U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday defended his new Iraq plan, saying it will "in large part determine the outcome in Iraq."

In his weekly radio address, Bush said: "We recognize that many members of Congress are skeptical. Some say our approach is really just more troops for the same strategy. In fact, we have a new strategy with a new mission: helping secure the population, especially in Baghdad. Our plan puts Iraqis in the lead."

Bush vowed to provide U.S. troops fighting in Iraq with everything they need to complete their mission. "Whatever our differences on strategy and tactics, we all have a duty to ensure that our troops have what they need to succeed."

Speaking of critics of his Iraq strategy, Bush urged opposition Democrats to give a chance for the implementation of the plan, noting "Those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success."

"To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible," the president said.

Bush announced on Wednesday night his plan to send more than 20, 000 additional American troops to Iraq, and the plan immediately drew fire from Democratic leaders in Congress.

Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid said in a Senate speech on Thursday that "In choosing to escalate the war the president virtually stands alone." He said he will schedule a vote on a nonbinding bill expressing disapproval of Bush's policy.

Source: Xinhua