Bush working on war strategy

LOS ANGELES TIMES
CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush said Thursday that he was "making good progress" toward redrawing his strategy for Iraq, a plan aides said would encompass economic and political elements as well as new security procedures to stem sectarian violence and counter a thriving insurgency.
It appeared increasingly likely, but not certain, that the latest effort to shore up the Iraq campaign would include sending additional U.S. troops there and that the president would launch his strategy in a speech to the nation next week or soon after.
Democratic leaders reiterated their opposition to any increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq.
Bush held a morning-long meeting of key members of the National Security Council at his office on his Texas ranch, continuing the discussions at lunch. Before making final decisions, Bush said he wanted to hold additional consultations, including with members of Congress.
The administration has attached great importance not only to the substance of the plan but to the way it is presented to -- and received by -- the public, a tacit acknowledgment of the continuing decline in support for the war. Administration officials also are concerned with the impact that Congress can have on the president's ability to conduct the war once Democratic majorities take control of the agenda in the House and Senate.
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. said Thursday that most Democrats oppose any proposal for a "surge" in the number of U.S. troops.