Gates visits Iraq to help prepare for troop cuts

[babylonsister]

Gates visits Iraq to help prepare for troop cuts

By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press Writer


BALAD, Iraq (AP) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Middle East nations to support the fight against terror Saturday then traveled to Iraq to meet with commanders as the U.S. prepares to cut its troops levels and begin to pull forces out of the cities.

The unannounced visit to Iraq on Saturday comes as President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take office and begin to implement what many expect will be an accelerated withdrawal of troops. During Obama's presidential campaign, he said he wanted combat troops out of Iraq in 16 months, but he has also said he would listen to the advice of his commanders on the ground.

A security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq mandates that combat forces leave the cities by next June, and leave Iraq in three years.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_GATES?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Swamp Rat]

1. I hope Droopy didn't tag along.