WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Friday that the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq, which outlines an increasingly perilous situation in Iraq, is tough but fair.

    "In summary, it's a tough look at Iraq. It makes clear the challenges we face," U.S. national security advisor Stephen Hadley said at a White House briefing.

    "I think overall it is a fair statement of the challenge we face in Iraq, about the prospects for success, and a good statement about the risks if we do not succeed in Iraq, for Iraqis, for the region, and for Americans here at home," Hadley said.

    Hadley made the comments after the NIE was presented to President George W. Bush on Friday. According to a report by the Washington Post on Friday, the report outlines an increasingly perilous situation in Iraq in which the United States has little control and there is a strong possibility of further deterioration.