San Antonio, Aug 26: US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld today said that US military commanders in Iraq will receive all of the troops they need to fight supporters of Saddam Hussein, regardless of the cost. He added, however, that Gen. John Abizaid, head of US Central Command, hasn't indicated that a larger American presence is required.

``The United States can afford whatever military force level is necessary and appropriate for our national security,'' Rumsfeld said during the annual veterans of foreign wars convention. ``If (Abizaid) believes additional troops are needed, he will have additional troops, let there be no doubt about it.''

Earlier at the session, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry charged that the Bush administration has failed US troops in Iraq while neglecting soldiers, who served in past wars. Kerry, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said that as President, he would get more allies involved in Iraq, improve pay for US soldiers and ensure veterans the benefits they were promised long ago.

The Bush administration has been increasing its effort to persuade more nations to contribute troops to the US-led coalition in Iraq.

Bureau Report