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The White House says President George Bush is likely to announce next week his decision on future troop levels in Iraq.

A White House spokeswoman (Dana Perino)says Mr. Bush has been consulting with his national security team about recommendations made by the top U.S. commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus. 

In an interview earlier this week, General Petraeus said U.S. combat troops could be withdrawn from Baghdad by next July if security gains hold.

U.S. officials say Mr. Bush's top defense aides have recommended a withdrawal of one combat brigade from Iraq -- but not until next February. The officials say the defense aides also proposed that a combat brigade be sent to Afghanistan early next year instead of Iraq.

U.S. commanders have expressed hope that Iraq's sharp drop in violence will free up more U.S. forces to fight an escalating insurgency in Afghanistan.