Related Event: Iraq in Transition

The top US military commander said the level of the insurgency in Iraq has remained the same over the past six months.

Speaking to a Senate panel Thursday, Rumsfeld said talking about a withdrawal would be a mistake.

"It would throw a lifeline to terrorists who have in recent months suffered significant losses and casualties, been denied havens and suffered weakened popular support.

Timing in war is never predictable."

Congressional Democrats were demanding answers about the future presence of US troops in Iraq.

Rumsfeld, testifying on the progress in training Iraq's own security forces, said these forces had "a way to go," but progress was being made.

The Bush administration argues Iraqis must be able to defend their own country against a lethal insurgency before a timeline for bringing home troops can be considered.