Washington, July 17: The White House today downplayed reports of slumping morale among US troops in Iraq, who face deadly raids almost daily as they work to police the war-torn nation after Saddam Hussein`s ouster. "The troops recognise that what they are doing is very important: helping secure and stabilise Iraq so that it can move towards freedom and democracy," said Scott McClellan, chief spokesman for US President George W Bush. "Our troops are making a great sacrifice, and the president is grateful for their sacrifice," he said. "We will continue to make sure they have all the resources and support they need as they do their job." McClellan referred specific questions about the impact on morale of the difficult conditions in Iraq - and the delayed return of some of the more than 147,000 US troops in Iraq - to the US Defence Department.


The Pentagon has remained committed to restoring stability in Iraq and on Tuesday extended the stay of the third infantry division`s 16,000 or so troops.


But military officials said US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld planned to bring them home between now and the fall, replacing them with other US troops and soldiers from other nations.

"We`re making some good, steady progress in Iraq in terms of reconstruction and stabilisation and moving towards a democratic Iraq," he said. "Iraqis are starting to take responsibility for their democracy that is coming."
The spokesman reiterated Bush`s position that "a free and democratic Iraq will mean a more peaceful and stable Middle East".

Bureau Report