WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (Reuters) - The following are comments by U.S. President George W. Bush on Thursday compared with key recommendations from the Iraq Study Group:

* CHANGING STRATEGY

-- Iraq Study Group: "The challenges are daunting. There will be difficult days ahead. But by pursuing this new way forward, Iraq, the region, and the United States of America can emerge stronger."

-- Bush: "The thing I liked about the Baker-Hamilton report is it discussed the way forward in Iraq. And I believe we need a new approach. And that's why I've tasked the Pentagon to analyze the way forward."

* TROOP PULLBACK

-- Iraq Study Group: "The primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq should evolve to one of supporting the Iraqi army, which would take over primary responsibility for combat operations. By the first quarter of 2008, subject to unexpected developments in the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq."

-- Bush: "We want the Iraqis taking the fight. But it's very important to be, as we design programs, to be flexible and realistic. And as the report said ... depending upon conditions, I believe is what the qualifier was. And I thought that made a lot of sense. I've always said we'd like our troops out as fast as possible. I think that's an important goal."

* DIALOGUE WITH IRAN AND SYRIA

-- Iraq Study Group: "Given the ability of Iran and Syria to influence events within Iraq and their interest in avoiding chaos in Iraq, the United States should try to engage them constructively. In seeking to influence the behavior of both countries, the United States has disincentives and incentives available."

-- Bush on Iran: "We have made it clear to the Iranians that there is a possible change in U.S. policy, a policy that's been in place for 27 years, and that is that if they would like to engage the United States, that they've got to verifiably suspend their enrichment program. We've made our choice. Iran now has an opportunity to make its choice."

-- Bush on Syria: "If we were to have a conversation, it would be this one, to Syria: Stop destabilizing the Siniora government. We believe that the Siniora government should be supported, not weakened. Stop allowing money and arms to cross your border into Iraq. Don't provide safe haven for terrorist groups. We've made that position very clear."

* ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT

-- Iraq Study Group: "The United States cannot achieve its goals in the Middle East unless it deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict and regional instability. There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria, and President Bush's June 2002 commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine."

-- Bush: "Our Secretary of State is very much engaged in this issue. She works hard on the issue. And as much as we'd like to impose the settlement ... the Israelis and the Palestinians must accept responsibility and must sign off on an agreement."

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