BBC: Bush upbeat on Iraq anniversary

The BBC reports:

US President George W Bush has given an upbeat assessment of Iraq, marking three years since the US-led invasion.

The president said the strategy being implemented "will lead to victory" and a secure Iraq for generations to come.

He also said he hoped Iraqis would soon form a unity government that "reflects the will of the people", although he urged politicians to try harder.

His views differ from those of former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who said Iraq was in the grip of civil war.

Mr Bush, speaking outside the White House, made no reference to the comments made by Mr Allawi who told the BBC that Iraq could be torn apart, although the country had not yet reached the point of no return.