Leaders of the opposition Democrats appealed on Friday for President George W. Bush to revise the US approach in war-torn Iraq before the situation becomes 'irretrievable.'
Noting growing violence and US and Iraqi casualties that are "unacceptable and unsustainable", Democratic leaders in Congress said Bush had to take a new tack in the war that included an international conference to settle the strife.
"We strongly believe your administration needs to more proactively pressure Iraqi leaders to disarm the militias and to develop a broad-based and sustainable political settlement, including considering amendments to the constitution to achieve a fair sharing of power and resources," said an open letter to Bush read out by Harry Reid, the Democratic leader in the Senate.
"We also believe it is imperative to convene an international conference and contact group to support a political settlement in Iraq and to preserve Iraq's sovereignty."
"We urge you to change course, level with the American people, and join with us to develop a policy that will work, before the situation in Iraq is irretrievable."
Reid released his letter on the eve of key consultations Bush plans with his top generals on Saturday to review Iraq strategy and tactics.
After nearly 40 months, public dissatisfaction with the continuing US occupation in Iraq and struggle to bring peace to the country has become the key factor in Congressional elections on November 7 that could end the control of Congress by Bush's Republican Party.