Bush warns of more violence in Iraq

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President George W. Bush warned on
Thursday that Iraqi insurgents are likely to increase the level
of violence in Iraq as Iraqis prepared to vote on a
constitution in October.

Bush, after a Pentagon briefing with top officials, also
said Syria was not being cooperative in helping to seal the
Syrian-Iraqi border from insurgents. “Their response has not
been very satisfactory to date,” Bush said.

Bush told Americans to brace for more violence and accused
insurgent leader Abu Musab-al Zarqawi of trying to trigger a
civil war with a series of attacks.

“Today, our commanders made it clear: As Iraqis prepare to
vote on their constitution in October and elect a permanent
government in December, we must be prepared for more violence,”
Bush said.

Bush, who has been preoccupied with hurricanes Katrina and
Rita, said Iraqi troops are taking on greater responsibilities
for their defense but that now is not the time to withdraw U.S.
troops as anti-war protesters are demanding.

“Some Americans wants us to withdraw our troops so that we
can escape the violence. I recognize their good intentions, but
their position is wrong. … To leave Iraq now would be to
repeat the costly mistakes of the past that led to the attacks
of September 11, 2001,” he said.