Commander expects Iraq troop reductions to continue

[Barrett808]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The commander of US forces in the Middle East said he expects reductions of US forces will continue despite a bout of sectarian violence.

"I think the downward trend is a trend that, based on what I see right now, ... will continue," General John Abizaid said in an interview with wire service reporters.

"Right now I will tell you that our general plan is not unhinged by current events," he said.

US commanders had hoped to be able to make substantial reductions in the 133,000-strong US force here over the course of the year as Iraqi security forces take control over more areas of the country.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060316/pl_afp/usiraqforces

[AX10]

1. Only to increase after the midterms in November.

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. reductions of US forces will continue? They never started

in fact, it was announced yesterday that they were sending in at least another 700.

[Nickster]

3. They will, they won't, they definately will, they definately won't

Who the heck do you believe anymore?

[Vincardog]

5. The Britts announced they will reduce their forces.

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. One by one, dead and injured. Very sad what these bums are doing..

[Jacobin]

6. YESTERDAY they announced 700 more troops GOING to IraqNam

from Kuwait.

What's this 'downward trend' malarky...like how long is this sine curve on your fucking trend graph, General?