Bush is thrilled, proud, and uncertain when Iraqis can control security

[Human Torch]

Bush: U.S. uncertain when Iraqis can control security
President discusses war with Danish ally

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/09/bush.denmark.ap/index.html

CAMP DAVID, Maryland (AP) -- President Bush said Friday that it's not clear that Iraqi forces will be able to take control of their country's security within 18 months as the new leader there has said.

Making that determination depends on an assessment of the new government in Baghdad, which just on Thursday installed a new defense minister and other top national security posts, Bush said.

"I think we'll get a realistic appraisal about the capacity for standing up Iraqi troops as this new government begins to function," the president said, appearing here with Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a staunch U.S. ally in Iraq. "Now they've got a defense minister which will give us time to assess their command-and-control."

The meeting came a day after the disclosure that terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had been killed in a bombing attack in Iraq. "I'm thrilled that Zarqawi was brought to justice, and I am so proud of our troops and intelligence officers who brought him to justice," Bush said. "This man had a lot of blood on his hands."



U.S. President George W. Bush drives Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen in his cart upon the Prime Minister's arrival at Camp David in Maryland, June 9, 2006. Rasmussen, his wife Anne-Mette, son Henrik and his wife Kristina are visiting President Bush and first lady Laura Bush at the Presidential retreat. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES)

[saltpoint]

1. I hope the Prime Minister and his family have an opportunity to

visit the Smithsonian and maybe catch a concert at the Kennedy Center so that their trip to Washington is not a complete loss.