Iraq war not lost, says Bush

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush, trying to regain American confidence in his Iraq war strategy, says Iraq's election is evidence the war is not lost.

He said communications from insurgents suggested "they feel a tightening noose".

"This election will not mean the end of violence," Bush said. "But it is the beginning of something new: constitutional democracy at the heart of the Middle East."

Iraqis turned out in the millions last Thursday to vote in an election that will pave the way for the formation of a permanent government.

Bush, struggling with low approval ratings and wide public discontent with the rising US death toll, hopes the election will mark a turning point in support for his strategy, which is costing taxpayers US$6 billion a month.

Speaking from the Oval Office, the president said he recognised that many Americans "have questions about the cost and direction of this war".

"Some look at the challenges in Iraq, and conclude that the war is lost, and not worth another dime or another day," Bush said. "I don't believe that. Our military commanders don't believe that."

He added: "Not even the terrorists believe it. We know from their own communications that they feel a tightening noose -- and fear the rise of a democratic Iraq."

The White House did not release details about communications he was talking about.

Bush, under mounting pressure from Americans to show progress in Iraq that will enable a reduction in US troops next year, warned Americans of "the consequences of pulling out of Iraq before our work is done."

"We would abandon our Iraqi friends -- and signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word... We would hand Iraq over to enemies who have pledged to attack us -- and the global terrorist movement would be emboldened and more dangerous than ever before," Bush said.

The US commander in Iraq said US forces there are likely to shrink from a current 150,000 to their pre-election total of 138,000 by early February.

But any drawdown beyond that will depend on the ability of more Iraqis to defend themselves. US commanders believe some could be brought home in 2006. Some Democrats wants a specific schedule for a phased redeployment, which Bush rejects.

Bush's address follows Vice President Dick Cheney's surprise visit to Iraq on Sunday, his first since the 2003 invasion, and comes amid growing political pressure for a drawdown in US troop levels.

- REUTERS