WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush is not frustrated over the slow progress in Iraq, the White House insists. But a lot of other Americans are - apparently including U.S. troops.
The Pentagon's top general says troops suggested to him during a recent trip to Iraq that they are among those who are worried.
White House spokesman Tony Snow took pains to deny a report Wednesday that Bush had privately expressed frustration with the Iraqis for not appreciating American sacrifices made there and with the Iraqi people and their leaders for not supporting the U.S. mission.
"We don't expect ... an overnight success," Snow said when asked Bush's opinion on the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Just when success might come - and whether it is even possible - are key questions for war-weary Americans. And the latest setbacks in Iraq come as congressional elections approach.
Troops are also disgruntled over Iraqi efforts, according to questions put to Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, when he visited the country over the weekend.
One asked how much more time the Iraqi government should be given to achieve the political unity needed to stabilize the country.
Another wanted to know whether U.S. forces will stay if Iraqis descend into all-out civil war.
And a third ended a question about continued U.S. troop deployments to Iraq by asking, "Is the war coming to an end?"
Pace said his talks with troops reassured him that they are proud of what they are doing and satisfied with what they have accomplished.
But he also said he detected among them "some frustration at the Iraqis for not yet grasping the opportunity that's in front of them.".......
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