Bush to consider Iraq tactics change

US president George Bush today acknowledged that the situation in Iraq was tough and said he would consult with US generals to see if a change in tactics was necessary to combat the escalating violence.

Seventy-four American troops have died in Iraq in October, likely to become the deadliest month for US forces in nearly two years.

“One of the reasons you’re seeing more casualties is the enemy is active and so are our troops,” Bush said.

He said he planned consultations in the next day with Gen. John Abizaid, the top US commander in the Middle East, and Gen. George Casey, who leads the US-led Multinational Forces in Iraq.

“We are constantly adjusting tactics so we can achieve our objectives and right now, it’s tough,” the president said.

He declined to say whether he thought such a change was necessary.

The president has often said that US goals in Iraq remain the same: to have a country that can sustain itself, govern itself and help in the fight against terrorism.

The White House said that while Bush might change tactics in Iraq, he would not change his overall strategy despite growing opposition and Republican anxiety that his policy could cost his party control of the House of Representatives or the Senate – or both – in the November 7 legislative elections to opposition Democrats.

“He’s not somebody who gets jumpy at polls,” presidential spokesman Tony Snow said.

“The president is not going to alter his approach based on political considerations, but instead on the business of trying and moving toward having an Iraq that can sustain, govern and defend itself,” Bush’s spokesman said.

With the war in its fourth year and the US death toll above 2,780, Bush faces intense political pressure to change what critics say is a failed Iraq policy.

An independent commission led by former secretary of state James A Baker III and former Democratic Rep. Lee Hamilton is exploring options for a new Iraq strategy.