Iraqis, US military see possible pullout: senators

[Barrett808]

Iraqis, US military see possible pullout: senators
By Susan Cornwell

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraqi leaders and U.S. military commanders there anticipate that American troops could start withdrawing this year, two Democratic U.S. senators who favor such a move said on Saturday after a visit to Iraq.

"The commanders on the ground, and Iraq's political leaders, suggest that it is appropriate to begin a redeployment of American forces as early as some time this year," said Sen. Jack Reed (news, bio, voting record) of Rhode Island.

"I asked the prime minister (Nuri al-Maliki) directly, whether it would be feasible and desirable, and he in so many words said yes, that it is something that they anticipate," Reed said.

Reed and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware spoke to reporters in a telephone conference call after returning from Iraq where they met Maliki, other Iraqi officials and top U.S. military brass in the country -- including top commander Gen. George Casey and ground forces commander Lieutenant General Peter W. Chiarelli.

Reed, a former Army officer who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Casey told them he sees a possible reduction of an unspecified number of troops starting this year.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060708/pl_nm/iraq_usa_senators_dc

[blm]

1. Kerry told you that after he went to Iraq himself last fall, so did Murtha

and you all acted like they were being irresponsible for their withdrawal plans.

[acmavm]

2. Uh oh. This doesn't seem to be the 'stay the course' crap that you know

who keeps spewing.

If we take the House and/or Senate, maybe we can pull this off.

[Tom Joad]

3. We should demand all troops home now!

And not "redeployed" somewhere in the Middle East.

[struggle4progress]

4. kick

:kick: