Hamilton urged administration officials and lawmakers to tackle the study group’s recommendations quickly, or else, “Events in Iraq could overtake what we recommend.”

The executive summary of the report declares that its two main recommendations are “for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of US forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly.” American forces would remain after 2008, in units embedded with or otherwise supporting Iraqi troops, and in rapid reaction and special operations forces, the panel said.

But it warned that “the most important questions about Iraq’s future are now the responsibility of the Iraqis.”

The White House spokesman, Tony Snow, speaking to reporters after the president’s briefing, emphasised that the report’s 79 recommendations do not include either a firm timetable or a call for an immediate withdrawal.

“There is nothing in here about pulling back militarily,” he said.

But the report seems to hold little other comfort for Bush, describing the situation in Iraq as “grave and deteriorating,” and calling him to pursue moves he has resisted, including making diplomatic overtures to Iran and Syria. It also recommends that the administration “reduce its political, military or economic support for the Iraqi government” if it “does not make substantial progress toward the achievement of milestones on national reconciliation, security and governance.”

Baker and Hamilton wrote in a joint letter accompanying the report that “there is no magic formula to solve the problems of Iraq.”

... contd.