Washington ? President Bush said Saturday he is encouraged by the increasing size and capability of the Iraqi security forces, touting progress on a key measure for when U.S. troops can come home.

The upbeat remarks in Bush’s radio address came days after the top commander in Iraq said only one Iraqi battalion is ready to fight without U.S. support.

“All Americans can have confidence in the military commanders who are leading the effort in Iraq, and in the troops under their command,” Bush said. “They have made important gains in recent weeks and months; they are adapting our strategy to meet the needs on the ground; and they’re helping us to bring victory in the war on terror.”

The sunny presentation of the situation in Iraq is part of a renewed push by the administration to win support for the war effort from an increasingly reluctant American public.

It conflicts with the news from Iraq and some assessments from top commanders.