By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Bombs killed at least 40 people at markets in two Iraqi cities, hours after key lawmakers said seven Sunni Arab insurgent groups offered the government a conditional truce.
Despite the fresh opening between the government and the militant organizations - which do not include al-Qaida or Islamic terror groups - a top Iraqi commander said Baghdad's forces would not be ready to keep the peace for at least a year in Anbar province, the insurgent heartland.
US President George W. Bush brushed aside expectations of a significant US troop drawdown starting in September. He said decisions on troop strength would be made by the new Iraqi government and based upon recommendations from Gen. George W. Casey, the US commander in Iraq.