Lawmakers Question US Official on Training of Iraqi Forces

[True_Blue]

A U.S. official has faced tough questions from members of Congress about progress in training Iraqi military and police. State Department Iraq Policy Coordinator Richard Jones appeared Wednesday before the Middle East Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives which examined the situation in Iraq.

The hearing took on more significance in the wake of President Bush's speech on Iraq on Tuesday.

The president said the United States will remain in Iraq only as long as it takes to put it firmly on the road to democracy, and enable Iraqis to defend themselves against terrorists and insurgents, but also rejected any timetable for a U.S. pullout.

Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who chairs the subcommittee, began by noting the progress achieved already in Iraq, including the election earlier this year and steps under way to draft a constitution.

more....
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-06-30-voa2.cfm

[UpInArms]

1. since we've made so much "progress", why are we still there?

bring the troops home now.