U.S. military questioned on Iraq ( reassures congress!)

[leftchick]

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/29/news/Policy.php

WASHINGTON An array of top U.S. military leaders sought Thursday to reassure Congress about progress in the war in Iraq, saying again that American troops could begin returning home next year if the country remained on its democratizing track.

But they encountered skeptical questioning, from both Republicans and Democrats.

General George Casey, who commands the U.S.-led force in Iraq, said that it was "entirely possible" that a strong majority of Sunni Muslims might oppose the country's draft constitution in the referendum on Oct. 15 but fail to block it. That development, which could enhance a sense of disenfranchisement among the Sunni minority, could lead to a worsening political situation, he said.

A senior Democratic senator, Carl Levin, suggested that unless Iraqis stuck to their schedule, which also calls for parliamentary elections in December, the United States should consider withdrawing its forces early.

And Republicans questioned Casey sharply when he said that the number of fully capable Iraqi battalions now stood at one - down from three previously reported. "It doesn't feel like progress," said one of the Republicans, Senator Susan Collins.

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. Light at the end of the tunnel.

Or is that an RPG?

[leftchick]

3. exactly

I am in the way back machine again.

[bemildred]

2. US Congress pretends to be gullible fools again. nt

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. The House Repugs will bail out as 2006 election time gets near

They see the handwriting on the wall.................