime time to defend Iraq policy
President George Bush went on US prime time television last night to meet head on growing criticism over the Coalition's handling of the post-war situation in Iraq and to reassure voters that the White House had a decisive strategy to create stability in the region.
Bush goes on prime time to defend Iraq policy
President George Bush went on US prime time television last night to meet head on growing criticism over the Coalition's handling of the post-war situation in Iraq and to reassure voters that the White House had a decisive strategy to create stability in the region.
28 November 2003
President Bush joins troops in whirlwind Iraq visit
President George Bush has made a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq for impromptu Thanksgiving celebrations. Coalition administrator Paul Bremer was finishing a speech to 600 troops at the start of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, when Mr Bush arrived for a whirlwind 2½-hour visit.
President Bush joins troops in whirlwind Iraq visit
President George Bush has made a surprise visit to US troops stationed in Iraq for impromptu Thanksgiving celebrations. Coalition administrator Paul Bremer was finishing a speech to 600 troops at the start of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, when Mr Bush arrived for a whirlwind 2½-hour visit.
08 September 2003
Bush seeks £55bn Iraq war fund and further international support
US President George Bush has declared that he will "spend what is necessary, to achieve victory in the war on terror" as he seeks $87 billion (£55bn) in new funding from Congress. He also stated that Iraq is the “central front” against global terrorism, and called for increased support from other countries to deal with problems in post-war Iraq.
Bush seeks £55bn Iraq war fund and further international support
US President George Bush has declared that he will "spend what is necessary, to achieve victory in the war on terror" as he seeks $87 billion (£55bn) in new funding from Congress. He also stated that Iraq is the “central front” against global terrorism, and called for increased support from other countries to deal with problems in post-war Iraq.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
