Bush Defies Calls for Faster Withdrawal of Iraq Troops

WASHINGTON — Mr. Bush defended the costs of the war, in lives and money, and said that withdrawing from Iraq would be catastrophic to the national interests. He signaled that an American force nearly as large as at any point in the last five years would remain in Iraq through his presidency, leaving any significant changes in policy to the next president.
General Urges Care in Dealing With Militia