In a further indication of support, US president George Bush pledged more support for Iraq following his surprise trip to Baghdad this week. “The policy of the United States government is to stand by this government and help them succeed, we will do what it takes to help them succeed,” the president said. “The prime minister has taken immediate action to implement a plan to improve security and his top priority is around Baghdad.” Meanwhile, thousands of supporters of radical cleric Muqtada Al Sadr demonstrated in a neighbourhood of Baghdad against the US presence in Iraq.

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