President Bush on Monday cited success in stabilizing an insurgent stronghold in northern Iraq, saying he has “confidence in our strategy” and critics should look beyond the images of violence to see clear signs of progress. Bush tried a new tactic to boost sagging support for the war, relating to his audience in Cleveland a lengthy story about a campaign to rid the northern city of Tal Afar of terrorism against civilians. Success there “gives reason for hope for a free Iraq,” he said. Full Story