Bush changes tune on Iraq, warning of a more difficult mission

GIVING no ground despite rising casualties, US President George W Bush said more troops may be heading for Iraq with authority to use decisive force in a mission that “may become more difficult before it is finished”.

Mr Bush went before the nation on Tuesday night with a speech and question-and-answer session focusing on Iraq and the government's reaction to warning signs about the attacks of September 11, 2001.

He said America's will was being tested by violence that has turned April into the deadliest month in Iraq since the fall of Baghdad.