The top US commander in Iraq defended his record this evening after scathing criticism in Congress, declaring he had laid the foundations for success and his strategy had made progress in a tough environment.
"I do not believe that the current policy has failed," Gen George Casey told the US Senate's Armed Services Committee, meeting to consider his nomination to be US Army chief of staff.
Tens of thousands of Iraqis and over 3,000 US troops have died in Iraq since US-led forces invaded in 2003 and toppled Saddam Hussein. American forces now are battling a stubborn insurgency amid widespread concerns about Iraq sliding into sectarian civil war.
Even President George W. Bush referred to the Iraq policy under Gen Casey as a "maybe a slow failure" last month as he made his case for his new plan to send in an additional 21,000 troops.
Democratic Michigan Sen Carl Levin, the committee's chairman, asked Gen Casey if he agreed with Mr Bush's assessment. After a pause, the general replied: "I actually don't see it as a slow failure. I actually see it as slow progress."
Arizona Sen John McCain, a front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, said he did not question Casey's patriotism and honor, but declared: "I question seriously the judgment that was employed in your execution of your responsibilities in Iraq."
He accused Gen Casey of presenting "unrealistically rosy" assessments during his 2 1/2 years in Iraq and pursuing a strategy that used too few troops and relied too heavily on transferring responsibilities to Iraqi security forces.
Mr Bush said last month he would send 21,500 additional US troops to Iraq in an effort to get a grip on sectarian killings, insurgent attacks and other violence.
"It took us a long time to get where we are today," Mr McCain said, describing the situation as "dire and deteriorating."
"We have paid a very heavy price in American blood and treasure," said Mr McCain, a supporter of the war who backs Bush's plan to raise troop levels but questions whether his proposed increase will be sufficient.