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Iraq report 'is no magic formula' Iraq report 'is no magic formula'
(20 minutes later)
There is no "magic formula" to solve the crisis in Iraq, a major report on US policy in the country says.There is no "magic formula" to solve the crisis in Iraq, a major report on US policy in the country says.
But the Iraq Study Group (ISG) report also says that not all options have been exhausted, and urges talks with Iran and Syria.But the Iraq Study Group (ISG) report also says that not all options have been exhausted, and urges talks with Iran and Syria.
While endorsing the need for a policy shift, it stops short of a firm timetable for a troop pullout.While endorsing the need for a policy shift, it stops short of a firm timetable for a troop pullout.
President Bush said the report would be taken "very seriously" and pledged to "act in a timely fashion".President Bush said the report would be taken "very seriously" and pledged to "act in a timely fashion".
It brings a "tough assessment" and "some really very interesting proposals," he said.It brings a "tough assessment" and "some really very interesting proposals," he said.
Washington has so far refused to hold direct talks with Iran and Syria.Washington has so far refused to hold direct talks with Iran and Syria.
The report also calls for renewed US efforts to resolve the wider conflict in the Middle East.The report also calls for renewed US efforts to resolve the wider conflict in the Middle East.
'Humanitarian catastrophe''Humanitarian catastrophe'
Correspondents say the widely-leaked review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes. Correspondents say the review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes.
The 142-page report includes 79 recommendations, of which three are key:The 142-page report includes 79 recommendations, of which three are key:
    • A change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq to enable it to begin to move combat forces out responsibly
    • A change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq to enable it to begin to move combat forces out responsibly
    • Prompt action by the Iraqi government to achieve reconciliation
    • Prompt action by the Iraqi government to achieve reconciliation
    • New and enhanced diplomatic efforts in the region
    • New and enhanced diplomatic efforts in the region
      • The ISG had been expected to recommend a gradual phased withdrawal of US troops over the next 18 months.The ISG had been expected to recommend a gradual phased withdrawal of US troops over the next 18 months.
      KEY SUGGESTIONS Primary mission of US forces should evolve to one of supporting Iraqi armyBy first quarter of 2008... all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq US must not make open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq Source: Leaked ISG report Iraq Study Group Report [1.72MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereKEY SUGGESTIONS Primary mission of US forces should evolve to one of supporting Iraqi armyBy first quarter of 2008... all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq US must not make open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq Source: Leaked ISG report Iraq Study Group Report [1.72MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
      But White House spokesman Tony Snow emphasised there was "no timetable" and "no recommendation for immediate withdrawal".But White House spokesman Tony Snow emphasised there was "no timetable" and "no recommendation for immediate withdrawal".
      However, the review recommended that the US "engage directly with Iran and Syria", and that Washington should "consider incentives and disincentives" for the two nations.However, the review recommended that the US "engage directly with Iran and Syria", and that Washington should "consider incentives and disincentives" for the two nations.
      Speaking ahead of the report, Syria repeated its willingness to co-operate with the US, and said it was in Syria's interest to help Iraq.Speaking ahead of the report, Syria repeated its willingness to co-operate with the US, and said it was in Syria's interest to help Iraq.
      But correspondents say the president appears unlikely to heed the call for more engagement with Syria and Iran, amid efforts by the administration to isolate both states.But correspondents say the president appears unlikely to heed the call for more engagement with Syria and Iran, amid efforts by the administration to isolate both states.
      The report also raises the consequences of continued decline in the situation in Iraq.The report also raises the consequences of continued decline in the situation in Iraq.
      It warns that if the situation worsens, there is a risk of a "slide toward chaos (that) could trigger the collapse of Iraq's government and a humanitarian catastrophe".It warns that if the situation worsens, there is a risk of a "slide toward chaos (that) could trigger the collapse of Iraq's government and a humanitarian catastrophe".
      "Neighbouring countries could intervene... The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarised.""Neighbouring countries could intervene... The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarised."
      Dozens interviewedDozens interviewed
      The 10-member panel, headed by former Secretary of State James Baker, has been working since April to come up with recommendations.The 10-member panel, headed by former Secretary of State James Baker, has been working since April to come up with recommendations.
      HAVE YOUR SAY The damage has already been done and now ordinary Iraqis have to live with the mess Daniel, London Send us your comments Iran influence limitedHAVE YOUR SAY The damage has already been done and now ordinary Iraqis have to live with the mess Daniel, London Send us your comments Iran influence limited
      The ISG has met or spoken to more than 170 individuals, including Iraq's leaders, President Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, ambassadors and other senior officials from among Iraq's neighbours and the US.The ISG has met or spoken to more than 170 individuals, including Iraq's leaders, President Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, ambassadors and other senior officials from among Iraq's neighbours and the US.
      Hundreds of others have fed their suggestions to four working groups, which have written analytical papers for the panel's benefit.Hundreds of others have fed their suggestions to four working groups, which have written analytical papers for the panel's benefit.
      Mr Blair arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a visit which will include meetings with President Bush and congressional leaders.Mr Blair arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a visit which will include meetings with President Bush and congressional leaders.