WP: Talabani Says Iraqis Could Replace Many U.S. Troops (50,000 Troops)

[Brightmore]

Talabani Says Iraqis Could Replace Many U.S. Troops
Washington Post
Jim VandeHei
September 13, 2005

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said in an interview yesterday that the United States could withdraw as many as 50,000 troops by the end of the year, declaring there are enough Iraqi forces trained and ready to begin assuming control in cities throughout the country.

After the White House and Pentagon were contacted for comment, however, a senior adviser to Talabani called The Washington Post to say Talabani did not intend to suggest a specific timeline for withdrawal. "He is afraid . . . this might put the notion of a timetable on this thing," the adviser said. "The exact figure of what would be required will undeniably depend on the level of insurgency the level of Iraqi capability."

In the interview, Talabani said he planned to discuss reductions in U.S. forces during a private meeting with President Bush today, and said he believed the United States could begin pulling out some troops immediately.

"We think that America has the full right to move some forces from Iraq to their country because I think we can replace them our forces," Talabani said. "In my opinion, at least from 40,000 to 50,000 American troops can be by the end of this year."

That assessment differs dramatically from those offered by Bush and by U.S. military commanders in Iraq.

Full story

[ECH1969]

1. Talabani wants to use the Peshmerga

"to clear" the Sunni triangle. But, the US has held off doing that. But, now what is going on is the Kurds are drafting Peshmerga on mass into the Iraqi Army.

[buzzsaw_23]

2. Talabani Says Iraqis Could Replace Many US Troops

Talabani Says Iraqis Could Replace Many U.S. Troops
President's Claim About Major American Withdrawal by Year's End Conflicts With White House Position

By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2005; A20

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said in an interview yesterday that the United States could withdraw as many as 50,000 troops by the end of the year, declaring there are enough Iraqi forces trained and ready to begin assuming control in cities throughout the country.

After the White House and Pentagon were contacted for comment, however, a senior adviser to Talabani called The Washington Post to say Talabani did not intend to suggest a specific timeline for withdrawal. "He is afraid . . . this might put the notion of a timetable on this thing," the adviser said. "The exact figure of what would be required will undeniably depend on the level of insurgency the level of Iraqi capability."

In the interview, Talabani said he planned to discuss reductions in U.S. forces during a private meeting with President Bush today, and said he believed the United States could begin pulling out some troops immediately.

"We think that America has the full right to move some forces from Iraq to their country because I think we can replace them our forces," Talabani said. "In my opinion, at least from 40,000 to 50,000 American troops can be by the end of this year."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/12/AR2005091201986_pf.html

[bluestateguy]

3. Trial Balloon of the day

Until some unidentified general says that 130,000 US troops will be in Iraq for another 4 years.

[Orsino]

4. How nice of Talabani to say it.

Saves the Administration a lot of face.