Iraq insurgents still strong, general says

Iraqi forces have 'a way to go'
Rumsfeld, testifying on the progress in training Iraq’s own security forces, said these forces have “a way to go,” but progress was being made.

“Success will not be easy and it will require patience. ... But consider what has been accomplished in 12 months,” Rumsfeld said, citing elections in January, economic improvements, and an increasingly improving security force.

The Bush administration contends that Iraqis must be able to defend their own country against a lethal insurgency before a timeline for bringing home troops can be considered.

But progress has been slower than expected. In recent weeks, insurgents have increasingly targeted Iraqi security forces. And U.S. casualties, war spending and public skepticism continue to climb, ruffling both Republicans and Democrats.

“Leaving before the task is complete would be catastrophic,” Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the panel.

Call for constitution
Levin said there was “no military settlement without a political settlement.”

He said the Bush administration should tell the Iraqis that if they do not meet their deadline for drafting a constitution — Aug. 15, with a possible six-month extension — the United States will consider setting a timetable for troop withdrawals.

“We must demonstrate to the Iraqis that our willingness to bear the burden ... has limits,” Levin said.

Iraqis are to vote on the proposed constitution in a referendum by Oct. 15. It must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of voters. If approved, elections for a permanent government would be held by Dec. 15.

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