That Magic Moment

From The New York Times:

WASHINGTON — President Bush strongly defended Iraq’s prime minister on Friday at what he called a “defining moment” for the Baghdad government, saying the United States supported its offensive against a Shiite militia and would provide any military assistance that was sought.

…snip…

Mr. Bush, appearing in the East Room of the White House, said that he had not spoken to Iraq’s leader, Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, since Iraqi forces launched a major military operation to seize Basra from the control of militias, but spoke strongly in favor of the move, which he called the Maliki government’s initiative.

Original DVD cover.

Although the president emphasized that the fighting now underway involved primarily Iraqi forces, there were indications of a deepening American involvement, including air strikes in southern Iraq and significant clashes in Baghdad with the Mahdi Army, the militant wing of the political movement led by Moktada al-Sadr.

…snip…

Mr. Bush also said the fighting in Basra was “a good test” for Iraqi forces, but whether they were passing remained an open question. Officials in Washington urged against rushing to judgment about the success of the effort to restore federal control in Basra, Iraq’s second largest city.

Until last fall, Basra was occupied by British-led forces, as well as Australian and other troops. The British, however, withdrew to an airport outside of Basra in September, leaving the city nominally in control, though in reality rival militias took over.

…snip…

Mr. Bush left open the possibility that the violence, now in its fourth day and apparently worsening, could affect his decision to consider whether additional withdrawals are possible once five combat brigades he ordered in last year complete their operations and return home by the end of July.

…snip…

While he has yet to announce a decision, Mr. Bush has strongly signaled that he would accept a recommendation by General Petraeus to suspend any more reductions for as long as two months to evaluate the effect on security in Iraq.

General Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker are scheduled to testify before Congress on April 8 and 9, and Mr. Bush said he would announce his plans only after that.