Top US Iraq commander defends record to senators

WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) The top US commander in Iraq defended his record today in the face of strong criticism from Senator John McCain, a Republican presidential contender in 2008.

''I do not believe that the current policy has failed,'' Army Gen George Casey told the US Senate's Armed Services Committee.

''The struggle in Iraq is winnable but it will ... take patience and will,'' Casey told the committee, meeting to consider his nomination to be US Army chief of staff.

McCain, the top Republican on the committee, said he did not question Casey's patriotism or honor but did question some of Casey's decisions during his time in charge.

''During that time, things have got markedly and progressively worse,'' McCain said, adding the United States had not changed strategy as the situation deteriorated and was only now starting to alter course.

McCain said Casey's portrayal of events had been ''unrealistically rosy'' and described the situation in Iraq today as ''dire and deteriorating''.

He said his previously expressed reservations about Casey's nomination persisted.

The Senate has already confirmed Army Gen. David Petraeus to replace Casey as the top commander in Iraq.

REUTERS SP VV2143