Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq 

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush was briefed Tuesday on a key report by a bipartisan panel that recommends major changes in Iraq policy, one day before the report's public release.

    White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters that Bush also had lunch with former Secretary of State James Baker, co-chairman of the Iraq Study Group (ISG) that wrote the report.

    But Snow tried to play down public expectation of the report's impact on U.S. policy, saying the president will need time to study the recommendations.

    "I think anybody who expects ... a magic bullet out of the Hamilton-Baker commission (ISG) is probably placing an unfair burden on them," he said.

    Bush will receive the complete report Wednesday morning when he met ISG members, said Snow.

    The report will be posted online later Wednesday.

    U.S. media said highlights of the report may include a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and more aggressive foreign policy initiative in Mideast, including direct talks with Iran and Syria.

    The congressionally-commissioned ISG was formed in March and comprises 10 political heavyweights from both parties, with the sole mission to advise the Bush administration on Iraq policy.