Bush stuck in Iraq quagmire

George Bush officially announced on Thursday that American troops will stay in Iraq beyond a date foreshadowed for a partial withdrawl. It follows a recommendation from top U.S. commander, General David Petraeus.

General David Petraeus wants to complete the pullout of 20,000 troops by July but then halt further reductions for 45 days, to allow a full assessment to be made.

President Bush has assured Americans that the top U.S. military commander in Iraq would have “all the time he needs” before completing the withdrawals of U.S. troops.

Bush's support for Petraeus drew fire from his political rivals: Senator Hillary Clinton accused the President of “refusing to face the reality” confronting America over Iraq.