US commanders in Iraq push troop surge-LA Times

WASHINGTON, Dec 23 (Reuters) Top US military commanders in Iraq have decided to recommend a surge in the number of US combat forces there, the Los Angeles Times today reported, citing a defense official familiar with the plan.

As President George W. Bush searches for a new policy to stem the mounting violence in Iraq, he is to meet with his new Defense Secretary Robert Gates today at Camp David to discuss Gates' findings from his trip this week to Iraq.

The newspaper said top US commanders in Iraq including Gen George Casey and Lt Gen. Raymond Odierno have decided to recommend a temporary increase in combat forces, a plan that appears to be gaining favor in the administration.

Bush has said he is considering a short-term increase of US troops in Iraq as one option, but that he has not yet made a decision on the new strategy.

Casey, as well as Gen John Abizaid, the top US commander in West Asia who will retire in March, had opposed boosting US combat troop levels in Iraq, saying that would only heighten opposition to the American presence and reduce pressure on Iraqi leaders to take responsibility for security.

Others in the administration contend a temporary increase in troops would help stem the violence coming both from insurgents and from sectarian conflict.

Most Democrats are pushing for the start of a draw-down in US forces, which currently number about 135,000.

Bush, stung by a defeat of his Republican party in congressional elections last month, is expected to announce in January a new strategy for the unpopular war, which so far has killed nearly 3,000 US soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis.

REUTERS SY RN2101