Washington: US President George W Bush has backed plans to push towards Baghdad as fast as possible even if it means not fully securing the rear that has been plagued by unexpected resistance by guerrillas against the US-led coalition's ongoing war on Iraq.

This "bold plan" is backed by Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and General Tommy Franks, commander of the Iraq effort, against the advice of field commanders who want to secure the rear first before trying to storm Baghdad even if this means the war could continue through the summer and beyond.

These plans call for continuing to prepare for a ground offensive against the Republican Guard, Iraq's elite troops, while awaiting the arrival of additional forces, some of which are weeks, even months, from being ready to join in the fight.

Bush gave his decision at a teleconference he convened on March 29 at Camp David with his War Council.

This decision is in direct conflict with the views of field commanders who this past week have spoken openly of the need for a pause in the allied campaign to rest, regroup and reinforce while securing supply lines by pacifying Southern Iraq.

PTI