Thousands of Iraq war supporters and protesters staged competing rallies near President George W. Bush?s Texas ranch on Saturday as he warned Americans to brace for more sacrifice in Iraq. With almost 1 900 US troops killed in the Iraq war, Bush?s job approval rating has plummeted to new lows. He is under increasing pressure from critics to finish training a new Iraqi security force and bring the soldiers home.

But in his weekly radio address, Bush acknowledged there was more work ahead for American soldiers in Iraq. ?Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve?, said Bush, who has spent most of August on vacation at his ranch.

Cindy Sheehan, whose son Casey was killed in Iraq last year and has camped outside Bush?s ranch seeking a second meeting with him to press for the withdrawal of troops, said her efforts would lead to the end of the war in Iraq. ?How many more (soldiers) are you willing to sacrifice before you say enough is enough?? she asked.

?As Iraqis stand up, Americans will stand down?, Bush said. Across town in Crawford, other parents of soldiers who are serving or have died in Iraq countered Sheehan with their own raucous rally that started with a prayer. Organizer Howard Kaloogian accused Sheehan of ?giving hope and encouragement to our enemies.?