US not winning conflict in Iraq

US Defence Secretary nominee Robert Gates has told a Senate committee that the US is not winning the war in Iraq.
Mr Gates told a confirmation hearing he was open to new ideas on Iraq, but warned the situation there would shape the Middle East for years to come.

The committee approved him to replace Donald Rumsfeld, who quit last month amid criticism of his Iraq policy.

The next chairman of the panel said Mr Gates would face a monumental challenge if confirmed by a full Senate vote.

After the 21 senators on the committee unanimously approved Mr Gates, the Senate should vote by the end of the week, with approval widely expected.

Senate hearings on Mr Gates' nomination began a day before the Iraq Study Group - of which Mr Gates was a member - publishes its findings.

The session also came on another violent day in Iraq.

More than 30 people were killed in shootings and car bomb attacks in Baghdad, Iraqi officials said. At least 30 more died in violence in northern and south-western Iraq.

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