Bush to back pause in Iraq withdrawal

U.S. President George Bush is expected to throw his support behind a proposal from a top General for a pause in withdrawing American troops from Iraq.

More troops were due to leave Iraq in July, but General David Petraeus says a 45 days delay is needed to allow a full review of the security situation.

Speaking in Congress on Tuesday, America’s top military commander described the country as volatile and recommended the situation be re-assessed before more troops are sent home.

He told delegates that despite progress the security in Iraq is “fragile”.