Bush Says Iraq Withdrawal Would Create Terrorist State

Iraqi women at the site of the August 30 Baghdad market bombing (epa) August 31, 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush says that withdrawing U.S. troops too quickly from Iraq would lead to the emergence of a terrorist state.

Bush, who is beginning a series of speeches today to counter opposition to the war, spoke at a political fundraiser in the state of Tennessee. He said Iraq could become more dangerous than Afghanistan was under the Taliban militia, because of its oil resources.

Bush delivers the first in a series of speeches on his campaign against terrorists at the annual American Legion convention in Salt Lake City. The appearances will culminate on September 19 when Bush addresses the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, General George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has expressed optimism that Iraqi forces are making enough progress to provide their own security within 18 months.

"I can see over the next 12-18 months, I can see the Iraqi security forces progressing to a point where they can take on the security responsibilities for the country with very little coalition support," Casey said.

However, violence showed no sign of abating, with some 66 people killed across Iraq on August 30, including 24 in a Baghdad market bombing.

More than 200 people have been killed since the beginning of the week in clashes, bombings, and shootings.

(compiled from agency reports)