Bush ‘has confidence’ in America’s Iraq strategy

US PRESIDENT Bush yesterday cited progress in stabilising an insurgent stronghold in northern Iraq, saying he has “confidence in our strategy” and critics should look beyond the images of violence.

Mr Bush tried a new tactic to boost sagging support for the war, relating to his audience in Cleveland a lengthy story about a campaign to rid the northern city of Tal Afar of terrorism.

Mr Bush described how the insurgents who have been using murder and intimidation to run roughshod over the city now have been killed or captured by Iraqi forces and coalition troops working together.