Bush: Insurgents in Iraq thwarted US efforts at stability in 2006
US president speaks about Iraq policy during press conference; concedes insurgents in Iraq damaging US efforts to establish security, stability in Iraq
Looking to change course, Bush said he has not decided whether to order a short-term surge in US troops in Iraq in hopes of gaining control of the violent and chaotic situation there.
The president spoke as Robert Gates made his first visit to Iraq since being sworn in earlier in the week as defense secretary. Bush said he has asked his new Pentagon boss to report to him as quickly as possible on plans to enlarge the size of the Army and Marine Corps. At his traditional year-end news conference, Bush said the United States will "ask more of our Iraqi partners" in 2007, and he pledged to work with the new Democratic Congress, as well.
'Mary is going to be a fine, loving mother'
Bush did not wait for the first question before assessing the past 12 months. "2006 was a difficult year for our troops and the Iraqi people."
He also said he supports a moderate coalition in Iraq, a new effort by the government to "Marginalize the radical and extremists" in Iraq.
Most of the questions dealt with the war in Iraq, but the president was also asked about the pregnancy of Mary Cheney, the openly gay daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney.
"I know Mary and I like her and I know she is going to be a fine, loving mother," said Bush. Neither he nor his questioner referred to Cheney's partner. On domestic politics, Bush said he saw an opening for compromise with the Democratic-controlled Congress that convenes on Jan. 4.
He cited pension reform and immigration as two major areas in which common ground might be found. He also called for fresh efforts to reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.
