Proposed Iraq pullout lacking specifics

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The White House yesterday rejected Democrats' proposals for a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq as lacking specifics or "meat on the bones," as President Bush met with the Iraq Study Group, which is seeking to advise the administration on ways to realign Iraq policy.

Democrats have claimed a mandate after last week's elections to force a change in Iraq policy, and key Senate Democrats yesterday called for the first troops to be withdrawn within six months as a signal to Iraqis that the United States is not their "security blanket."

"That's the message that came through so clearly and powerfully last Tuesday from the American people. Most Democrats share the view that we should pressure the White House to commence the phased redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq in four to six months," said Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, who is in line to become the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

His call was echoed by Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, who is likely to become the Senate majority leader when Democrats assume control next year. Meanwhile, House Democrats' leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, has made Iraq the central issue in the race for House Democrats' No. 2 position by endorsing Rep. John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, based on his opposition to the war.

Faced with the election results and emboldened Democrats, Mr. Bush is trying to keep control of the debate while still being open to suggestions from the soon-to-be new majority party on Capitol Hill.

"What's interesting is, is that they're beginning to understand that with victory comes responsibilities. And I'm looking forward to working with the Democrats to achieve common objectives," the president told reporters after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said that Democrats have not settled on a proposal and that Mr. Levin's idea isn't even fleshed out enough to respond.

"Democrats now have to put meat on the bones," he said.

The White House has turned to the Iraq Study Group, boosting the congressionally mandated panel's profile in the past week both in a postelection press conference and again with a day full of meetings between the group's members and administration officials.

Mr. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Stephen J. Hadley and White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten met yesterday with the group, headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former Democratic Rep. Lee H. Hamilton of Indiana for 75 minutes yesterday.