Cheney, in Japan, Says Americans Won't Back `Retreat'

By Brendan Murray

Feb. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Dick Cheney, in Japan to shore up support for the U.S. strategy in Iraq, said Americans won't back down from the fight.

``The American people will not support a policy of retreat,'' he said, standing aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in Yokosuka harbor. His speech came after the U.S. confirmed that the U.K., its closest ally, will withdraw some of its 7,000 soldiers in Iraq.

Cheney is visiting Japan and Australia this week to seek support from two of the strongest U.S. allies. One of his challenges is ensuring leaders in both countries that President George W. Bush's plan to boost the number of U.S. troops in Iraq by 21,500 has a chance of working.

``We're moving in to help Iraqis clear and secure Baghdad, to help them protect the local population, and to ensure that the Iraqi forces will be capable of providing the security necessary in the capital city,'' Cheney said on the carrier, which was used in the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

More...