United States President George W Bush on Monday night hinted that more troops would be sent to Iraq.

He also said that the US would stay in Iraq until it was 'free and democratic' and 'enemy forces bent on destroying the new government' are stopped.

"There are difficult days ahead and the way forward may sometimes appear chaotic," he said. "The terrorists and Saddam loyalists would rather see many Iraqis die than have any live in freedom. But terrorists will not determine the future of Iraq."

Addressing the US Army War College, Bush also promised to demolish the Abu Ghraib prison.

Bush's approval rating has hit an all-time as more people expressed scepticism at his handling of the Iraq situation.

Bush outlined five steps that he said would help Iraq achieve democracy and freedom – transferring authority to a sovereign new Iraqi government on June 30, helping establish security in areas still gripped by chaos, urging broader international support, reconstructing the country and setting up national elections.

"Completing the five steps to Iraqi elected self-government will not be easy," Bush said. "There is likely to be violence before the transfer of sovereignty and after the transfer of sovereignty."