U.S. General Casts Doubt on 2006 Troop Cut in Iraq

[mikeytherat]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. general in Iraq on Wednesday cast doubt on his previous forecasts of a substantial cut in American forces in 2006, saying Iraq was in a period of heightened uncertainty that made it "too soon to tell" if troops can be brought home.

In March and again in July, Army Gen. George Casey, who commands the 147,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, predicted a "fairly substantial" reduction in American forces next spring and summer if Iraq's political process goes positively and progress is made in developing Iraqi security forces. Pentagon officials said that meant a reduction of perhaps 20,000 to 30,000 troops.

After briefing U.S. lawmakers behind closed doors on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Casey was more cautious when asked whether the troop reduction was still possible.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050928/ts_nm/iraq_usa_troops_dc

mikey_the_rat

[niallmac]

1. Why do I get the feeling I have the big picture

better than the General does about Iraq? I never have been military but I understand things like: quagmire, boondoggle, swamp, neck plus alligators, excrement creek minus paddle,
Vietnam plus lessons (learned?), noble cause versus immoral war, killing for a lie.

Maybe it's very difficult to see these things when you breath Pentagon air. Maybe I'm a genius and I should apply for some sweet consulting fees and help these guys out?

[Moderator]

2. Duplicate

Here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1813609