Two leading U.S. senators say the plan to raise U.S. troop strength in Iraq ahead of elections there falls short of what is needed.
In interviews Sunday, Senators John McCain of Arizona and Joe Biden of Delaware both expressed doubt that an additional 12,000 troops would be enough.
The military's plan, announced Wednesday, is aimed at improving security in time for Iraq's January 30th elections.
On ABC television's This Week program, Senator Biden said he is concerned that "civil chaos" could derail the elections in Sunni Muslim areas.
And on the television program FOX News Sunday, Mr. McCain accused the military of letting insurgents in Iraq take the initiative.
The plan will take U.S. troops strength in Iraq up to 150,000. Saturday, U.S. General John Abizaid said the increase was necessary because Iraqi security forces need more training.