Bush, Gates confer on Iraq amid talk of troop surge
New Defense Secretary Robert Gates, just back from Iraq, briefed U.S. President George W. Bush on his trip amid a report that some U.S. military commanders had decided to recommend an increase in troops there. Bush has said he would unveil a fresh plan for the increasingly unpopular Iraq war early in the new year. He has said a temporary increase in U.S. forces was one option he was considering. Full Story