NEW YORK, Sept 20: President George Bush’s faltering performance after Hurricane Katrina, like his decision to invade Iraq, show his priorities are at odds with actions needed to keep Americans safe, anti-war protesters said on Monday.

“One of the bogus reasons that George Bush gives for this invasion (and) occupation of Iraq is to make America safer — and Katrina exposed that clearly he has made America more vulnerable through his policies in Iraq,” anti-war activist and bereaved mother Cindy Sheehan told a news conference.

US troops fighting an unexpectedly stubborn resistance in Iraq should come home to help face domestic challenges like the unprecedented humanitarian relief and recovery effort on the Gulf coast, said the activists, who will stage a march on Washington this weekend.

Leaders of the coalition organizing the Sept 24-26 protest include Cindy Sheehan, who gained international fame by camping out for weeks outside Mr Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas.

The anti-war group, United for Peace and Justice, spearheading the march on Washington, said National Guard troops and materiel deployed in Iraq were needed to respond to the tragedy in New Orleans.

Ms Sheehan is the star attraction for the three-day protest, which will include non-violent acts of civil disobedience at the White House.—Reuters