Wed, Dec 22, 2004 - Page 1 News List

Bush blames Iraqi troops for setbacks

SHAKEN RESOLVE The US president is off on his long vacation, but not before telling reporters that Americans could be forgiven for thinking that Iraqis aren't up to the task

AP AND AFP , WASHINGTON

"I meant it. And hopefully those governments heard what I said," he said, without specifying consequences.

Meanwhile, more Americans than ever, some 56 percent, say the war in Iraq is not worth fighting, according to a poll on Monday.

Some 57 percent of those surveyed disapproved of Bush's handling of the situation, just one point lower than his rating at the height of the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, the ABC News/Washington Post poll found.

Rumsfeld's approval rating was only 35 percent -- half of where it stood when Baghdad fell -- and 52 percent said Bush should sack him.

Americans also doubted Iraq's elections planned for Jan. 30 could proceed adequately, with 58 percent saying the country was not ready and 54 percent saying the polls would not be honest and fair. But 60 percent said the elections should be held as planned anyway.

Also see story:

Bush publicly backs Rumsfeld despite mounting opposition

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