Bush says troops in Iraq intact

US President George W. Bush says he will keep the US force strength in Iraq largely intact until the next President takes over.

Bush's announcement draws rebukes from Democrats who want the war ended and a bigger boost of troops in troubled Afghanistan. The president said he will bring home about 8,000 troops by February, a draw-down not as strong or swift as long anticipated.

No more army combat brigades will withdraw in 2008, the final year of a Bush Presidency. He said more US forces could be withdrawn in the first half of 2009 if conditions improve in Iraq. But he leaves office in January, so his successor will be making decisions on any further withdrawals.

There are about 146,000 US troops in Iraq.