Bush acknowledges tough going in Iraq

Bush's approval ratings have fallen to the lowest levels of his presidency in part because of growing pessimism about Iraq. Some prominent Republicans have openly questioned whether the administration's upbeat statements match events on the ground.

Asked if he agreed with Vice President Dick Cheney's assertion that the insurgency was in its "last throes," Bush replied that he understood "how dangerous it is there," adding: "I think about Iraq every day, every single day.

"And the report from the field is that while it's tough, more and more Iraqis are becoming battle-hardened and trained to defend themselves. And that's exactly the strategy that's going to work. And we will, we will complete this mission," Bush told a joint news conference with European Union leaders.

Lawmakers have also questioned administration assertions about the number of Iraqi troops that have been trained. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, predicted on Sunday that it will be "at least" two years before US troops can pull out.

"Too often we've been told and the American people have been told that we're at a turning point," said McCain, who described Cheney's characterisation as inaccurate.

Another top Republican, Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, was quoted by US News and World Report as saying the White House was "disconnected from reality" in its optimism over the war.

"Things aren't getting better; they're getting worse... It's like they're just making it up as they go along. The reality is that we're losing in Iraq," Hagel said.