Petraeus will never declare victory in Iraq

The general in charge of American soldiers in Iraq has given a mixed assessment of progress in the country.

General David Petraeus says that while the country is in better shape than it was at the start of last year it still faces serious problems.

General Petraeus has overseen the so-called "surge" of American combat troops into Iraq and he is about to leave to take on a more senior role leading US Central Command.

He says the fabric of Iraqi society was being torn apart by "horrific" violence and he would never declare victory there.

"This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... it's not war with a simple slogan," he said.

However, as security has improved American combat troops could be moved out of a number of major cities, including Baghdad.

When asked whether US troops could withdraw from Iraqi cities by the middle of next year, he said that would be "doable".

The outgoing commander told the BBC that Al Qaeda's battle in Iraq is "going poorly", despite the group's claims to be doing well.

But General Petraeus also says there are still "many storm clouds on the horizon that could develop into real problems".

He is about to become the head of the US Central Command, a post that will also oversee Afghanistan, where American troops are now being sent in greater numbers.