Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/iraq-reacts-to-progress-report-president-bush-speech Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript Iraqis gave mixed reviews to President Bush's plans for a phased troop withdrawal beginning next summer, which he announced following a report from Army Gen. David Petraeus. A reporter in Iraq discusses the on-the-ground response to the news from Washington. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. MARGARET WARNER: The mourners at today's funeral for Iraqi sheik Adbul-Sattar Abu Risha called for vengeance against al-Qaida. Abu Risha, assassinated yesterday, was a key U.S. Sunni Arab ally in Iraq's Anbar province, leading Sunni clans there to root out jihadist militants in their midst.During his visit to Iraq last week, President Bush personally thanked Abu Risha for helping make Anbar a rare success story for the U.S.-led effort in Iraq. Partly because of that success, President Bush said last night, the U.S. will begin withdrawing some troops this year, through next summer, though the bulk of them would remain. And the president made clear he sees the U.S. staying in Iraq for a long time.GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States: This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency. MARGARET WARNER: Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari today appeared to endorse a long-term U.S. engagement. HOSHYAR ZEBARI, Iraqi Foreign Minister: I think that was a very clear message that nobody has any illusions that the current difficulties we are facing will disappear in the next year. MARGARET WARNER: The Bush blueprint follows recommendations made to Congress this week by the U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and the U.S. ambassador there, Ryan Crocker. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said this week U.S. forces must remain for a time. Speaking to parliament Monday, he said, "There have been tangible improvements in security in the recent period in Baghdad and the provinces, but it is not enough."But one Baghdad shop owner took an even longer view. FADHIL SABRI, Shop Owner (through translator): No one can stay forever in Iraq, Bush or any other one. They will have to withdraw one day, like the British.