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U.S. Revises Iraq Strategy

Despite reassurances from the Bush Administration that no change would be forthcoming in the White House`s strategy for Iraq, a study group commissioned by Congress and headed by a friend of the Bush family was reported at the end of last week as being almost ready to recommend sweeping changes to the nation`s approach to Iraq. The changes, which could redefine not only America`s strategy in the Iraq War but which many feel could stunt the ability of the United States to fight wars effectively in the future, were expected to take in bipartisan viewpoints.

Former Secretary of State James Baker`s Iraq Study Group was to reportedly recommend - not enforce, but recommend - a phased pullout of troops from Iraq, but this flies in the face of many who think what is needed is to send more troops to stabilize the country. In the meantime, President Bush has announced that in the near future the Iraqi government will be presented with a series of "milestones" to achieve, the goal being to gradually hand over more governmental and political control of the country to Baghdad.

In related news, Bush Administration officials have somewhat belatedly announced that in the run-up to mid-term elections in roughly two weeks` time, the president will be focusing on emphasizing his efforts to help strengthen the American economy. For those of his critics who disagree with his Iraq war policies, this refocusing might be seen as a desperate ploy but nevertheless an effective one, as the perception - according to polls that Bush claims to not care about - remains that Bush is judged less harshly as far as the economy is concerned.