Bush Says He Refused To Bail Out Republicans On Iraq Withdrawal

Washington, Outgoing US President George W Bush has admitted to refusing to "bail out" his Republican party by withdrawing troops "during the darkest days of Iraq".

That decision is now lauded by his father in an unprecedented joint interview to FOX News Sunday.

"During the darkest days of Iraq, people came to me and said, ''You''re creating incredible political difficulties for us,''" the current president said as his term draws to a close.

"And I said, ''Oh, really? What do you suggest I do?'' And some suggested retreat, pull out of Iraq.