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Iraq report 'is no magic formula' Iraq report 'is no magic formula'
(20 minutes later)
A report on US policy in Iraq says there is no "magic formula" to solve the crisis, the White House has said. 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, which is being presented by panel members, says not all options have been exhausted. But the Iraq Study Group (ISG) report also says that not all options have been exhausted, and urges talks with Iran and Syria.
It stops short of a firm timetable for a US troop pullout and urges talks with Iran and Syria on their neighbour. While endorsing the need for a policy shift, it stops short of a firm timetable for a troop pullout.
President Bush, who has a copy, said it 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, leaks suggest. The report also calls for renewed US efforts to resolve the wider conflict in the Middle East.
'Humanitarian catastrophe''Humanitarian catastrophe'
Correspondents say the review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes. Correspondents say the widely-leaked review offers no big surprises and no quick fixes.
The 142-page report included 79 recommendations, the White House spokesman said. 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
  • Prompt action by the Iraqi government to achieve reconciliation
  • 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.
    READ THE FINDINGS US readers discuss Iraq Iraq violence, in figures Q&A: Iraq Study Group
    Iraq Study Group - Executive Summary [221KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here    		READ THE FINDINGS US readers discuss Iraq Iraq violence, in figures Q&A: Iraq Study Group
    Iraq Study Group - Executive Summary [221KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
    Mr Snow said 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".
    "There is nothing in there about pulling back militarily," he said.
    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.
    There was "talk of building a larger support group that would include all neighbours," during the hour-long meeting of ISG members, he said. 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.
    HAVE YOUR SAY The damage has already been done and now ordinary Iraqis have to live with the mess Daniel, London href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=4895&edition=1" class="">Send us your comments href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6214390.stm" class="">Iran influence limited The report also raises the consequences of continued decline in the situation in Iraq.
    The report also raised "the consequences of continued decline" in Iraq, Mr Snow added. 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".
    According to the Associated Press news agency, it warned that if the situation worsened, there was 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," commissioners said.
    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 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.