Democrats refocus on setbacks in Iraq

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Democrats accused President George W. Bush and his Republican allies in Congress of an "information blackout" designed to keep from public view recent military and political setbacks in Iraq.

With recent debate over Supreme Court nominations and hurricane relief efforts consuming Congress for the past several weeks, Democrats have sought to refocus attention on Iraq, where a referendum is looming on a draft constitution, and where former dictator Saddam Hussein is due to stand trial shortly thereafter.

"We should be talking about this every single day," said Richard Durbin, the number two Democrat in the US Senate.

"It's time for answers, specific answers," said Durbin, one day before the president was to make a major speech on Iraq.

"I hope on Thursday the president speaks truth to the American people," Durbin said.

Congressional Democrats planned to send a letter to the White House Wednesday demanding a ...