I find it interesting that the number of U.S. troops in Iraq now is 144,000…hmmm…
 

Bush to Hold Press Conference on Iraq
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

 AP

WASHINGTON —  President Bush will brief reporters on the war in Iraq Wednesday morning from the East Room of the White House.

Watch Bush's press conference live on FOX News Channel at 10:30 a.m. EDT or watch live streaming video on FOXNews.com.

With less than two weeks until Election Day, the White House aims to push an Iraq agenda with a dramatic policy shift in response to security concerns.

"Obviously there is a lot going on on the security and political situation in Iraq and it's important that the president also update the American people on the state of the conflict," White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.

Bush won't announce any change in troop levels, Perino said. The president plans to update the nation on the Iraq strategy following meetings with top Iraq leaders last week including Gen. George Casey Jr., the top commander in Iraq; Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Amb. Zalmay Khalizad, the top U.S. envoy in Iraq.

On Tuesday, American officials introduced a timeline for Iraq's Shiite-led government to address security problems in Baghdad with the possibility of bringing in more troops.

Casey said more troops are needed to "improve basic services for the population of Baghdad." There are 144,000 U.S. forces in Iraq.

"Now, do we need more troops to do that? Maybe. And, as I've said all along, if we do, I will ask for the troops I need, both coalition and Iraqis," Casey said.

Bush stumped on the campaign trail Tuesday in Florida, telling voters that Republicans are the best choice between the two political parties.

Bush's last press conference on Oct. 11 focused on reports of nuclear weapons tests by North Korea. The president said even if North Korea didn't conduct a nuclear test, the claim showed a threat to international peace and security.