Gates to troops in Iraq: Mission still crucial

[unhappycamper]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates poses with soldiers at an airbase near Kirkuk, Iraq, on Dec. 11. Gates told U.S. troops their mission in Iraq remains critical despite the nation's focus on Afghanistan and that plans are on track to reduce forces next year.


Gates to troops in Iraq: Mission still crucial
By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 11, 2009 14:11:05 EST

KIRKUK, Iraq — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that plans are on track to reduce American forces in Iraq next year and warned that neighboring Iran risks sanctions soon if it fails to cooperate on its controversial nuclear program.

At a town hall meeting with about 300 soldiers and airmen at the Kirkuk airbase, Gates was asked whether political turmoil might threaten plans to send more American troops home after Iraq’s March elections. He said all indications are that Iraqi leaders were tired of war and wanted a unified country.

The secretary also said significant international sanctions would be levied if Iran continues with its current nuclear program, and added that all options, including military action, must stay on the table.

“I think that you are going to see some significant additional sanctions imposed by the international community,” Gates said. He cautioned that “any military action would only buy some time, maybe two or three years.”

Gates said Iran’s provocations were bringing together the international community, including Russia and China, which have long been reluctant to punish Tehran but are now showing more willingness to confront the regime over its nuclear program. Iran insists its program is for civilian energy purposes.



unhappycamper comment: Mission critical? I thought it was Mission Accomplished.

[fasttense]

1. Yeah, they said the same thing about Vietnam.

How many more lives are we going to waste on this going nowhere, useless war?