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    Middle East
     Dec 8, 2006
Page 2 of 2
Bush given stark choices on Iraq
By Krishnadev Calamur

into efforts to stabilize Iraq would accomplish little at great expense or even backfire, undermining stability.

"The ISG's broad approach of reducing US forces' combat role while increasing their role training Iraqi troops and police would put US resources where they can do the most good as Iraq's government tackles the difficult political issues behind the country's current violence. Conversely, as the ISG finds, an abrupt withdrawal of US forces would lead to strategic, moral and humanitarian disaster."

Speaking to the media after meeting with members of the ISG in the White House on Monday, Bush said he would take the



recommendations "very seriously".

"I urge the members of Congress to take this report seriously," he said. "While they won't agree with every proposal - and we probably won't agree with every proposal - it nevertheless is an opportunity to come together and to work together on this important issue."

If the situation in Iraq is not resolved now, the report says, the consequences for the region and the US will be severe. "Neighboring countries could intervene. Sunni-Shi'ite clashes could spread. Al-Qaeda could win a propaganda victory and expand its base of operations. The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarized."

Another key recommendation of the report is that for the US to achieve goals in the Middle East, it must play a greater role in bringing peace to the region; it is unclear if the administration will take such advice. Both the president and the two political parties in the US are unequivocal in their support of Israel, calling it the only democratic nation in the Middle East and, as such, a natural US ally.

"There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria and President Bush's June 2002 commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine," the report said.

The report's findings come at a difficult time for the administration. Bush's fellow Republicans have lost control of Congress in part due to the unpopularity of the Iraq war, and the incoming Democrats have made it clear that they want a fresh approach. The president will be keen to show that he is not going to cut and run, and has said he will weigh the options available to him.

The report's recommendations are not binding and the president also has the luxury of upcoming studies from the National Security Council, the US State Department and the Pentagon on the situation in Iraq. Those, along with Wednesday's report, are likely to help chart the future course of Iraq.

Krishnadev Calamur is deputy international editor at United Press International.

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