General David Petraeus says escalation of violence raises possibility of Iraq becoming failed state

President Bush's choice to lead U.S. forces in Iraq, Lieutenant General David Petraeus, says the situation in Iraq has deteriorated significantly over the past year.

General Petraeus told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the increase in the level of violence has made progress very difficult, particularly in Baghdad.

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He said the escalation of violence has raised the possibility of Iraq becoming a failed state.

General Petraeus said the new strategy for Iraq announced earlier this month will focus on ensuring security for the population in Baghdad and elsewhere. He said the task is difficult, and that there will be tough days ahead. He urged the American people to be patient.

Many Democrats in Congress have criticized Mr. Bush's decision to deploy an additional 20,000 U.S. troops to Iraq.

The Senate is considering the nomination of General Petraeus to be the new commander in Iraq.