BBC reports on Iraq, contrasts Bush's remarks. In Bush v. reality, Iraqis lose.

"After a lull in attacks, there have been a rash of deadly incidents. A string of attacks across Iraq has made it the deadliest day in the country since the 15 December election."

"In the worst attack, at least 36 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a Shia funeral north of Baghdad. Across Iraq, more than 50 people died.

"In Washington, President George Bush said the plan in Iraq was going well.

"He said Iraqi forces were improving all the time. "As Iraqis stand up, we'll stand down," he said, touting possible further cuts in US troop levels.

"Mr Bush said wide participation in Iraq's election showed the people were buying into the new democracy, and had more confidence in their security.

"The election results served as a real defeat for the rejectionists," he said."